The Simple Man chords are C, G, and Am — three open chords that carry the entire Lynyrd Skynyrd classic. You can strum it, fingerpick it, or use a hybrid pick-and-fingers approach.
Tuning note: Most recordings of Simple Man are tuned down a half step (Eb). If you’re playing along with the original and it sounds off, that’s why. Some live versions are in standard tuning, but the studio version isn’t.
Simple Man Chords – Video Lesson
Watch on YouTube
The Basic Progression
The verse is just C → G → Am, repeating. You can strum straight through, but the song sounds better with a bass walkup leading into the C chord: play A, then B on the 5th string, then land on C.
For a more authentic feel, try hybrid picking — use your pick on the bass notes while your fingers handle the higher strings. It gives that layered sound you hear on the record.
The Chorus
Instead of smooth strumming, the chorus uses power strums — one hard hit per chord. Between the chords there’s a fill riff: E, G, E, G, A. This pattern repeats four times through the chorus.
The Solo Section
During the guitar solo, you can keep playing C, G, Am if you’re a beginner. But if you want to match the rhythm guitar part, switch to power chords:
A power chord → B power chord → run up to C (hit twice) → G → slide up to A
It’s the same chord roots, just voiced as power chords for more punch under the solo.
Making It Your Own
This is a very intelligent song — simple chords, but lots of room to add texture. Try picking the chords individually, strumming them, or mixing both. Play along with the original recording once you’ve got the changes down.
Click here for more easy guitar songs.
