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Cripple Creek Chords – Guitar
The first song every banjo player learns. A driving bluegrass standard with three chords and a memorable melody.
Clawhammer Pattern
↓↑↓↑
1234
Tip: On banjo, play this using clawhammer or three-finger picking style. The melody is on the first two strings with the 5th string drone.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song
Verse 1
A
I got a gal at the head of the creek,
A E
Go up to see her ’bout the middle of the week.
A D
Kiss her on the mouth just as sweet as any wine,
A E A
Wraps herself around me like a sweet pertater vine.
Chorus
A
Goin’ up Cripple Creek, goin’ in a run,
A E
Goin’ up Cripple Creek to have a little fun.
A D
Goin’ up Cripple Creek, goin’ in a whirl,
A E A
Goin’ up Cripple Creek to see my girl.
How to Play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the chords
This song uses 3 chords in the key of A: A E D. Get each shape clean on its own first.
2
Practice the changes
Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.
3
Add the strumming
Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.
4
Play along
Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Cripple Creek"?
You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: A, E and D.
Is "Cripple Creek" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Cripple Creek" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Cripple Creek"?
It was written by Traditional.
Atap to play
Etap to play
Dtap to play
Cripple Creek Chords – Ukulele
The first song every banjo player learns. A driving bluegrass standard with three chords and a memorable melody.
Clawhammer Pattern
↓↑↓↑
1234
Tip: On banjo, play this using clawhammer or three-finger picking style. The melody is on the first two strings with the 5th string drone.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song
Verse 1
A
I got a gal at the head of the creek,
A E
Go up to see her ’bout the middle of the week.
A D
Kiss her on the mouth just as sweet as any wine,
A E A
Wraps herself around me like a sweet pertater vine.
Chorus
A
Goin’ up Cripple Creek, goin’ in a run,
A E
Goin’ up Cripple Creek to have a little fun.
A D
Goin’ up Cripple Creek, goin’ in a whirl,
A E A
Goin’ up Cripple Creek to see my girl.
How to Play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the chords
This song uses 3 chords in the key of A: A E D. Get each shape clean on its own first.
2
Practice the changes
Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.
3
Add the strumming
Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.
4
Play along
Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Cripple Creek"?
You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: A, E and D.
Is "Cripple Creek" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Cripple Creek" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Cripple Creek"?
It was written by Traditional.
Atap to play
Etap to play
Dtap to play
Cripple Creek Chords – Piano
The first song every banjo player learns. A driving bluegrass standard with three chords and a memorable melody.
Clawhammer Pattern
↓↑↓↑
1234
Tip: On banjo, play this using clawhammer or three-finger picking style. The melody is on the first two strings with the 5th string drone.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song
Verse 1
A
I got a gal at the head of the creek,
A E
Go up to see her ’bout the middle of the week.
A D
Kiss her on the mouth just as sweet as any wine,
A E A
Wraps herself around me like a sweet pertater vine.
Chorus
A
Goin’ up Cripple Creek, goin’ in a run,
A E
Goin’ up Cripple Creek to have a little fun.
A D
Goin’ up Cripple Creek, goin’ in a whirl,
A E A
Goin’ up Cripple Creek to see my girl.
How to Play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the chords
This song uses 3 chords in the key of A: A E D. Get each shape clean on its own first.
2
Practice the changes
Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.
3
Add the strumming
Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.
4
Play along
Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Cripple Creek"?
You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: A, E and D.
Is "Cripple Creek" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Cripple Creek" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Cripple Creek"?
It was written by Traditional.
Atap to play
Etap to play
Dtap to play
Cripple Creek Chords – Banjo
The first song every banjo player learns. A driving bluegrass standard with three chords and a memorable melody.
Clawhammer Pattern
↓↑↓↑
1234
Tip: On banjo, play this using clawhammer or three-finger picking style. The melody is on the first two strings with the 5th string drone.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song
Verse 1
A
I got a gal at the head of the creek,
A E
Go up to see her ’bout the middle of the week.
A D
Kiss her on the mouth just as sweet as any wine,
A E A
Wraps herself around me like a sweet pertater vine.
