Folk

You Are My Sunshine Chords

Traditional Beginner Key of C 3 Chords 2 min read Updated Jul 2026

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Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

C · F · G

You Are My Sunshine Chords – Guitar

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Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

C · F · G

You Are My Sunshine Chords – Ukulele

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Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

C · F · G

You Are My Sunshine Chords – Piano

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Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

C · F · G

You Are My Sunshine Chords – Banjo

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Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

C · F · G

You Are My Sunshine Chords – Mandolin

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Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

C · F · G

You Are My Sunshine Chords – Harmonica

The ultimate first ukulele song. Three chords, a universally known melody, and a tempo slow enough that even brand-new players can keep up from their very first attempt.

Chords used: C, F, G · Key: C · Difficulty: Beginner · More 3-chord songs →

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑

1234

Tip: On ukulele, C is a single-finger chord (3rd fret, 1st string), F uses two fingers, and G uses three — making this a perfect progression for building finger strength.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You need C, F, and G. On ukulele, these are among the very first chords you learn.

2

Get the sunny strum

The strum should be bright and cheerful. Down-down-up-up with a gentle, lilting feel.

3

Learn the verse

The verse alternates C and F, with G appearing at the turnaround. Each chord gets a full bar.

4

Sing it with joy

This is a song about happiness. Let that come through in your playing and singing. Smile while you play — it changes the sound.

Chords & Structure

Full Song — Guitar Version

Chorus

C – F

C – G

C – F

C – G – C

Verse 1

C – F

C – G

C – F

C – G – C

Practice tip: This is quite possibly the easiest song you will ever learn on ukulele. If you can play C, F, and G, you can play this song today. Right now. Go for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "You Are My Sunshine"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: C, F and G.

Is "You Are My Sunshine" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "You Are My Sunshine" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "You Are My Sunshine"?

It was written by Traditional.