Country

Fishin’ in the Dark Chords

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Beginner Key of G 4 Chords 2 min read Updated Jul 2026

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Fishin’ in the Dark Chords – Guitar

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Fishin’ in the Dark Chords – Ukulele

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Fishin’ in the Dark Chords – Piano

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Fishin’ in the Dark Chords – Banjo

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Fishin’ in the Dark Chords – Mandolin

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Fishin’ in the Dark Chords – Harmonica

A classic country-rock tune about a romantic night outdoors by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Chords used: G, C, D, Em · Key: G · Difficulty: Beginner

Country Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

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Tip: Keep a relaxed, steady tempo to match the song’s easygoing feel.

Chords & Structure

Full Song

Verse 1

G – C – G

C – G (×2)

D – C – G

C – G – D

C

G – D

C – G

Chorus

C – G

D

C – G – D – C

C – G – D

C – G – D – C

G – D

Verse 2

G – C – G

C – G (×2)

D – C – G

C – G – D

C – G

Chorus

C – G

D

C – G – D – C

C – G – D

C – G – D – C

G – D

Bridge

C – G – D

C – G

D – C

C – G – D

C – G

D – C

Chorus

C – G

D

C – G – D – C

C – G – D

C – G – D – C

G – D

Outro

G – C – G

C – G (×2)

D – C – G

C – G – D

C

G – D

C – G

Practice tip: The chord progression G, C, and D is used throughout; practice switching between these three chords smoothly without looking at your fretting hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Fishin’ in the Dark"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.

Is "Fishin’ in the Dark" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Fishin’ in the Dark" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Fishin’ in the Dark"?

It was written by Jim Photoglo, Wendy Waldman, and released in 1987.