About the Song
“Whiskey In The Jar” is a traditional Irish folk song covered by many artists, including The Seekers. Their version is upbeat, singalong-friendly, and well-suited for acoustic guitar. The tune has a lively, folk feel, which is important for capturing its spirit.
Chord Progression & Transitions
The song uses basic open chords: C, Am, F, G, and G7. These are beginner-friendly shapes, though F can be tricky. Try the easy “mini F” (xx3211) if you’re new to barre chords. Practice moving between C-Am-F slowly at first—these changes repeat throughout the verses.
Strumming Pattern
Use a simple folk strum, such as down-down-up-up-down-up per measure. For more drive, try a consistent down-up-down-up (eighth note) pattern, accenting the first beat of each bar. Keep your wrist relaxed and focus on staying in time.
Tips for Beginners
- Let each chord ring fully; avoid muting by pressing firmly with your fingertips.
- Count the beats: most lines switch chords every two or four beats.
- During the chorus, strum a bit louder to match the singalong feel.
- Take your time on chord changes, especially F—move your hand early to get a clean sound.
- Play along with a recording to match tempo and feel.
Enjoy playing and singing—this song is meant to bring people together!
IntroC Am C Am
Verse 1AsC I went a-walkin',Am on Kilgary Mountain,
IF spied Colonel Pepper and hisC money he wasAm countin'.
IF rattled out my pistols and IC drew forth myAm saber,
Cryin' "F Stand and deliver for IC am a bold deAm ceiver."
ChorusMushaG7 ringum duram da.C Whack fol the daddy-o,F whack fol the daddy-o,
There'sC whiskeyG in theC jar.C
Verse 2TheC gold and silver coins, theyAm looked so bright and shiny
Oh IF took them home straightway and IC gave 'em to myAm Molly.
SheF vowed and she promised that sheC never would deAm ceive me,
But theF devil's in the women oh youC never can beAm lieve 'em.
ChorusMushaG7 ringum duram da.C Whack fol the daddy-o,F whack fol the daddy-o,
There'sC whiskeyG in theC jar.C
Verse 3ButC when I awoke, betAm ween six and seven,
TheF guards were all around me inC numbers odd andAm even.
IF reached for my pistols but aC las I was misAm taken.
MyF pistols had been fired and aC prisoner I wasAm taken.
ChorusMushaG7 ringum duram da.C Whack fol the daddy-o,F whack fol the daddy-o,
There'sC whiskeyG in theC jar.C
Verse 4TheyC put me in the jail, withAm out judge or writin',
ForF robbing Colonel Pepper ohC on KilgaryAm Mountain.
But theyF didn't take my fists so IC knocked the sentryAm down,
AndF bade farewell to theC jail, in Sli-igoAm town.
ChorusMushaG7 ringum duram da.C Whack fol the daddy-o,F whack fol the daddy-o,
There'sC whiskeyG in theC jar.C
Verse 5SomeC people take delight, inAm fishin' and in bowlin'
OhF others take delight in theC carriages aAm rollin'.
ButF I take delight in theC juice of theAm barley,
AndF courtin' pretty girls 'til theC morning soAm early.
OutroMushaG7 ringum duram da.C Whack fol the daddy-o,F whack fol the daddy-o,
There'sC whiskeyG in theC jar.
MushaG7 ringum duram da.C Whack fol the daddy-o,F whack fol the daddy-o,
There'sC whiskey-F ey, a whiskeyG in theC jar.
C G C