G
D7
Oh My Darling Clementine
Traditional
"Oh My Darling Clementine" is a classic American folk song, traditionally performed in a waltz-like style. Its simple melody and familiar structure make it a great choice for beginner guitarists.
Chords and Transitions
The entire song uses only two chords: G and D7.
Both are among the easiest open chords to learn. Practice switching between G and D7 smoothly, as the changes happen frequently and often within lines.
Strumming Pattern
The song is in 3/4 time ("waltz time").
A simple strumming pattern for beginners:
Down – Down – Up
Count “1 – 2 – and” per measure. For each chord, strum down on beats 1 and 2, then a lighter up strum on the "and" after 2. For example:
[G] Down – Down – Up | [D7] Down – Down – Up
Play gently for a folky feel. Practice counting aloud to keep the rhythm steady.
Tips for Beginners
- Keep your strumming hand relaxed.
- Practice chord finger placement for G and D7 until transitions feel smooth.
- If you struggle with D7, slow down and switch back and forth between G and D7 repeatedly.
- Sing along to help remember chord changes and phrasing.
With its slow tempo, simple chords, and repetitive structure, "Oh My Darling Clementine" is ideal for building confidence in chord changes and waltz rhythms.
Verse 1
In aG cavern, in a canyon, excavating for aD7 mine,
Dwelt a miner, forty-G niner, and hisD7 daughter, ClemenG tine.
Oh my darling, oh my darling, oh my darling ClemenD7 tine.
You are lost and gone forG ever, dreadfulD7 sorry, ClemenG tine.
Verse 2Light she was, and like a fairy, and her shoes were numberD7 nine.
Herring boxes, withoutG topses. SandalsD7 were for ClemenG tine.
Drove she ducklings to the water, every morning just atD7 nine.
Hit her foot against aG splinter, fell inD7 to the foamingG brine.
Oh my darling, oh my darling, oh my darling ClemenD7 tine.
You are lost and gone forG ever, dreadfulD7 sorry, ClemenG tine.
Verse 3Ruby lips above the water, blowing bubbles soft andD7 fine.
But alas, I was noG swimmer, so ID7 lost my ClemenG tine.
How I missed her, how I missed her, how I missed my ClemenD7 tine.
But I kissed her littleG sister, and forD7 got my ClemenG tine.
Oh my darling, oh my darling, oh my darling ClemenD7 tine.
You are lost and gone forG ever, dreadfulD7 sorry, ClemenG tine.
Verse 4Then the miner, forty-niner, soon began to peak andD7 pine.
Thought he oughter join hisG daughter, now he'sD7 with his ClemenG tine.
In a churchyard, near the canyon, where the myrtle does enD7 twine.
There grow roses and theG posies, fertilD7 ized by ClemenG tine.
Oh my darling, oh my darling, oh my darling ClemenD7 tine.
You are lost and gone forG ever, dreadfulD7 sorry, ClemenG tine.
Verse 5In my dreams she, still does haunt me, robed in garments, soaked inD7 brine.
Then she rises from theG water and ID7 kiss my ClemenG tine.
Oh my darling, oh my darling, oh my darling ClemenD7 tine.
You are lost and gone forG ever, dreadfulD7 sorry, ClemenG tine.