Amtap to play
Emtap to play
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Key
A
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
Am · Em · G · D · C
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Chords – Guitar
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Key
A
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Am · Em · G · D · C
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Chords – Ukulele
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Key
A
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Am · Em · G · D · C
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Chords – Piano
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Key
A
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Am · Em · G · D · C
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Chords – Banjo
Amtap to play
Emtap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Am · Em · G · D · C
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Chords – Mandolin
Amtap to play
Emtap to play
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Key
A
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Am · Em · G · D · C
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Chords – Harmonica
Gordon Lightfoot’s epic folk ballad about the 1975 sinking of a Great Lakes freighter. Intermediate difficulty in the key of A.
Folk Ballad Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret and play G shapes to sound in the key of A, or play the A chords as written for a slightly deeper tone.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
A – E
D – A
A – E
D – A
Verse 2
A – E
D – A
A – E
D – A
Chorus
D – A
E – D
D – A
E – D
Verse 3
A – E
D – A
A – E
D – A
Verse 4
A – E
D – A
A – E
D – A
Chorus
D – A
E – D
D – A
E – D
Verse 5
A – E
D – A
A – E
D – A
Verse 6
A – E
D – A
A – E
D – A
Chorus
D – A
E – D
D – A
E – D
Verse 7
A – E
D – A
A – E
D – A
Bridge
E – D
A – E
E – D
A – E
Verse 8
A – E
D – A
A – E
D – A
Chorus
D – A
E – D
D – A
E – D
Practice tip: Master the A, D, and E chords first, then focus on the narrative flow of the song; let the lyrics guide your dynamics, playing softer in the verses and with more intensity in the choruses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"?
You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: Am, Em, G, D and C.
Is "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"?
It was written by Gordon Lightfoot, and released in 1976.