Chorus
A
Goin’ up Cripple Creek, goin’ in a run,
A E
Goin’ up Cripple Creek to have a little fun.
A D
Goin’ up Cripple Creek, goin’ in a whirl,
A E A
Goin’ up Cripple Creek to see my girl.
How to Play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the chords
This song uses 3 chords in the key of A: A E D. Get each shape clean on its own first.
2
Practice the changes
Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.
3
Add the strumming
Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.
4
Play along
Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Cripple Creek"?
You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: A, E and D.
Is "Cripple Creek" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Cripple Creek" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Cripple Creek"?
It was written by Traditional.
Atap to play
Etap to play
Dtap to play
Cripple Creek Chords – Mandolin
The first song every banjo player learns. A driving bluegrass standard with three chords and a memorable melody.
Clawhammer Pattern
↓↑↓↑
1234
Tip: On banjo, play this using clawhammer or three-finger picking style. The melody is on the first two strings with the 5th string drone.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song
Verse 1
A
I got a gal at the head of the creek,
A E
Go up to see her ’bout the middle of the week.
A D
Kiss her on the mouth just as sweet as any wine,
A E A
Wraps herself around me like a sweet pertater vine.
Chorus
A
Goin’ up Cripple Creek, goin’ in a run,
A E
Goin’ up Cripple Creek to have a little fun.
A D
Goin’ up Cripple Creek, goin’ in a whirl,
A E A
Goin’ up Cripple Creek to see my girl.
How to Play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the chords
This song uses 3 chords in the key of A: A E D. Get each shape clean on its own first.
2
Practice the changes
Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.
3
Add the strumming
Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.
4
Play along
Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Cripple Creek"?
You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: A, E and D.
Is "Cripple Creek" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Cripple Creek" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Cripple Creek"?
It was written by Traditional.
Atap to play
Etap to play
Dtap to play
Cripple Creek Chords – Harmonica
The first song every banjo player learns. A driving bluegrass standard with three chords and a memorable melody.
Clawhammer Pattern
↓↑↓↑
1234
Tip: On banjo, play this using clawhammer or three-finger picking style. The melody is on the first two strings with the 5th string drone.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song
Verse 1
A
I got a gal at the head of the creek,
A E
Go up to see her ’bout the middle of the week.
A D
Kiss her on the mouth just as sweet as any wine,
A E A
Wraps herself around me like a sweet pertater vine.
Chorus
A
Goin’ up Cripple Creek, goin’ in a run,
A E
Goin’ up Cripple Creek to have a little fun.
A D
Goin’ up Cripple Creek, goin’ in a whirl,
A E A
Goin’ up Cripple Creek to see my girl.
How to Play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the chords
This song uses 3 chords in the key of A: A E D. Get each shape clean on its own first.
2
Practice the changes
Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.
3
Add the strumming
Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.
4
Play along
Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Cripple Creek"?
You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: A, E and D.
Is "Cripple Creek" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Cripple Creek" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Cripple Creek"?
It was written by Traditional.
Atap to play
Etap to play
Dtap to play
Cripple Creek Chords – Violin
The first song every banjo player learns. A driving bluegrass standard with three chords and a memorable melody.
Clawhammer Pattern
↓↑↓↑
1234
Tip: On banjo, play this using clawhammer or three-finger picking style. The melody is on the first two strings with the 5th string drone.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song
Verse 1
A
I got a gal at the head of the creek,
A E
Go up to see her ’bout the middle of the week.
A D
Kiss her on the mouth just as sweet as any wine,
A E A
Wraps herself around me like a sweet pertater vine.
Chorus
A
Goin’ up Cripple Creek, goin’ in a run,
A E
Goin’ up Cripple Creek to have a little fun.
A D
Goin’ up Cripple Creek, goin’ in a whirl,
A E A
Goin’ up Cripple Creek to see my girl.
How to Play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the chords
This song uses 3 chords in the key of A: A E D. Get each shape clean on its own first.
2
Practice the changes
Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.
3
Add the strumming
Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.
4
Play along
Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Cripple Creek"?
You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: A, E and D.
Is "Cripple Creek" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Cripple Creek" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Cripple Creek"?
It was written by Traditional.