Amtap to play
Dmtap to play
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
Am · Dm · G · C
Summertime Chords – Guitar
A laid-back hip-hop classic about summer relaxation by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.
Relaxed Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Keep the strumming light and relaxed to match the song’s vibe.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song
Verse 1
A
Here it is, the groove slightly transformed
E
Just a bit of a break from the norm
A
Just a little somethin’ to break the monotony
E
Of all that hardcore dance that has gotten to be
A
A little bit out of control, it’s cool to dance
E
But what about the groove that soothes that moves romance?
A
Give me a soft subtle mix,
E
And if it ain’t broke then don’t try to fix it
A
And think of the summers of the past,
E
Adjust the bass and let the alpine blast
A
Pop in my CD and let me run a rhyme,
E
And put your car on cruise and lay back ’cause…
Chorus
A
Summertime and the livin’ is easy
E
Bradley’s on the microphone with Ras MG
A
All the people in the dance will agree
E
That we’re well qualified to represent the L.B.C.
A
Me, me and Louie, we gonna run to the party
E
And dance to the rhythm, it gets harder
A
Me and my sister and baby L.B.
E
It’s summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime
Verse 2
A
School is out and it’s a sort of a buzz
E
A back then I didn’t really know what it was
A
But now I see what have of this
E
The way that people respond to summer madness
A
The weather is hot and girls are dressing less
E
And checking out the honey’s, I’m definitely a mess
A
Now I’m choosing the melody
E
Sipping back, cooling, chilling under the tree
A
The ice cream truck to play the same old song
E
The boom-box war is getting way too strong
A
But with the street lights on, they take the night away
E
It’s time to sing my song and turn the bass down low
A
And just snap your fingers or tap your toes
E
And just ride the rhythm as it goes
Chorus
A
Summertime and the livin’ is easy
E
Bradley’s on the microphone with Ras MG
A
All the people in the dance will agree
E
That we’re well qualified to represent the L.B.C.
A
Me, me and Louie, we gonna run to the party
E
And dance to the rhythm, it gets harder
A
Me and my sister and baby L.B.
E
It’s summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime
Bridge
A
Called my momma, she was out playing cards
E
She said, “Don’t worry, child, you know you’re a bard”
It’s gonna be a long, hot summer
A
So sit back and wait, just wait
E
And while you’re waiting, try to relax
A
Don’t have a nervous breakdown, it’s bad for your health
E
Go get yourself an ice cold drink
A
And just sit, collect your thoughts, and think
E
About the good times you’ve had, the good times you’re gonna have
Chorus
A
Summertime and the livin’ is easy
E
Bradley’s on the microphone with Ras MG
A
All the people in the dance will agree
E
That we’re well qualified to represent the L.B.C.
A
Me, me and Louie, we gonna run to the party
E
And dance to the rhythm, it gets harder
A
Me and my sister and baby L.B.
E
It’s summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime
Outro
A
Summertime
E
It’s summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
Practice tip: Focus on the simple two-chord (A and E) pattern. Once you can switch between them smoothly, the whole song becomes much easier to play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Summertime"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, Dm, G and C.
Is "Summertime" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Summertime" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Summertime"?
It was written by Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and released in 1991.
Amtap to play
Dmtap to play
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Am · Dm · G · C
Summertime Chords – Ukulele
A laid-back hip-hop classic about summer relaxation by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.
Relaxed Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Keep the strumming light and relaxed to match the song’s vibe.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song
Verse 1
A
Here it is, the groove slightly transformed
E
Just a bit of a break from the norm
A
Just a little somethin’ to break the monotony
E
Of all that hardcore dance that has gotten to be
A
A little bit out of control, it’s cool to dance
E
But what about the groove that soothes that moves romance?
A
Give me a soft subtle mix,
E
And if it ain’t broke then don’t try to fix it
A
And think of the summers of the past,
E
Adjust the bass and let the alpine blast
A
Pop in my CD and let me run a rhyme,
E
And put your car on cruise and lay back ’cause…
Chorus
A
Summertime and the livin’ is easy
E
Bradley’s on the microphone with Ras MG
A
All the people in the dance will agree
E
That we’re well qualified to represent the L.B.C.
A
Me, me and Louie, we gonna run to the party
E
And dance to the rhythm, it gets harder
A
Me and my sister and baby L.B.
E
It’s summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime
Verse 2
A
School is out and it’s a sort of a buzz
E
A back then I didn’t really know what it was
A
But now I see what have of this
E
The way that people respond to summer madness
A
The weather is hot and girls are dressing less
E
And checking out the honey’s, I’m definitely a mess
A
Now I’m choosing the melody
E
Sipping back, cooling, chilling under the tree
A
The ice cream truck to play the same old song
E
The boom-box war is getting way too strong
A
But with the street lights on, they take the night away
E
It’s time to sing my song and turn the bass down low
A
And just snap your fingers or tap your toes
E
And just ride the rhythm as it goes
Chorus
A
Summertime and the livin’ is easy
E
Bradley’s on the microphone with Ras MG
A
All the people in the dance will agree
E
That we’re well qualified to represent the L.B.C.
