"G'day G'day" is a classic Australian country song by Slim Dusty, well known for its upbeat, welcoming feel, and simple, singalong chorus. The original version features a lively, folksy rhythm that suits both solo and group performances."
Chords and Structure
The song uses basic open chords:
G, D, C, Em, A, B7, D7, E7, A7
Most of the song is built around G, D, C, and Em, making it accessible for beginners.
The bridge introduces a few additional chords (D7, E7, A7, B7), but these appear briefly and can be practiced separately.
Strumming Pattern
A simple and effective strumming pattern for beginners is:
Down, down-up, up-down-up
This gives a nice bounce, matching the cheerful energy of the original.
Try muting the strings lightly with your palm on some down strums to create a country feel.
Chord Transitions and Tips
Practice moving between G, D, and C, as these transitions occur frequently.
For smoother transitions:
- Keep your ring finger anchored on the B string when moving between G and C.
- Use your index finger as a guide when shifting from D to G.
For the Em and B7 sections, focus on clear finger placement to avoid buzzing.
If B7 or E7 are unfamiliar, substitute with Em or D7 for simplicity while learning.
General Advice
Play at a moderate tempo at first.
Sing along to help with timing.
Remember, the song is about a friendly greeting—keep your playing relaxed and welcoming!
IntroG D G D G D G D G
ChorusG'day g'G day,D how yaG goin'?D
What d'yaC know?C Well strike aG light.D
G'day g'G day,D and how yaG go-o-o-Em in'?
Just say g'G day g'day g'D day and you'll beG right.D G
Verse 1Isn'tG great,D to be anG Aussie?D
Takin' aC walk,C along theG street.D
Lookin' inG shops,D or buyin' aG paper,Em
A Stoppin' and havin' aA yarn with peopleD that youD meet.
Verse 2Down at theG pub,D or at aG party,D
Whenever you'reC stuck,C for what toG say,D
If youG wanna beG dinkyD die, whyG don't youG give it aD try?
A Look 'em right in theA eye and say g'D day.
ChorusG'day g'G day,D how yaG goin'?D
What d'yaC know?C Well strike aG light.D
G'day g'G day,D and how yaG go-o-o-Em in'?
Just say g'G day g'day g'D day and you'll beG right.D G
Verse 3NowEm when ItaliansB7 meet they all goEm crazy,B7
TheEm blokes all like toB7 hug each otherEm too.B7
TheC Yanks invented "Hi" and "See youG later,"Em
While theA Pommy will shake yourA hand and say "HowD do youD do?"
Verse 4NowEm watch out for aB7 Frenchmen or he'llEm kiss you.B7
TheC Spaniards go for "Olah" and "OG lay."D
But in theG land of the cockaD too, poleG cats and theG didgeriD doo,
A When you meet anA Aussie ten toD one here's what he'llD say:
Chorus"G'day g'G day,D how yaG goin'?D
What d'yaC know?C Well strike aG light.D
G'day g'G day,D and how yaG go-o-o-Em in'?"
Just say g'G day g'day g'D day and you'll beG right.D G
BridgeIt's aC greeting, that you'll hear across AusG tralia,C G
FromC Geraldton toC Goulburn GundaG gai.C G
It's asC dinkum as theC dingo and theG dahlia.G D7 E7
And youA spell it with a G aA7 postroD phe a D-A-D7 Y.
ChorusG'day g'G day,D how yaG goin'?D
What d'yaC know?C Well strike aG light.D
G'day g'G day,D and how yaG go-o-o-Em in'?
Just say g'G day g'day g'D day and you'll beG right.D G
OutroG'day g'G day,D how yaG goin'?D
What d'yaC know?C Well strike aG light.D
G'day g'G day,D and how yaG go-o-o-Em in'?
Just say g'G day g'day g'D day,G G D
Just say g'G day g'day g'D day and she'll beG right.