Kumbaya (My Lord) – Guitar Chords, Tabs, Sheet Music for Guitar, Printable PDF

“Kumbaya” is a spiritual song. In Gullah -a language that was spoken by slaves in South Carolina and Georgia- it means “Come by Yuh” or “Come by Here”, and refers to the help of God.

The song is known from the 20’s and during the decades of the 50’s and the 60’s it became popular in scouting and summer camps. Since Joan Baez’s recording in 1962, the song was associated with the Civil Rights Movement, but it is also sung during the Christmas period as a religious song.

On this page you can find Guitar Chords and Tabs followed by an Easy Guitar Sheet Music with notes and tablature. See also our Printable PDF file for free download.

Contents

Guitar Chords and Tabs in G

“Kumbaya” is an easy 4-chord song in a major key. We suggest the key of G major as all four chords G, C, D and D7 are essential for beginners. Alternatively, you will find the song in the key of D major as you can see next.

The melody range that results when singing in the key of G is the sixth G4 – E5 (see on the Music Sheet in G following) and is well suited to most children’s voice pitch. Nonetheless, you could use a capo to transpose to G#, A, Bb, or B major by placing it respectively on fret I, II, III, or IV.

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Guitar Chords and Tabs in D

As mentioned above, we also suggest the key of D major, as all four chords D, G, A and A7 are essential for beginners.

Accordingly, the melody range extends to the sixth D4 – B4 (see on the Music Sheet in D following) and is a bit low children’s voice pitch. Nevertheless, you could use a capo to transpose to D#, E, F, or F# major by placing it respectively on fret I, II, III, or IV.

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Easy Guitar Sheet Music with Notes, Chords & Tablature in G

This is a simple transcription for guitar with a bass line and recommended fingering. As much as the song is great for singing with kids, it is also an ideal piece for guitar beginners. It is a pleasant tune to practice the notes on the 1^st position and up to the 3^rd fret with all 4 fingers of the left hand. The upper melody line is played on the first three strings (E, B and G).

The piece is also good for right hand mobility and control, as one can practice the apoyando i-m along with the thumb movement and control.

To save this free guitar music sheet of “Kumbaya (My Lord)” to your computer, right click (or tap and hold, on mobile devices) and choose “Save Image As…”.

Easy Guitar Sheet Music with Notes, Chords & Tablature in D

This is a simple transcription for guitar with recommended fingering. As said above, the piece is great for guitar beginners.

Regarding the left hand, you will practice the notes on the 2^nd position and up to the 4^thfret with just two fingers – 2 and 4. As for the right hand it is apoyando i-m.

For saving this free guitar music sheet of “Kumbaya (My Lord)” to your computer, right click (or tap and hold, on mobile devices) and choose “Save Image As…”.