A
Me, me and Louie, we gonna run to the party
E
And dance to the rhythm, it gets harder
A
Me and my sister and baby L.B.
E
It’s summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime
Bridge
A
Called my momma, she was out playing cards
E
She said, “Don’t worry, child, you know you’re a bard”
It’s gonna be a long, hot summer
A
So sit back and wait, just wait
E
And while you’re waiting, try to relax
A
Don’t have a nervous breakdown, it’s bad for your health
E
Go get yourself an ice cold drink
A
And just sit, collect your thoughts, and think
E
About the good times you’ve had, the good times you’re gonna have
Chorus
A
Summertime and the livin’ is easy
E
Bradley’s on the microphone with Ras MG
A
All the people in the dance will agree
E
That we’re well qualified to represent the L.B.C.
A
Me, me and Louie, we gonna run to the party
E
And dance to the rhythm, it gets harder
A
Me and my sister and baby L.B.
E
It’s summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime
Outro
A
Summertime
E
It’s summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
Practice tip: Focus on the simple two-chord (A and E) pattern. Once you can switch between them smoothly, the whole song becomes much easier to play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Summertime"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, Dm, G and C.
Is "Summertime" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Summertime" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Summertime"?
It was written by Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and released in 1991.
Amtap to play
Dmtap to play
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Am · Dm · G · C
Summertime Chords – Piano
A laid-back hip-hop classic about summer relaxation by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.
Relaxed Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Keep the strumming light and relaxed to match the song’s vibe.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song
Verse 1
A
Here it is, the groove slightly transformed
E
Just a bit of a break from the norm
A
Just a little somethin’ to break the monotony
E
Of all that hardcore dance that has gotten to be
A
A little bit out of control, it’s cool to dance
E
But what about the groove that soothes that moves romance?
A
Give me a soft subtle mix,
E
And if it ain’t broke then don’t try to fix it
A
And think of the summers of the past,
E
Adjust the bass and let the alpine blast
A
Pop in my CD and let me run a rhyme,
E
And put your car on cruise and lay back ’cause…
Chorus
A
Summertime and the livin’ is easy
E
Bradley’s on the microphone with Ras MG
A
All the people in the dance will agree
E
That we’re well qualified to represent the L.B.C.
A
Me, me and Louie, we gonna run to the party
E
And dance to the rhythm, it gets harder
A
Me and my sister and baby L.B.
E
It’s summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime
Verse 2
A
School is out and it’s a sort of a buzz
E
A back then I didn’t really know what it was
A
But now I see what have of this
E
The way that people respond to summer madness
A
The weather is hot and girls are dressing less
E
And checking out the honey’s, I’m definitely a mess
A
Now I’m choosing the melody
E
Sipping back, cooling, chilling under the tree
A
The ice cream truck to play the same old song
E
The boom-box war is getting way too strong
A
But with the street lights on, they take the night away
E
It’s time to sing my song and turn the bass down low
A
And just snap your fingers or tap your toes
E
And just ride the rhythm as it goes
Chorus
A
Summertime and the livin’ is easy
E
Bradley’s on the microphone with Ras MG
A
All the people in the dance will agree
E
That we’re well qualified to represent the L.B.C.
A
Me, me and Louie, we gonna run to the party
E
And dance to the rhythm, it gets harder
A
Me and my sister and baby L.B.
E
It’s summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime
Bridge
A
Called my momma, she was out playing cards
E
She said, “Don’t worry, child, you know you’re a bard”
It’s gonna be a long, hot summer
A
So sit back and wait, just wait
E
And while you’re waiting, try to relax
A
Don’t have a nervous breakdown, it’s bad for your health
E
Go get yourself an ice cold drink
A
And just sit, collect your thoughts, and think
E
About the good times you’ve had, the good times you’re gonna have
Chorus
A
Summertime and the livin’ is easy
E
Bradley’s on the microphone with Ras MG
A
All the people in the dance will agree
E
That we’re well qualified to represent the L.B.C.
A
Me, me and Louie, we gonna run to the party
E
And dance to the rhythm, it gets harder
A
Me and my sister and baby L.B.
E
It’s summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime
Outro
A
Summertime
E
It’s summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
Practice tip: Focus on the simple two-chord (A and E) pattern. Once you can switch between them smoothly, the whole song becomes much easier to play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Summertime"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, Dm, G and C.
Is "Summertime" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Summertime" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Summertime"?
It was written by Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and released in 1991.
