This song uses 4 basic chord shapes: C, F, G, Am. We’re using the easy way to play F on guitar. Below you will find Swing Low, Sweet Chariot chords and lyrics, which will guide you through this song from start to finish.

Guitar Chords:

Before diving in and combining the chords & strumming, take a minute to work out the transitions. The “form” (chord order) goes like this:

C           F   C       C   Am      G
1 2 3 4  |  1 2 3 4  |  1 2 3 4  |  1 2 3 4  |

C           F   C       C   G       C
1 2 3 4  |  1 2 3 4  |  1 2 3 4  |  1 2 3 4  |  

It’s important to count along, and play a downstroke on each beat. For instance, you would start by playing 4 downstrokes on C, as you count “1 2 3 4” – then proceed to play 2 downstrokes of F and 2 downstrokes of C for the 2nd measure.

Seem confusing? Yeah… explaining music in WORDS is pretty weird. Just watch the tutorial at the top of this page and I’ll guide you through this exact process!

Now, once you’re good with the chords, time to learn the…

Strumming Pattern:

This song uses the most common strumming pattern. Remember to “miss” the strings on beat 3 (doing a downstroke that does NOT make contact) and it’ll help you feel the pattern and stay in rhythm more easily.

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot Guitar Chord Chart

      C          F   C
Swing low, sweet chariot
C             Am       G 
Coming for to carry me home
      C          F   C
Swing low, sweet chariot
C             G        C
Coming for to carry he home

  C                      F          C
I looked over Jordan and what did I see
C             Am       G 
Coming for to carry he home
  C              F            C
A band of angels coming after me
C             G        C
Coming for to carry me home

      C          F   C
Swing low, sweet chariot
C             Am       G 
Coming for to carry me home
      C          F   C
Swing low, sweet chariot
C             G        C
Coming for to carry me home

C                  F       C
If you get there before I do
C             Am       G 
Coming for to carry me home
C                       F       C
Tell all my friends I'm coming too
C             G        C
Coming for to carry me home

      C          F   C
Swing low, sweet chariot
C             Am       G 
Coming for to carry me home
      C          F   C
Swing low, sweet chariot
C             G        C
Coming for to carry me home

Who sings Swing Low, Sweet Chariot?

“Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” is a traditional African American spiritual song, and as such, it does not have a single definitive original singer. It was first composed by Wallace Willis, a Choctaw freedman, in the mid-19th century. Over the years, it has been performed and recorded by numerous artists across different genres. Some notable renditions include:

1. Paul Robeson – A classic version by the famous bass-baritone singer and actor.
2. Marian Anderson – A renowned contralto who brought spirituals like this to international attention.
3. Johnny Cash – Known for his deep, expressive voice, Cash’s version brings a country flavor to the song.
4. Etta James – Her soulful rendition adds rich emotion and vocal power.
5. Joan Baez – A folk-oriented version highlighting her clear and melodic vocals.