Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Amtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G · C · D · Am · Em
Sloop John B Chords – Guitar
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Amtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
G · C · D · Am · Em
Sloop John B Chords – Ukulele
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Amtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
G · C · D · Am · Em
Sloop John B Chords – Piano
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Amtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G · C · D · Am · Em
Sloop John B Chords – Banjo
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Amtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
G · C · D · Am · Em
Sloop John B Chords – Mandolin
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Amtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
G · C · D · Am · Em
Sloop John B Chords – Harmonica
The Beach Boys’ folk-rock adaptation of a traditional Bahamian sea shanty about a disastrous sailing voyage. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.
Folk Rock Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Keep a light, bouncy feel to match the calypso-inspired rhythm.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
G
C – G
D – G
G
C
D
G
Chorus
C – G
D – G
C – G
D – G
C
G
D
Verse 2
G
C – G
D – G
G
C
D
G
Chorus
C – G
D – G
C – G
D – G
C
G
D
Verse 3
G
C – G
D – G
G
C
D
G
Chorus
C – G
D – G
C – G
D – G
C
G
D
Final Chorus / Outro
C – G
D – G
C – G
D – G
C
G
D
G
Practice tip: The song uses only three chords (G, C, D). Practice switching between G and D smoothly, as that is the most common transition in the chorus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Sloop John B"?
You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D, Am and Em.
Is "Sloop John B" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Sloop John B" in?
It is in the key of G.
Who wrote "Sloop John B"?
It was written by Traditional, Brian Wilson, and released in 1966.