G
D
C
E
A
Crawdad Song
Traditional
The "Crawdad Song" is a well-known American folk tune, often played in a relaxed, singalong style. Its simple, repetitive structure makes it especially suitable for beginner guitarists and group performances.
Chords and Structure
This song primarily uses the open chords G, D, and C in the first verses, then transitions to A, E, and D in later verses. These are among the easiest chords for beginners.
The progression follows a I-IV-V pattern in both G and A keys, switching keys after verse 5. Practice moving between G-D-C and A-E-D smoothly.
Strumming Pattern
A straightforward “down-down-up-up-down-up” strumming pattern in 4/4 time fits well, matching the song’s bouncy, folk feel. Play gently and evenly, emphasizing the first down strum of each measure for rhythm.
Chord Transition Tips
**_For beginners, focus on:*
- Keeping your fingers close to the fretboard for quicker transitions.
- Practicing the G to D and D to C changes repeatedly, as they occur often._*
When changing keys (from G to A), pause for a breath to reset your hand position.
Additional Tips
Use a capo on the 2nd fret if you want a brighter sound or to better match vocal range.
Keep the tempo moderate. Folk songs like this are meant to be fun and relaxed!
Intro
G G D G C G D G
Verse 1You get a line and I'll get a pole honey. You get a line and I'll get a poleD babe.
G You get a line and I'll get a pole.C And we'll go down to the crawdad hole.
G Honey ohD ba-abyG mine.
Verse 2Yonder come a man with a sack on his back honey. Yonder come a man with a sack on his backD babe.
G Yonder come a man with a sack on his back.C Look at them crawdads in that sack.
G Honey ohD ba-abyG mine.
Verse 3The man fell down and he broke that sack honey. The man fell down and he broke that sackD babe.
G The man fell down and he broke that sack.C Look at them crawdads crawlin' back.
G Honey ohD ba-abyG mine.
Verse 4Get up old man you slept too late honey. Get up old man you slept too lateD babe.
G Get up old man you slept too late.C Crawdad Man done passed your gate.
G Honey ohD ba-abyG mine.
Verse 5Sittin' on the bank 'til my feet get cold honey. Sittin' on the bank 'til my feet get coldD babe.
G Sittin' on the bank 'til my feet get cold.C Look at that empty crawdad hole.
G Honey ohD ba-abyG mine.
Verse 6What you gonna do when the lake runs dry honey? What you gonna do when the lake runs dryE babe?
A What you gonna do when the lake runs dry?D Sit on the bank and watch crawdads die.
A Honey ohE ba-abyA mine.
Verse 7What did the duck say to the drake honey? What did the duck say to the drakeE babe?
A What did the duck say to the drake?D Ain't no crawdads in this lake.
A Honey ohE ba-abyA mine.
Verse 8So you get a line and I'll get a pole honey. You get a line and I'll get a poleE babe.
A You get a line and I'll get a pole. AndD we'll go down to the crawdad hole.
A Honey ohE ba-abyA mine.
OutroHoney ohE ba-abyA mine. Honey ohE ba-abyD mine.D A