Bob Marley’s acoustic masterpiece strips away the reggae band to reveal one of the most powerful songs ever written. Five chords and a voice of freedom.
Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Play this song with just your thumb and fingers — no pick. The warmth of skin on strings matches the intimate, personal nature of the lyrics.
How to play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the five chords
You need G, Em, C, Am, and D. The verse uses G-Em-C-G-Am. The chorus uses G-C-D-Em-C-D.
2
Learn the intro riff
The song opens with a fingerpicked pattern on G and Em. This riff sets the reflective, spiritual tone.
3
Feel the message
This is not just a song — it is a statement of freedom. Play it with conviction and let the words carry weight.
4
Build to the chorus
The verse is intimate and reflective. The chorus opens up: “Won’t you help to sing these songs of freedom.” Let your playing expand here.
5
Make it your own
Every great artist who covers this song brings their own pain and hope to it. Find what these words mean to you.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song — Guitar Version
Verse 1
GEm
Old pirates, yes, they rob I
CGAm
Sold I to the merchant ships
GEm
Minutes after they took I
CGAm
From the bottomless pit
Chorus
GCD
Won’t you help to sing
EmCD
These songs of freedom?
GCD
‘Cause all I ever have
EmCDG
Redemption songs
Practice tip: Listen to Marley’s original recording with your eyes closed. Feel the weight of every word. Then pick up your guitar and try to capture that same spirit.
Gtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Amtap to play
Dtap to play
Key
G Major
Difficulty
Easy
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
G · Em · C · Am · D
Redemption Song Chords – Ukulele
Bob Marley’s acoustic masterpiece strips away the reggae band to reveal one of the most powerful songs ever written. Five chords and a voice of freedom.
Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Play this song with just your thumb and fingers — no pick. The warmth of skin on strings matches the intimate, personal nature of the lyrics.
How to play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the five chords
You need G, Em, C, Am, and D. The verse uses G-Em-C-G-Am. The chorus uses G-C-D-Em-C-D.
2
Learn the intro riff
The song opens with a fingerpicked pattern on G and Em. This riff sets the reflective, spiritual tone.
3
Feel the message
This is not just a song — it is a statement of freedom. Play it with conviction and let the words carry weight.
4
Build to the chorus
The verse is intimate and reflective. The chorus opens up: “Won’t you help to sing these songs of freedom.” Let your playing expand here.
5
Make it your own
Every great artist who covers this song brings their own pain and hope to it. Find what these words mean to you.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song — Ukulele Version
Verse 1
GEm
Old pirates, yes, they rob I
CGAm
Sold I to the merchant ships
GEm
Minutes after they took I
CGAm
From the bottomless pit
Chorus
GCD
Won’t you help to sing
EmCD
These songs of freedom?
GCD
‘Cause all I ever have
EmCDG
Redemption songs
Practice tip: Listen to Marley’s original recording with your eyes closed. Feel the weight of every word. Then pick up your guitar and try to capture that same spirit.
Gtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Amtap to play
Dtap to play
Key
G Major
Difficulty
Easy
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
G · Em · C · Am · D
Redemption Song Chords – Piano
Bob Marley’s acoustic masterpiece strips away the reggae band to reveal one of the most powerful songs ever written. Five chords and a voice of freedom.
Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Play this song with just your thumb and fingers — no pick. The warmth of skin on strings matches the intimate, personal nature of the lyrics.
How to play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the five chords
You need G, Em, C, Am, and D. The verse uses G-Em-C-G-Am. The chorus uses G-C-D-Em-C-D.
2
Learn the intro riff
The song opens with a fingerpicked pattern on G and Em. This riff sets the reflective, spiritual tone.
3
Feel the message
This is not just a song — it is a statement of freedom. Play it with conviction and let the words carry weight.
4
Build to the chorus
The verse is intimate and reflective. The chorus opens up: “Won’t you help to sing these songs of freedom.” Let your playing expand here.
5
Make it your own
Every great artist who covers this song brings their own pain and hope to it. Find what these words mean to you.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song — Piano Version
Verse 1
GEm
Old pirates, yes, they rob I
CGAm
Sold I to the merchant ships
GEm
Minutes after they took I
CGAm
From the bottomless pit
Chorus
GCD
Won’t you help to sing
EmCD
These songs of freedom?
GCD
‘Cause all I ever have
EmCDG
Redemption songs
Practice tip: Listen to Marley’s original recording with your eyes closed. Feel the weight of every word. Then pick up your guitar and try to capture that same spirit.
Gtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Amtap to play
Dtap to play
Key
G Major
Difficulty
Easy
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G · Em · C · Am · D
Redemption Song Chords – Banjo
Bob Marley’s acoustic masterpiece strips away the reggae band to reveal one of the most powerful songs ever written. Five chords and a voice of freedom.
Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Play this song with just your thumb and fingers — no pick. The warmth of skin on strings matches the intimate, personal nature of the lyrics.
How to play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the five chords
You need G, Em, C, Am, and D. The verse uses G-Em-C-G-Am. The chorus uses G-C-D-Em-C-D.
2
Learn the intro riff
The song opens with a fingerpicked pattern on G and Em. This riff sets the reflective, spiritual tone.
3
Feel the message
This is not just a song — it is a statement of freedom. Play it with conviction and let the words carry weight.
4
Build to the chorus
The verse is intimate and reflective. The chorus opens up: “Won’t you help to sing these songs of freedom.” Let your playing expand here.
5
Make it your own
Every great artist who covers this song brings their own pain and hope to it. Find what these words mean to you.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song — Banjo Version
Verse 1
GEm
Old pirates, yes, they rob I
CGAm
Sold I to the merchant ships
GEm
Minutes after they took I
CGAm
From the bottomless pit
Chorus
GCD
Won’t you help to sing
EmCD
These songs of freedom?
GCD
‘Cause all I ever have
EmCDG
Redemption songs
Practice tip: Listen to Marley’s original recording with your eyes closed. Feel the weight of every word. Then pick up your guitar and try to capture that same spirit.
Gtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Amtap to play
Dtap to play
Key
G Major
Difficulty
Easy
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
G · Em · C · Am · D
Redemption Song Chords – Mandolin
Bob Marley’s acoustic masterpiece strips away the reggae band to reveal one of the most powerful songs ever written. Five chords and a voice of freedom.
Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Play this song with just your thumb and fingers — no pick. The warmth of skin on strings matches the intimate, personal nature of the lyrics.
How to play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the five chords
You need G, Em, C, Am, and D. The verse uses G-Em-C-G-Am. The chorus uses G-C-D-Em-C-D.
2
Learn the intro riff
The song opens with a fingerpicked pattern on G and Em. This riff sets the reflective, spiritual tone.
3
Feel the message
This is not just a song — it is a statement of freedom. Play it with conviction and let the words carry weight.
4
Build to the chorus
The verse is intimate and reflective. The chorus opens up: “Won’t you help to sing these songs of freedom.” Let your playing expand here.
5
Make it your own
Every great artist who covers this song brings their own pain and hope to it. Find what these words mean to you.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song — Mandolin Version
Verse 1
GEm
Old pirates, yes, they rob I
CGAm
Sold I to the merchant ships
GEm
Minutes after they took I
CGAm
From the bottomless pit
Chorus
GCD
Won’t you help to sing
EmCD
These songs of freedom?
GCD
‘Cause all I ever have
EmCDG
Redemption songs
Practice tip: Listen to Marley’s original recording with your eyes closed. Feel the weight of every word. Then pick up your guitar and try to capture that same spirit.
Gtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Amtap to play
Dtap to play
Key
G Major
Difficulty
Easy
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
G · Em · C · Am · D
Redemption Song Chords – Harmonica
Bob Marley’s acoustic masterpiece strips away the reggae band to reveal one of the most powerful songs ever written. Five chords and a voice of freedom.
Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Play this song with just your thumb and fingers — no pick. The warmth of skin on strings matches the intimate, personal nature of the lyrics.
How to play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the five chords
You need G, Em, C, Am, and D. The verse uses G-Em-C-G-Am. The chorus uses G-C-D-Em-C-D.
2
Learn the intro riff
The song opens with a fingerpicked pattern on G and Em. This riff sets the reflective, spiritual tone.
3
Feel the message
This is not just a song — it is a statement of freedom. Play it with conviction and let the words carry weight.
4
Build to the chorus
The verse is intimate and reflective. The chorus opens up: “Won’t you help to sing these songs of freedom.” Let your playing expand here.
5
Make it your own
Every great artist who covers this song brings their own pain and hope to it. Find what these words mean to you.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song — Harmonica Version
Verse 1
GEm
Old pirates, yes, they rob I
CGAm
Sold I to the merchant ships
GEm
Minutes after they took I
CGAm
From the bottomless pit
Chorus
GCD
Won’t you help to sing
EmCD
These songs of freedom?
GCD
‘Cause all I ever have
EmCDG
Redemption songs
Practice tip: Listen to Marley’s original recording with your eyes closed. Feel the weight of every word. Then pick up your guitar and try to capture that same spirit.