How to Play “Keep On The Sunny Side” on Guitar

“Keep On The Sunny Side” is a classic folk and gospel song made famous by The Carter Family. With its simple chord progression and uplifting melody, it’s a great song for beginners looking to build confidence in their playing.

Why This Song is Great for Beginners

✅ Uses only three basic chords
✅ Works well with simple strumming patterns
✅ Great for practicing smooth chord changes
✅ Perfect for sing-alongs and jam sessions

Chords Used: A, D, E

You only need three easy chords to play this song:

This song follows a common I-IV-V chord progression, making it easy to learn and play along with.

Strumming Pattern:

This strumming pattern is one most commonly used in folk guitar music.

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Lyrics and Chords

[Verse 1]
          A          D                A      A
There's a dark and a troubled side of life
          A                 A               E  E
There's a bright, there's a sunny side, too
           E             E            A       A
But if you meet with the darkness and strife
     E            E        A         A
The sunny side we also may view
 
[Chorus]
A           A           D             A 
Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side
A           A             E    E
Keep on the sunny side of life
        A             A            D                A
It will help us every day, it will brighten all the way
      A           E             A     A
If we keep on the sunny side of life
 
[Verse 2]
The storm and its fury broke today
Crushing hopes that we cherish so dear
Clouds and storms will, in time, pass away
The sun again will shine bright and clear
 
[Chorus]
 
[Verse 3]
Let us greet with the song of hope each day
Tho the moment be cloudy or fair
Let us trust in our Saviour always
Who keepeth everyone in His care
 
[Chorus]