Country, Folk

In Spite of Ourselves Chords

John Prine 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

In Spite of Ourselves Chords – Guitar

Gtap to play

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Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

G · C · D · Em

In Spite of Ourselves Chords – Ukulele

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Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

G · C · D · Em

In Spite of Ourselves Chords – Piano

Gtap to play

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Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

G · C · D · Em

In Spite of Ourselves 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

In Spite of Ourselves 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

In Spite of Ourselves Chords – Harmonica

John Prine’s humorous and loving duet about an imperfect but devoted couple. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

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

Country Waltz (3/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

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Tip: This song is in 3/4 time, so strum with a gentle, waltzing “1-2-3” feel.

Chords & Structure

Full Song

Verse 1 - Iris

G

C – G

D – G – C

G – D – G – C

G

C – G

D – G – C

G – D – G

Chorus

C

G

D

G – C

G – D

G

C – G

D – G

Verse 2 - John

G

C – G

D – G – C

G – D – G – C

G

C

G

D – G – C

G – D – G

Chorus

C

G

D

G – C

G – D

G

C – G

D – G

Bridge

G

C – G

D – G – C

G – D – G – C

G

C

G

D – G – C

G – D – G

Chorus

C

G

D

G – C

G – D

G

C – G

D – G

Outro

G

C – G

D – G – C

G – D – G – C

G

C – G

D – G – C

G – D – G

Practice tip: Focus on the simple three-chord pattern (G, C, D) and the waltz rhythm before trying to sing along.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "In Spite of Ourselves"?

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

Is "In Spite of Ourselves" 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 "In Spite of Ourselves" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "In Spite of Ourselves"?

It was written by John Prine, and released in 1999.