Country, Pop

Southern Nights Chords

Glen Campbell Beginner Key of G 4 Chords 2 min read Updated Jul 2026

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Southern Nights 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

Southern Nights 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

Southern Nights 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

Southern Nights 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

Southern Nights 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

Southern Nights Chords – Harmonica

Glen Campbell’s breezy and nostalgic ode to the comforting memories of the American South. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Chords used: G, C, D, Em · Key: G · Difficulty: Beginner

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a light, relaxed strumming hand to capture the song’s dreamy feel.

Chords & Structure

Full Song

Verse 1

G

C – G

G

C

G – D – G

Chorus

C

G – D

C – G

D – G

Verse 2

G

C – G

G – C

G

D – G

Chorus

C

G – D

C – G

D – G

Bridge

G – C

G – D – G

G – C

G

D – G

Verse 3

G

C – G

G – C

G

D – G

Chorus

C

G – D

C – G

D – G

Outro

C

G – D

C – G

D – G

Practice tip: Master the G-C-D chord progression before adding the lyrics, as it forms the backbone of the entire song.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Southern Nights"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.

Is "Southern Nights" 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 "Southern Nights" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Southern Nights"?

It was written by Allen Toussaint, and released in 1977.