G
Em
C
D
D7
Bm
Where Have All The Flowers Gone
Pete Seeger
Pete Seeger's "Where Have All The Flowers Gone" is a classic folk song, originally performed with simple acoustic guitar accompaniment. The gentle, repetitive chord progression and straightforward melody make it accessible for beginner players.
Chords Used:
G, Em, C, D, D7, Bm
Strumming Pattern:
For beginners, a simple down-down-up-up-down-up pattern (D D U U D U) works well. Keep the strumming steady and relaxed to match the song's reflective mood. You can also use just down strums for an even easier start, especially when singing along.
Chord Transitions:
The changes are frequent but between common open chords. Practice moving smoothly between G, Em, and C, as these form the core of each verse. D and D7 are similar, so you can practice switching between them by just moving your finger from the high E string (2nd fret for D) to the B string (1st fret for D7).
Additional Tips:
For the outro, Bm is a barre chord. If that's too difficult, play Bm7 (x20202) as a simpler alternative.
Try singing along and focus on smooth transitions rather than speed. If you struggle, slow the tempo and gradually increase as you get comfortable.
Focus on steady rhythm and gentle dynamics to capture the song's contemplative spirit.
Intro
G G Em C D
Verse 1G Where have all theEm flowers gone,C long timeD7 passing?
G Where have all theEm flowers gone,C long time aD go?
G Where have all theEm flowers gone?C Young girls picked themD7 every one.
C When will theyG ever learn?C When will theyD everG learn?D
Verse 2G Where have all theEm young girls gone,C long timeD7 passing?
G Where have all theEm young girls gone,C long time aD go?
G Where have all theEm young girls gone?C Gone to young menD7 everyone.
C When will theyG ever learn?C When will theyD everG learn?D
Verse 3G Where have all theEm young men gone,C long timeD7 passing?
G Where have all theEm young men gone,C long time aD go?
G Where have all theEm young men gone?C Gone for soldiersD7 everyone.
C When will theyG ever learn?C When will theyD everG learn?D
Verse 4G Where have all theEm soldiers gone,C long timeD7 passing?
G Where have all theEm soldiers gone, aC long long time aD go?
G Where have all theEm soldiers gone?C Gone to graveyardsD7 everyone.
C When will theyG ever learn?C When will theyD everG learn?D
Verse 5G Where have all theEm graveyards gone,C long timeD7 passing?
G Where have all theEm graveyards gone,C long time aD go?
G Where have all theEm graveyards gone?C Gone to flowersD7 everyone.
C When will theyG ever learn?C When will theyD everG learn?D
OutroG D Bm D G