I’ll Fly Away – Easy Guitar Lesson with Chords & Strumming
Learn how to play “I’ll Fly Away” on guitar with this easy tutorial! Includes simple chords, strumming patterns, and tips for beginners.
How to Play “I’ll Fly Away” on Guitar – Beginner Lesson
“I’ll Fly Away” is a classic gospel song that’s easy and fun to play on guitar. It features a simple chord progression and a lively rhythm, making it a great choice for beginners. In this lesson, I’ll break it down step by step so you can start playing along in no time!
Chords Used: D, G, A
You only need three easy chords to play this song:
These are some of the most common chords in folk and gospel music, and if you’re just starting out, this is a great song to practice smooth chord changes.
Strumming Pattern:

Chord Progression Practice:
Just want to see the chords & lyrics? Scroll down a bit more — BUT I encourage you to do this first – it’ll improve your success rate:
Use downstrokes while counting the beats!
This ensures accurate timing and smooth chord changes – then simply add the strumming pattern, and you’re all set!
d = downstroke
D D D D
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d
G G D D
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d
D D D D
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d
D A D D
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d
To summarize:
- Learn the chords
- Practice them with downstrokes only & count through the song
- Learn the strumming pattern
- Play the song!
Lyrics and Chords
[Verse 1]
D D D D
Some glad morning when this life is o'er,
G G D D
I'll fly away
D D D D
To a home on God's celestial shore,
D A D D
I'll fly away
[Chorus]
D D D D
I'll fly away, O glory,
G G D D
I'll fly away
D D D D
When I die, hallelujah, by and by
D A D D
I'll fly away
[Verse 2]
When the shadows of this life have grown, I'll fly away
Like a bird from prison bars has flown, I'll fly away
[Verse 3]
Oh how glad and happy when we meet, I'll fly away
No more cold iron shackles on my feet, I'll fly away
[Verse 4]
Just a few more weary days, and then, I'll fly away
To a land where joys shall never end, I'll fly away
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