Oh Canada Guitar Tutorial:

This song uses 5 basic chord shapes: G, C, D, A, B7. Forget about all those tabs that overcomplicate it. My simplified version not only makes it easier for beginners but also ensures that you capture the essence of the song accurately. Let’s learn how to play Oh Canada on guitar!

Oh Canada Strumming Pattern:

The strumming pattern for this one couldn’t be simpler. The little “R” on beat 2 means to play a “root strum,” where you focus your pick attack on the thicker strings of that chord shape, instead of strumming through all the strings. Otherwise, be sure to count the rhythm and remember the golden rule of strumming: downstrokes on the numbers, upstrokes on the +’s (spoken as “and”)

Oh Canada Guitar Chords:

Oh Canada Guitar Chord Chart

I have included the Oh Canada chords & lyrics on this web page (below), but I highly recommend downloading the free sheet music pdf, especially if you’re having trouble with the timing, or playing the song all the way through. The printable chord chart has a very easy system for counting the beats and ensuring you play each chord the right number of times.

G D   G
O Canada!
    G               D
Our home and native land!
G    A       D       D      A  D
True patriot love in all of us command.
     D                 G       
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
    C                     D
The True North strong and free!
     D  
From far and wide,
  G          D        A         D
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
G            G    C            D
God keep our land glorious and free!
G B7  C               G     D   B7
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
G     C               G     D   G
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Who wrote Oh Canada?

The Canadian national anthem, “O Canada,” has its origins in the late 19th century. The music was composed by Calixa Lavallée, a Canadian composer, in 1880. The original French lyrics were written by Adolphe-Basile Routhier, a judge and poet.

The English lyrics, which differ from a direct translation of the French version, were penned by Robert Stanley Weir in 1908. Weir’s version underwent several modifications over the years, with the most recent change occurring in 2018 to make the anthem gender-neutral.