Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G · C · D · Em
Sunshine on My Shoulders 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
Sunshine on My Shoulders 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
Sunshine on My Shoulders 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
Sunshine on My Shoulders 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
Sunshine on My Shoulders 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
Sunshine on My Shoulders Chords – Harmonica
John Denver’s gentle, reflective ballad about the simple joy of sunshine and love. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.
Folk Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a light touch and let the chords ring out to match the song’s peaceful mood.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
G – C
G – D
G – C
G – D
Chorus
C – G (×3)
C – D
Verse 2
G – C
G – D
Chorus
C – G (×3)
C – D
Bridge
G – C
G – D
G – C
G – D
Chorus
C – G (×3)
C – D
C – G (×3)
C – D
Practice tip: The song uses only three chords (G, C, D). Practice switching between G and C, as this is the most common transition in the song.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Sunshine on My Shoulders"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.
Is "Sunshine on My Shoulders" 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 "Sunshine on My Shoulders" in?
It is in the key of G.
Who wrote "Sunshine on My Shoulders"?
It was written by John Denver, Mike Taylor, Dick Kniss, and released in 1973.