Amtap to play
Dmtap to play
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Am · Dm · G · C
Summertime Chords – Banjo
A laid-back hip-hop classic about summer relaxation by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.
Relaxed Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Keep the strumming light and relaxed to match the song’s vibe.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song
Verse 1
A
Here it is, the groove slightly transformed
E
Just a bit of a break from the norm
A
Just a little somethin’ to break the monotony
E
Of all that hardcore dance that has gotten to be
A
A little bit out of control, it’s cool to dance
E
But what about the groove that soothes that moves romance?
A
Give me a soft subtle mix,
E
And if it ain’t broke then don’t try to fix it
A
And think of the summers of the past,
E
Adjust the bass and let the alpine blast
A
Pop in my CD and let me run a rhyme,
E
And put your car on cruise and lay back ’cause…
Chorus
A
Summertime and the livin’ is easy
E
Bradley’s on the microphone with Ras MG
A
All the people in the dance will agree
E
That we’re well qualified to represent the L.B.C.
A
Me, me and Louie, we gonna run to the party
E
And dance to the rhythm, it gets harder
A
Me and my sister and baby L.B.
E
It’s summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime
Verse 2
A
School is out and it’s a sort of a buzz
E
A back then I didn’t really know what it was
A
But now I see what have of this
E
The way that people respond to summer madness
A
The weather is hot and girls are dressing less
E
And checking out the honey’s, I’m definitely a mess
A
Now I’m choosing the melody
E
Sipping back, cooling, chilling under the tree
A
The ice cream truck to play the same old song
E
The boom-box war is getting way too strong
A
But with the street lights on, they take the night away
E
It’s time to sing my song and turn the bass down low
A
And just snap your fingers or tap your toes
E
And just ride the rhythm as it goes
Chorus
A
Summertime and the livin’ is easy
E
Bradley’s on the microphone with Ras MG
A
All the people in the dance will agree
E
That we’re well qualified to represent the L.B.C.
A
Me, me and Louie, we gonna run to the party
E
And dance to the rhythm, it gets harder
A
Me and my sister and baby L.B.
E
It’s summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime
Bridge
A
Called my momma, she was out playing cards
E
She said, “Don’t worry, child, you know you’re a bard”
It’s gonna be a long, hot summer
A
So sit back and wait, just wait
E
And while you’re waiting, try to relax
A
Don’t have a nervous breakdown, it’s bad for your health
E
Go get yourself an ice cold drink
A
And just sit, collect your thoughts, and think
E
About the good times you’ve had, the good times you’re gonna have
Chorus
A
Summertime and the livin’ is easy
E
Bradley’s on the microphone with Ras MG
A
All the people in the dance will agree
E
That we’re well qualified to represent the L.B.C.
A
Me, me and Louie, we gonna run to the party
E
And dance to the rhythm, it gets harder
A
Me and my sister and baby L.B.
E
It’s summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime
Outro
A
Summertime
E
It’s summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
Practice tip: Focus on the simple two-chord (A and E) pattern. Once you can switch between them smoothly, the whole song becomes much easier to play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Summertime"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, Dm, G and C.
Is "Summertime" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Summertime" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Summertime"?
It was written by Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and released in 1991.
Amtap to play
Dmtap to play
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Am · Dm · G · C
Summertime Chords – Mandolin
A laid-back hip-hop classic about summer relaxation by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.
Relaxed Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Keep the strumming light and relaxed to match the song’s vibe.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song
Verse 1
A
Here it is, the groove slightly transformed
E
Just a bit of a break from the norm
A
Just a little somethin’ to break the monotony
E
Of all that hardcore dance that has gotten to be
A
A little bit out of control, it’s cool to dance
E
But what about the groove that soothes that moves romance?
A
Give me a soft subtle mix,
E
And if it ain’t broke then don’t try to fix it
A
And think of the summers of the past,
E
Adjust the bass and let the alpine blast
A
Pop in my CD and let me run a rhyme,
E
And put your car on cruise and lay back ’cause…
Chorus
A
Summertime and the livin’ is easy
E
Bradley’s on the microphone with Ras MG
A
All the people in the dance will agree
E
That we’re well qualified to represent the L.B.C.
A
Me, me and Louie, we gonna run to the party
E
And dance to the rhythm, it gets harder
A
Me and my sister and baby L.B.
E
It’s summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime
Verse 2
A
School is out and it’s a sort of a buzz
E
A back then I didn’t really know what it was
A
But now I see what have of this
E
The way that people respond to summer madness
A
The weather is hot and girls are dressing less
E
And checking out the honey’s, I’m definitely a mess
A
Now I’m choosing the melody
E
Sipping back, cooling, chilling under the tree
A
The ice cream truck to play the same old song
E
The boom-box war is getting way too strong
A
But with the street lights on, they take the night away
E
It’s time to sing my song and turn the bass down low
A
And just snap your fingers or tap your toes
E
And just ride the rhythm as it goes
Chorus
A
Summertime and the livin’ is easy
E
Bradley’s on the microphone with Ras MG
A
All the people in the dance will agree
E
That we’re well qualified to represent the L.B.C.
