Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G · C · D · Em · Am
Cats in the Cradle Chords – Guitar
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
G · C · D · Em · Am
Cats in the Cradle Chords – Ukulele
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
G · C · D · Em · Am
Cats in the Cradle Chords – Piano
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G · C · D · Em · Am
Cats in the Cradle Chords – Banjo
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
G · C · D · Em · Am
Cats in the Cradle Chords – Mandolin
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
G · C · D · Em · Am
Cats in the Cradle Chords – Harmonica
Harry Chapin’s poignant folk-rock ballad about a father and son’s relationship over the years. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.
Folk Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 3rd fret to match the original recording’s key of Bb, but play the G, C, D, and Em shapes as written.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
G
C – G
D – Em
C – G
C – G – D
Chorus
G – C
G – D
Verse 2
G
C – G
D – Em
C – G (×2)
Verse 3
G
C – G
D – Em
C – G
C – G – D
Chorus
G – C
G – D
Verse 4
G
C – G
D – Em
C – G (×2)
Verse 5
G
C – G
D – Em
C – G (×2)
D
Verse 6
G
C – G
D – Em
C – G (×2)
Verse 7
G
C – G
D – Em
C – G (×2)
D
Verse 8
G
C – G
D – Em
Chorus
G – C
G – D
Outro
G
C – G
D – Em
C – G (×2)
Practice tip: The song uses only four chords (G, C, D, Em). Practice switching between G and C smoothly, as this is the most common transition in the song.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Cats in the Cradle"?
You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D, Em and Am.
Is "Cats in the Cradle" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Cats in the Cradle" in?
It is in the key of G.
Who wrote "Cats in the Cradle"?
It was written by Harry Chapin, Sandra Chapin, and released in 1974.