Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G · C · D · Em · Am
Sweet Baby James Chords – Guitar
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
G · C · D · Em · Am
Sweet Baby James Chords – Ukulele
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
G · C · D · Em · Am
Sweet Baby James Chords – Piano
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G · C · D · Em · Am
Sweet Baby James Chords – Banjo
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
G · C · D · Em · Am
Sweet Baby James Chords – Mandolin
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
G · C · D · Em · Am
Sweet Baby James Chords – Harmonica
James Taylor’s gentle folk ballad about a lonesome cowboy on a winter’s evening. 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 calm, storytelling feel.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
G
C – G – Em
Am – C
G – D
Verse 2
G
C – G – Em
Am – C
G – D
Chorus
C
G
D
G
C – G
Verse 3
G
C – G – Em
Am – C
G – D
Chorus
C
G
D
G
C – G
Bridge
Am – C – G – Em
Am – C – G – D
Am – C – G – Em
Am – C – G – D
Chorus
C
G
D
G
C – G
Practice tip: The bridge uses the same chord shapes as the rest of the song, just in a different order; practice the Am-to-C transition slowly to keep the flow steady.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Sweet Baby James"?
You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D, Em and Am.
Is "Sweet Baby James" 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 "Sweet Baby James" in?
It is in the key of G.
Who wrote "Sweet Baby James"?
It was written by James Taylor, and released in 1970.