5 Iconic Sailor Song Guitar Chords That Launched The Sea Shanty Revival (Beginner-Friendly)
The modern resurgence of "sailor songs" has turned traditional sea shanties and new folk-pop anthems into a global phenomenon, making them one of the freshest and most engaging genres for guitarists to learn in late 2025. This deep dive focuses on the most current and popular chord progressions, from the absolute beginner-friendly pop hit by Gigi Perez to the viral traditional shanties that took over the internet. These songs are perfect for acoustic guitar players looking for simple, powerful rhythms and easy chord changes that sound instantly compelling.
The beauty of the "sailor song" genre, whether a centuries-old working song or a contemporary folk track, lies in its simplicity. Many of the most iconic tunes rely on just two or three basic chords, making them an ideal starting point for anyone picking up the instrument. We’ve compiled the essential, up-to-date chord progressions and techniques you need to start playing these nautical numbers right away.
The Essential Chord Progressions: From Pop Hits to Viral Shanties
To master the sailor song genre, you need to be familiar with both the new entities driving its popularity and the foundational traditional tunes. Here are the most relevant and easy-to-learn chord progressions that define the modern "sailor song" sound.
1. Gigi Perez - "Sailor Song" (The Modern 3-Chord Hit)
The most searched-for "Sailor Song" in recent months is the viral track by Gigi Perez. This song is an absolute beginner’s dream, requiring only three simple open chords and a capo, which instantly gives your acoustic guitar a bright, fresh sound.
- Key Chords: C, Em, G
- Required Accessory: Capo on the 4th fret
- Actual Key: Playing the chords C, Em, and G with a capo on the 4th fret puts the song in the key of G#m, which is the key Gigi Perez performs in.
- Strumming Pattern: A simple, steady rhythm is key. Try a basic Down, Down-Up, Up, Down-Up pattern, focusing on a slightly faster, folk-pop tempo to capture the song's energy.
Progression Example (Verse/Chorus):
(Capo 4th Fret) C | Em | G | G
This simple I-iii-V chord progression (in the relative key) is a staple of modern acoustic songwriting, demonstrating why this track is so accessible and popular for guitar tutorials.
2. The Traditional Sea Shanty: "Drunken Sailor" (The Easiest 2-Chord Song)
No list of sailor songs is complete without the classic "Drunken Sailor." This traditional folk tune is perhaps the ultimate easy guitar song, relying on a minor key and a driving rhythm that evokes the harsh reality of life at sea.
- Key Chords: Em, D
- Chord Progression: The simplicity of the Em to D movement creates a haunting, modal sound, often associated with traditional Celtic music.
- Strumming Pattern: Focus on a robust, four-on-the-floor rhythm—four consecutive downstrokes (D D D D) per measure—to mimic the heavy, rhythmic work of sailors pulling ropes. You can add a slight accent on the first and third beats for a more authentic feel.
Progression Example (Verse):
Em | Em | D | D Em | Em | D | Em
This two-chord structure is often the first song many absolute beginner guitarists master, building immediate confidence and rhythm skills.
3. The #ShantyTok Phenomenon: "Wellerman" (The Modern Revival)
The 2021 viral hit "Wellerman," popularized by Scottish artist Nathan Evans, single-handedly launched the #ShantyTok movement, bringing sea shanties back into the mainstream. The chords are slightly more involved than "Drunken Sailor" but remain firmly in the easy-to-intermediate category.
- Key Chords: Am, G, C, F, Dm
- Common Key: Am (A minor) is a common key for this shanty, making it a great exercise for transitioning between minor and major chords.
- Strumming Technique: A driving, eighth-note strum is crucial. Try an alternating Down-Up pattern (D U D U D U D U) to capture the song's fast, sing-along pace. Advanced players can explore the "6 levels of Strumming" tutorials available online to add complexity and percussive elements.
Progression Example (Chorus - Simplified):
Am | G | C | F
Mastering the F chord can be the biggest challenge here, but many beginner arrangements substitute a simple Fmaj7 or a four-string F chord for ease of play.
Advanced Techniques for Topical Authority and Authentic Folk Sound
To move beyond simple strumming and add topical authority to your playing, you need to incorporate techniques from the broader folk and Celtic guitar genres. These methods will make your "sailor songs" sound more authentic and dynamic.
Utilizing Alternate Tunings and Modes
Traditional folk music, including sea shanties, often uses different scales and tunings to achieve its distinctive sound. Incorporating these elements is a key step for intermediate guitarists.
- Dropped D Tuning (DADGBE): This is a favorite among Celtic guitarists like John Doyle. By tuning the low E string down to D, you instantly get a deeper, richer drone that is perfect for the open, resonant sound of the sea.
- Modal Harmony: Many shanties are not strictly major or minor but use musical modes. The Aeolian mode (natural minor) and the Dorian mode are particularly common in traditional Irish and Scottish music, which shares a close lineage with sea shanties. Understanding these modes helps you improvise and create authentic-sounding accompaniment.
Rhythm and Dynamics (The "Celtic Backing")
The rhythm guitar in folk music is often called "Celtic backing." It’s less about complex chords and more about percussive, rhythmic drive.
- Bass-Run Emphasis: When transitioning between chords, use your thumb to hit the root note (bass note) on the downstroke, followed by a lighter strum. This creates a rhythmic pulse that drives the song forward.
- Finger Picking Patterns: For slower or more introspective sailor songs (such as those by The Staves), consider a simple finger picking pattern, like a steady alternating thumb pattern (P-I-M-A) on the bass and treble strings.
- Rhythmic Variation: Avoid playing the same strumming pattern for every bar. In *Wellerman*, for instance, you can use a heavier, more percussive strum for the chorus and a lighter, alternating eighth-note strum for the verses to create dynamic contrast.
By mastering the easy chord progressions for modern hits like Gigi Perez's "Sailor Song" and the classic two-chord wonder "Drunken Sailor," you gain access to a vast catalog of fun, rhythmic music. Adding in techniques like Dropped D tuning and the Celtic backing strum will ensure your playing is not only technically correct but also rich with topical authority, making you ready for any folk session or #ShantyTok challenge.
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