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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
C · G · Am · D · Em
Fire and Rain Chords – Guitar
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
C · G · Am · D · Em
Fire and Rain Chords – Ukulele
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
C · G · Am · D · Em
Fire and Rain Chords – Piano
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
C · G · Am · D · Em
Fire and Rain Chords – Banjo
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
C · G · Am · D · Em
Fire and Rain Chords – Mandolin
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
C · G · Am · D · Em
Fire and Rain Chords – Harmonica
James Taylor’s deeply personal folk classic about loss and perseverance. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.
Fingerpicking Folk (3/4 Time)
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Tip: This song works beautifully with fingerpicking. Use your thumb on the bass strings and index/middle/ring on the treble strings for a classic folk sound.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
C – Em – Am
G – C
C – Em – Am
G – C
Chorus
F – Em – Dm – G (×3)
C – G
Verse 2
C – Em – Am
G – C
C – Em – Am
G – C
Chorus
F – Em – Dm – G (×3)
C – G
Verse 3
C – Em – Am
G – C
C – Em – Am
G – C
Chorus
F – Em – Dm – G (×3)
C – G
Practice tip: The Dm chord in the chorus is the trickiest transition. Practice going from Em to Dm to G smoothly. These three chords drive the emotional punch of the chorus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Fire and Rain"?
You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: C, G, Am, D and Em.
Is "Fire and Rain" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Fire and Rain" in?
It is in the key of C.
Who wrote "Fire and Rain"?
It was written by James Taylor, and released in 1970.