A
Me, me and Louie, we gonna run to the party
E
And dance to the rhythm, it gets harder
A
Me and my sister and baby L.B.
E
It’s summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime
Bridge
A
Called my momma, she was out playing cards
E
She said, “Don’t worry, child, you know you’re a bard”
It’s gonna be a long, hot summer
A
So sit back and wait, just wait
E
And while you’re waiting, try to relax
A
Don’t have a nervous breakdown, it’s bad for your health
E
Go get yourself an ice cold drink
A
And just sit, collect your thoughts, and think
E
About the good times you’ve had, the good times you’re gonna have
Chorus
A
Summertime and the livin’ is easy
E
Bradley’s on the microphone with Ras MG
A
All the people in the dance will agree
E
That we’re well qualified to represent the L.B.C.
A
Me, me and Louie, we gonna run to the party
E
And dance to the rhythm, it gets harder
A
Me and my sister and baby L.B.
E
It’s summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime
Outro
A
Summertime
E
It’s summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
Practice tip: Focus on the simple two-chord (A and E) pattern. Once you can switch between them smoothly, the whole song becomes much easier to play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Summertime"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, Dm, G and C.
Is "Summertime" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Summertime" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Summertime"?
It was written by Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and released in 1991.
Amtap to play
Dmtap to play
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Am · Dm · G · C
Summertime Chords – Harmonica
A laid-back hip-hop classic about summer relaxation by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.
Relaxed Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Keep the strumming light and relaxed to match the song’s vibe.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song
Verse 1
A
Here it is, the groove slightly transformed
E
Just a bit of a break from the norm
A
Just a little somethin’ to break the monotony
E
Of all that hardcore dance that has gotten to be
A
A little bit out of control, it’s cool to dance
E
But what about the groove that soothes that moves romance?
A
Give me a soft subtle mix,
E
And if it ain’t broke then don’t try to fix it
A
And think of the summers of the past,
E
Adjust the bass and let the alpine blast
A
Pop in my CD and let me run a rhyme,
E
And put your car on cruise and lay back ’cause…
Chorus
A
Summertime and the livin’ is easy
E
Bradley’s on the microphone with Ras MG
A
All the people in the dance will agree
E
That we’re well qualified to represent the L.B.C.
A
Me, me and Louie, we gonna run to the party
E
And dance to the rhythm, it gets harder
A
Me and my sister and baby L.B.
E
It’s summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime
Verse 2
A
School is out and it’s a sort of a buzz
E
A back then I didn’t really know what it was
A
But now I see what have of this
E
The way that people respond to summer madness
A
The weather is hot and girls are dressing less
E
And checking out the honey’s, I’m definitely a mess
A
Now I’m choosing the melody
E
Sipping back, cooling, chilling under the tree
A
The ice cream truck to play the same old song
E
The boom-box war is getting way too strong
A
But with the street lights on, they take the night away
E
It’s time to sing my song and turn the bass down low
A
And just snap your fingers or tap your toes
E
And just ride the rhythm as it goes
Chorus
A
Summertime and the livin’ is easy
E
Bradley’s on the microphone with Ras MG
A
All the people in the dance will agree
E
That we’re well qualified to represent the L.B.C.
A
Me, me and Louie, we gonna run to the party
E
And dance to the rhythm, it gets harder
A
Me and my sister and baby L.B.
E
It’s summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime
Bridge
A
Called my momma, she was out playing cards
E
She said, “Don’t worry, child, you know you’re a bard”
It’s gonna be a long, hot summer
A
So sit back and wait, just wait
E
And while you’re waiting, try to relax
A
Don’t have a nervous breakdown, it’s bad for your health
E
Go get yourself an ice cold drink
A
And just sit, collect your thoughts, and think
E
About the good times you’ve had, the good times you’re gonna have
Chorus
A
Summertime and the livin’ is easy
E
Bradley’s on the microphone with Ras MG
A
All the people in the dance will agree
E
That we’re well qualified to represent the L.B.C.
A
Me, me and Louie, we gonna run to the party
E
And dance to the rhythm, it gets harder
A
Me and my sister and baby L.B.
E
It’s summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime
Outro
A
Summertime
E
It’s summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
A
Summertime
E
Sum-sum-summertime
Practice tip: Focus on the simple two-chord (A and E) pattern. Once you can switch between them smoothly, the whole song becomes much easier to play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Summertime"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, Dm, G and C.
Is "Summertime" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Summertime" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Summertime"?
It was written by Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and released in 1991.