Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G · C · D · Em
Man of Constant Sorrow 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
Man of Constant Sorrow 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
Man of Constant Sorrow 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
Man of Constant Sorrow 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
Man of Constant Sorrow 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
Man of Constant Sorrow Chords – Harmonica
A classic folk ballad popularized by The Soggy Bottom Boys in the film *O Brother, Where Art Thou?*. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.
Folk Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
123456
Tip: This song uses a simple three-chord progression; focus on keeping a steady, rolling rhythm.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
G
C – G
D – G
C – G
D – G
Chorus
C – G
D – G
C – G
D – G
Verse 2
G
C – G
D – G
C – G
D – G
C – G
D
C – G
Chorus
C – G
D – G
C – G
D – G
G
C – G
D – G
C – G (×2)
D – G
C – G
D – G
Practice tip: Practice the G-C-D chord changes slowly until they become automatic, then gradually increase speed while maintaining the strum pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Man of Constant Sorrow"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.
Is "Man of Constant Sorrow" 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 "Man of Constant Sorrow" in?
It is in the key of G.
Who wrote "Man of Constant Sorrow"?
It was written by Dick Burnett, and released in 1913.