Rock, Folk

Whiskey in the Jar Chords

Thin Lizzy Beginner Key of G 5 Chords 2 min read Updated Jul 2026

Gtap to play

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

G · Em · C · D · Am

Whiskey in the Jar Chords – Guitar

Gtap to play

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

G · Em · C · D · Am

Whiskey in the Jar Chords – Ukulele

Gtap to play

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

G · Em · C · D · Am

Whiskey in the Jar Chords – Piano

Gtap to play

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

G · Em · C · D · Am

Whiskey in the Jar Chords – Banjo

Gtap to play

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

G · Em · C · D · Am

Whiskey in the Jar Chords – Mandolin

Gtap to play

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

G · Em · C · D · Am

Whiskey in the Jar Chords – Harmonica

Gtap to play

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

G · Em · C · D · Am

Whiskey in the Jar Chords – Violin

Thin Lizzy’s rock rendition of the traditional Irish folk song “Whiskey in the Jar”. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

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

Rock Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

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Tip: Keep the rhythm steady and driving.

Chords & Structure

Full Song

Verse 1

G – C

G – D – G

G – C

G – D – G

Chorus

C – G

D

G

C – G

Verse 2

G – C

G – D – G

G – C

G – D

Chorus

C – G

D

G

C – G

Verse 3

G – C

G – D – G

G – C

G – D

Chorus

C – G

D

G

C – G

Verse 4

G – C

G – D – G

G – C

G – D – G

Chorus

C – G

D

G

C – G

Bridge

G – C

G – D

G – C

G – D – G

Chorus

C – G

D

G

C – G

Practice tip: Focus on smooth chord transitions, especially between G, C, and D, which are the only three chords used in this arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Whiskey in the Jar"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: G, Em, C, D and Am.

Is "Whiskey in the Jar" 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 "Whiskey in the Jar" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Whiskey in the Jar"?

It was written by Traditional, and released in 1972.