Wild Mountain Thyme Chords: Complete Guitar Guide

The standard chord progression for Wild Mountain Thyme (also known as Will Ye Go Lassie, Go) is G - C - G - D, typically played in the key of G major. This traditional folk song follows a simple I-IV-I-V chord pattern that repeats throughout most verses, making it accessible for beginner and intermediate guitar players.

"Wild Mountain Thyme," also known as "Will Ye Go Lassie, Go," is a beloved traditional Scottish folk song that has been covered by countless artists including The Dubliners, The Pogues, and Robert Plant. Its enduring popularity makes it a staple in folk music circles and a favorite for guitar players looking to expand their acoustic repertoire.

Understanding the Basic Chord Structure

This beautiful folk tune follows a straightforward chord progression that repeats throughout most versions. The song's simplicity is part of what makes it so accessible to musicians of various skill levels. The standard progression creates the perfect foundation for the song's wistful, romantic lyrics about love among the blooming thyme.

Complete Wild Mountain Thyme Chord Progression

While variations exist across different recordings, the most common chord structure follows this pattern:

Section	Chords	Timing
Verse (standard)	G - C - G - D	2 beats per chord
Alternative verse	Em - C - G - D	2 beats per chord
Chorus	G - C - G - D	2 beats per chord
Bridge (some versions)	Am - C - G - D	2 beats per chord

Key Variations for Different Vocal Ranges

While the song is most commonly played in G major, many performers transpose it to suit different vocal ranges:

• Key of A: A - D - A - E (useful for higher voices)
• Key of F: F - Bb - F - C (works well for lower voices)
• Capo at 2nd fret in G position: Creates brighter sound while maintaining familiar finger positions

When choosing your key, consider the vocal range of the singer or your comfort level with the chord shapes. The song's emotional impact remains strong regardless of the key.

Wild Mountain Thyme Lyrics with Chord Placements

Here's the first verse with chords marked above the appropriate words:

G                 C
Will ye go, lassie, go?
G                 D
And we'll all go together
G                 C
To pull wild mountain thyme
G                 D
All around the blooming heather
G                 C
Will ye go, lassie, go?

G                 C
I will love you in the morning sun
G                 D
I will love you when the day is done
G                 C
I will love you with the evening star
G                 D
I will love you where the wild thyme are

Recommended Strumming Patterns

The song's gentle, flowing rhythm works well with these strumming patterns:

1. Basic folk pattern: D-DU-UDU (down-down-up-up-down-up) at moderate tempo
2. Traditional Irish pattern: D-D-DU-UDU with emphasis on the first beat of each measure
3. Simplified beginner pattern: Down strums on all beats (1-2-3-4)

For authentic folk feel, try adding a slight hesitation on the third beat of each measure. This creates the characteristic lilting rhythm common in Celtic music.

Advanced Playing Techniques

Once you've mastered the basic wild mountain thyme chords, consider these enhancements:

• Add hammer-ons between G and G7 chords for texture
• Incorporate fingerpicking patterns during quieter verses
• Use partial capo on 2nd and 3rd strings for brighter tonal quality
• Experiment with modal tuning (DADGAD) for traditional Celtic sound

Historical Context of the Song

"Wild Mountain Thyme" originated in Scotland in the late 19th century, though its melody draws from much older Celtic folk traditions. The song gained international popularity through recordings by The Clancy Brothers in the 1960s folk revival. Understanding this background helps inform your interpretation of the wild mountain thyme guitar chords and the song's emotional delivery.

Troubleshooting Common Challenges

Many players encounter these issues when learning this traditional folk song:

• Chord transitions: Practice moving slowly between G and C chords until smooth
• Rhythm consistency: Use a metronome set to 80-100 BPM for steady timing
• Vocal/instrumental coordination: Master the chords first, then add singing
• Finger fatigue: Take breaks during practice sessions to build endurance gradually

Recommended Recordings for Reference

To develop your interpretation of wild mountain thyme chords, listen to these definitive versions:

• The Dubliners - "Wild Mountain Thyme" (1967)
• The Corries - "Will Ye Go Lassie, Go" (1970s)
• Robert Plant - "Charlie Patton Highway" (features similar folk structure)
• The Wailin' Jennys - "Will Ye" (contemporary interpretation)

Paying attention to how different artists handle the chord changes and rhythmic feel will deepen your understanding of this traditional folk song's musical possibilities.

What key is Wild Mountain Thyme typically played in?

Wild Mountain Thyme is most commonly played in the key of G major, though many performers transpose it to suit different vocal ranges. The song works well in keys of A, F, or with a capo at the 2nd fret while using G chord shapes.

How difficult are the Wild Mountain Thyme guitar chords for beginners?

The Wild Mountain Thyme chord progression (G-C-G-D) is considered beginner-friendly as it uses basic open chords with straightforward transitions. The repetitive pattern makes it accessible for new guitar players while still sounding musically satisfying.

What strumming pattern works best for Wild Mountain Thyme?

The traditional strumming pattern for Wild Mountain Thyme is D-DU-UDU (down-down-up-up-down-up) at a moderate tempo. For authentic Celtic feel, add a slight hesitation on the third beat of each measure to create the characteristic lilting rhythm.

Are there different versions of the Wild Mountain Thyme chord progression?

Yes, while the standard progression is G-C-G-D, some versions use Em-C-G-D for certain verses. The chorus typically maintains the G-C-G-D pattern. Advanced players sometimes incorporate modal tunings like DADGAD for a more traditional Celtic sound.

How do I play Wild Mountain Thyme with a capo?

Placing a capo at the 2nd fret while playing G chord shapes raises the key to A, which works well for higher voices. The capo brightens the tone while maintaining familiar finger positions, making it easier to transition between chords while achieving a more traditional folk sound.