Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
In The Jailhouse Now Jimmie Rodgers

 The original "In The Jailhouse Now" by Jimmie Rodgers is a classic country song notable for its relaxed, swinging rhythm and iconic yodeling. Played in a moderate tempo, the song’s feel is enhanced by simple, open chords and a bouncy strumming pattern, making it accessible for guitarists at all levels.

## Chords and Progression

The song uses the following chords: C, C7, F, D, D7, G, and G7. These are all open chords, which are ideal for beginners. Practice switching between C and C7, as well as F and G, as these are common transitions in the song. The F chord can be played as a simplified version (just the top four strings) if the full barre is too challenging.

## Strumming Pattern

Aim for a steady, light swing strum: Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up
Emphasize the first down strum of each measure for a country feel. Keep your wrist relaxed.

## Tips for Beginners

    • Practice moving between C - C7 - F, as these transitions are frequent.
    • The D and D7 chords only appear briefly; try to land the D7 cleanly after D.
    • For G7, use your ring finger for a smooth switch from G.
    • During the instrumental/yodeling sections, stick with the same strumming pattern for consistency.
    • Focus on keeping time rather than speed; a relaxed groove suits the song.*

With practice, you’ll capture the song’s easygoing, storytelling vibe!

EADGBE G
EADGBE C
EADGBE F
EADGBE G7
EADGBE C7
EADGBEXX D
EADGBEXX D7
Intro
G C F G G7 C
Verse 1
C I had a friend named Ramblin' Bob, he used to steal gamble and rob
He thought he was theC7 smartest guy aF round
But I found out last Monday, that Bob got locked up Sunday
They'veD got him in theD7 jailhouse way downG town
Chorus
He's in the jailhouseC now, he's in the jailhouseF now
Well IG told him once or twice, to stop playin' cards and a shootin'G7 dice
He's in the jailhouseC now
Instrumental
I dee oh-dee-F lay-he-hee de-oh-teeee, Lah dee oh-dee-lay-ee-C ohh dee-loh-tee
Dee-oh-dee-G lay-he-hee, dee-oh-dee-lay-he-tee, dee-oh-dee-C lay-heee
Verse 2
C Bob liked to play his poker, pinochle whist and euchre
But shooting diceC7 was his favoriteF game
Well he got throwed in jail, with nobody to go his bail
TheD judge done said thatD7 he refused aG fine
Chorus
He's in the jailhouseC now, he's in the jailhouseF now
Well IG told him once or twice, to stop playin' cards and a shootin'G7 dice
He's in the jailhouseC now
Instrumental
I dee oh-dee-F lay-he-hee de-oh-teeee, Lah dee oh-dee-lay-ee-C ohh dee-loh-tee
Dee-oh-dee-G lay-he-hee, dee-oh-dee-lay-he-tee, dee-oh-dee-C lay-heee
Verse 3
C Well I went out last Tuesday, I met a girl named Susie
I said I was theC7 swellest guy aF round
Well we started to spendin' my money, and she started to callin' me honey
WeD took in everyD7 cabaret inG town
Chorus
We're in the jailhouseC now, we're in the jailhouseF now
Well IG told that judge right to his face, I don't like to seeG7 this place
We're in the jailhouseC now
Outro
I dee oh-dee-F lay-he-hee oh-eeee, I dee oh-dee-lay-he-C hee heeee
Dee-oh-dee-G lay-he-hee, dee-oh-dee-lay-he-hee, dee-oh-dee-C lay-heee