Jambalaya (On the Bayou) – Easy Guitar Tutorial (G & C Chords)
Learn to play “Jambalaya” using just two easy chords—G and C! A perfect beginner-friendly song with a simple strumming pattern.
How to Play “Jambalaya” on Guitar (2-Chord Version: G & C)
“Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” by Hank Williams is a fantastic beginner-friendly song. It uses only two chords—G and C—making it easy to play while still being a fun, upbeat tune.
Chords Used: G, C
You only need two easy chords to play this song:
These are some of the most common chords in folk and country music, and if you’re just starting out, this is a great song to practice smooth chord changes.
Strumming Pattern:
If that feels too advanced, you can start with just downstrokes on each beat and build up from there.
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
C C G G
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 C C
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 dTo 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]
C C G G
Goodbye, Joe, me gotta go, me oh my oh
G G C C
Me gotta go, pole the pirogue down the bayou
C C G G
My Yvonne, the sweetest one, me oh my oh
G G C C
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou
[Chorus]
C C G G
Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and Filé gumbo
G G C C
Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio
C C G G
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-o
G G C C
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou
[Verse 2]
Thibodaux, Fontaineaux, the place is buzzin'
Kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the dozen
We dress in style and go hog wild, me oh my oh
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou
[Chorus]
[Instrumental]
[Chorus]
