Gtap to play
Emtap to play
Dtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
G · Em · D
Foggy Mountain Breakdown Chords – Guitar
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Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
G · Em · D
Foggy Mountain Breakdown Chords – Ukulele
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Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
G · Em · D
Foggy Mountain Breakdown Chords – Piano
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Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G · Em · D
Foggy Mountain Breakdown Chords – Banjo
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Dtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
G · Em · D
Foggy Mountain Breakdown Chords – Mandolin
Gtap to play
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Dtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
G · Em · D
Foggy Mountain Breakdown Chords – Harmonica
Gtap to play
Emtap to play
Dtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
G · Em · D
Foggy Mountain Breakdown Chords – Violin
Earl Scruggs’ banjo masterpiece. The song that defined the three-finger banjo picking style.
Chords used: G, Em, D · Key: G · Difficulty: Intermediate · More 3-chord songs →
Scruggs Style 3-Finger
1
Tip: This is an instrumental. The right hand uses the Scruggs three-finger roll pattern: thumb, index, middle in a continuous forward roll.
Chords & Structure
Chord Chart (Instrumental)
Main Theme
G
Em
G
D
G
How to Play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the chords
This song uses 3 chords in the key of G: G Em 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 "Foggy Mountain Breakdown"?
You need 3 intermediate-friendly chords: G, Em and D.
Is "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 3 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" in?
It is in the key of G.
Who wrote "Foggy Mountain Breakdown"?
It was written by Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs.