Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G · C · D · Em
Midnight Special 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
Midnight Special 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
Midnight Special Chords – Piano
Gtap to play
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Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G · C · D · Em
Midnight Special 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
Midnight Special 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
Midnight Special Chords – Harmonica
Lead Belly’s classic folk and blues song about a train bringing hope to prisoners. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.
Folk Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a steady, relaxed strum to mimic the rhythm of a train.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
G – C
G – D
G – C
G – D
Chorus
G – C – G
D – G
Verse 2
G – C
G – D
G – C
G – D
Chorus
G – C – G
D – G
Verse 3
G – C
G – D
G – C
G – D
Chorus
[G]Let the Midnight Special shine her ever-lovin’ [C]light on [G]me
Let the Midnight Special shine her ever-lovin’ [D]light on [G]me
[/verse]
Practice tip: Master the G to C and G to D transitions, as they are the core of the song’s progression.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Midnight Special"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.
Is "Midnight Special" 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 "Midnight Special" in?
It is in the key of G.
Who wrote "Midnight Special"?
It was written by Traditional.