How to Play the Star-Spangled Banner on Guitar

The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States of America. It was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814, after he witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. The lyrics are based on a poem he wrote, called “Defence of Fort M’Henry”, which was later set to the tune of a popular British song, “To Anacreon in Heaven”. The song became the official national anthem in 1931, and is often played at patriotic events and sports games.

If you want to learn how to play the Star-Spangled Banner on guitar, you will need to know some basic chords, strumming patterns, and finger positions. In this article, we will show you how to play the song in two different keys: C major and A major. We will also provide you with some tips and tricks to make your performance sound better.

Chords

G7   C       G  Am7  E7      Am       D7     G
Oh, say can you see  by the dawn's early light
        C          G      F      C           G       C
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
 
G7          C            G      Am    E7          Am  D7   G
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
         C            G       F      C       G      C
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
 
        C  G7     C                   G7
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
       C               G              C    Am  D7    G
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
 
    C    Dm7  C   F     A7      Dm         Gsus4 G
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wa -  ave
         C           C/E  Am      C/G  G7     C
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Playing the Star-Spangled Banner in C Major

One of the easiest ways to play the Star-Spangled Banner on guitar is in the key of C major. This key has no sharps or flats, and uses mostly open chords that are easy to switch between. Here are the chords you will need to know:

• C major: Place your index finger on the first fret of the second string, your middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the fifth string. Strum all six strings.
• G major: Place your index finger on the second fret of the fifth string, your middle finger on the third fret of the sixth string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the first string. Strum all six strings.
• F major: Place your index finger on the first fret of the first and second strings, your middle finger on the second fret of the third string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the fourth string. Strum only the first four strings.
• Am7: Place your index finger on the first fret of the second string, and your middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string. Strum all six strings.
• E7: Place your index finger on the first fret of the third string, and your middle finger on the second fret of the fifth string. Strum all six strings.
• Am: Place your index finger on the first fret of the second string, your middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the third string. Strum all six strings.
• D7: Place your index finger on the first fret of the second string, your middle finger on the second fret of the third string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the first string. Strum only the first four strings.

Conclusion

The Star-Spangled Banner is a patriotic song that every American should know how to play on guitar. It is not very difficult to learn, as long as you know some basic chords and strumming patterns. You can choose to play it in either C major or A major, depending on your preference and skill level. You can also use a capo to change the key to suit your voice. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy playing this beautiful anthem.