Somewhere over the Rainbow Chords

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

85 BPM 4/4 2:41 Beginner reggae

Chords8

InIntro5 bars

In2Intro 28 bars

Ooh, Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

VVerse26 bars

Somewhere over the rainbow way up high

And the dreams that you dream of

Once in a lullaby

I know somewhere over the rainbow

Bluebirds fly

And the dreams that you dream of

Dreams really do come true

Someday I wish upon a star

Wake up where the clouds are far behind

Where trouble melts like lemon drops

High above the chimney carpets where

You'll find me, oh

C2Chorus 218 bars

Somewhere over the rainbow way up high

.The dreams that you dare to

Why, oh why can't I?

I, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

Uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh

Beyond the notes

A chart only shows the chords. Here is the easiest way to play Somewhere over the Rainbow on guitar, and a place to take it once you know it.

Easiest on guitar

The original key already fits open chords.

CEmAmFGE7C7Fmaj7

Planning this Sunday's set?

Add Somewhere over the Rainbow to a Service Plan: choose the key, say who plays what and share the charts with your team.

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Solo over Somewhere over the Rainbow Somewhere over the Rainbow is in C major. Its relative minor pentatonic, A minor pentatonic, has the same five notes as the C major pentatonic and is the easiest scale to solo with. See its 5 positions, play along with a backing track and print the chart. A Minor Pentatonic

Somewhere over the Rainbow chords in other keys

The same progression moved to whichever key suits your voice. Pick one to transpose the chart and the playback.

Key of C Original: CEmAmFGE7C7Fmaj7
Key of G: GBmEmCDB7G7Cmaj7
Key of D: DF#mBmGAF#7D7Gmaj7
Key of A: AC#mF#mDEC#7A7Dmaj7
Key of E: EG#mC#mABG#7E7Amaj7
Key of F: FAmDmBbCA7F7Bbmaj7

Open Somewhere over the Rainbow in the Chord Player

Change the chords, try a different rhythm style, transpose to your key, and export to WAV. Or make your own chord sheet in your key and section order.

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About Somewhere over the Rainbow

Somewhere over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole — C major, 85 BPM, beginner. Built around C, F, Am and G. Transpose to any key right on the page. The chart moves through Intro, Verse and Chorus, using 8 chords in total — a slow and emotional reggae song, and C major is pure and versatile — works across genres.

Chord progressions in this song: I–V–vi–IV (Axis), vi–IV–I–V (Sensitive)

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote Somewhere over the Rainbow?

Somewhere over the Rainbow was written and recorded by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.

What key is Somewhere over the Rainbow in?

Somewhere over the Rainbow is in C major.

What are the chords in Somewhere over the Rainbow?

The chord chart uses 8 chords: C, Em, Am, F, G, E7, C7, Fmaj7.

How fast is Somewhere over the Rainbow?

Somewhere over the Rainbow is played at 85 BPM (beats per minute) — a slow and emotional feel.

Is Somewhere over the Rainbow easy to play?

Somewhere over the Rainbow is built around 4 main chords — 8 in total once you count the passing chords — so it's rated Beginner. Most beginners can learn it in one session.

Can I get a printable PDF of Somewhere over the Rainbow?

Yes — click PDF in the toolbar above for a printable, transposable chord chart for Somewhere over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. Free, no signup needed.