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G7tap to play
Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
C · G7
Jambalaya Chords – Guitar
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G7tap to play
Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
C · G7
Jambalaya Chords – Ukulele
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G7tap to play
Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
C · G7
Jambalaya Chords – Piano
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G7tap to play
Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
C · G7
Jambalaya Chords – Banjo
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G7tap to play
Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
C · G7
Jambalaya Chords – Mandolin
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G7tap to play
Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
C · G7
Jambalaya Chords – Harmonica
Hank Williams’ Cajun-country classic bounces between just two chords. A campfire favorite for decades.
Chords used: C, G7 · Key: C · Difficulty: Beginner · More 2-chord songs →
Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↓↑
12345
Tip: Give it a train-beat feel: boom-chicka-boom-chicka. Alternate bass notes on beats 1 and 3.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
C
C – G7
G7
G7 – C
Chorus
C
C – G7
G7
G7 – C
How to Play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the chords
This song uses 2 chords in the key of C: C G7. 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 "Jambalaya"?
You need 2 beginner-friendly chords: C and G7.
Is "Jambalaya" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 2 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Jambalaya" in?
It is in the key of C.
Who wrote "Jambalaya"?
It was written by Hank Williams.