Diwali Songs on Guitar: Easy Chords for Beginners
Diwali is the one time of year when everyone in the house wants music: during the Lakshmi Puja, while the diyas are being lit, or when the family sits together afterwards. If you play guitar, this is your moment.
This guide covers Diwali songs on guitar you can play with just four or five open chords. Every song below uses simple shapes, so you can learn it in one evening and play it at your next family gathering.
Chords You Need to Know First
Almost every song in this list uses chords from this small set. Below you will find the exact visual chord diagrams showing finger numbers, string fretting positions, and open/muted strings, followed by a quick reference summary:
| Chord | Type | Musical Notes & Role |
|---|---|---|
| G | Major | Foundation chord for most aartis |
| C | Major | Bright, open sound |
| D | Major | Usually leads back to G |
| Em | Minor | Softens the mood |
| Am | Minor | Gives a devotional feel |
| F | Major | Use the easy 4-string version if you're a beginner |
| E | Major | Works well in Am-based bhajans |
1. Om Jai Jagdish Hare (Aarti)
Traditional Aarti · Key of G Major · Capo 2–3 Optional · Beginner
The most recognisable aarti in Indian homes, and the best first song to learn. When the puja completes and the thali is rotated, everyone sings this melody together.
Song Details- Key: G major
- Chords: G – C – G – D – G
- Optional colour chord: Em before D
- Strumming: Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up (a slow 4/4 feel)
- Capo: Capo 2 or 3 if the key is too low for you
2. Om Jai Lakshmi Mata (Lakshmi Aarti)
Diwali Puja Aarti · Key of C Major · Fingerpicking Friendly · Beginner
This is the aarti for the main Diwali puja, so it's the one everyone will expect. Its flowing melody naturally complements a resonant acoustic guitar.
Song Details- Key: C major
- Chords: C – F – C – G – C
- Optional: Am in place of C on the turnaround
- Strumming: D – D U – U D U
3. Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Traditional Bhajan · Key of C Major · Capo 2 · Group Singing
A traditional bhajan, perfect for Diwali since it celebrates Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya. Its repetitive, uplifting cadence makes it a crowd favourite.
Song Details- Key: C major
- Chords: C – Am – F – G
- Strumming: D – D U – D U (steady, almost march-like)
- Capo: Capo 2 for a warmer, brighter sound
4. Sukhkarta Dukhharta (Ganesh Aarti)
Ganesh Aarti · Key of D Major · Quick Transitions · Festive
Many families begin Diwali puja by invoking Ganesha first, and this aarti is a favourite, especially in Maharashtra. It brings an energetic, auspicious vibe.
Song Details- Key: D major
- Chords: D – G – D – A – D
- Optional: Bm for a softer middle section
- Strumming: D – D U – U D U
5. Shri Ram Chandra Kripalu Bhaju Man
Devotional Stuti · Key of A Minor · Expressive & Melancholic · Intermediate
A beautiful bhajan with a slightly melancholic, devotional mood. The movement from A minor through G and F down to E major creates a poignant resolution.
Song Details- Key: A minor
- Chords: Am – G – F – E
- Strumming: Slow and spacious: D – – D U – U D U
6. Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki
Krishna Aarti · Key of G Major · Easy 4-Chord Loop · Beginner
Another classic you'll often hear during festive evenings. Because it shares chords with Om Jai Jagdish Hare, you can learn both in the same practice session.
Song Details- Key: G major
- Chords: G – C – D – Em
- Strumming: D – D U – U D U
Three Strumming Patterns for Diwali Songs
Devotional songs and aartis need dynamic sensitivity. Rather than playing loud, rhythmic acoustic chops, pick one of these three time-tested strumming patterns:
1. Slow Devotional: D – – D U – U D U
The quintessential ballad and aarti pattern. Hold the first downstroke on beat 1 for warmth, then follow with gentle syncopated brushes.
2. Steady Bhajan: D – D U – D U
Best suited for group singing, celebratory bhajans like Raghupati Raghav, and uplifting tempos where everyone is clapping hands.
3. Fingerpicking: Thumb (bass) – Index – Middle – Ring – Middle – Index
Pluck the root bass note of the chord with your thumb, then pluck strings 3, 2, 1, 2, 3 with your fingers for calm, quiet, spiritual moments during prayer.
Start with pattern 1 for aartis, use pattern 2 for group singing, and switch to fingerpicking for calm, quiet moments while lighting the diyas.
Tips for Playing Guitar at Diwali Gatherings
- Use a capo: Find the key where the singer in your family is comfortable, then move the capo instead of learning new chords.
- Keep it acoustic and soft: Devotional songs need warmth, not volume. Let the voices take the spotlight.
- Learn 2 or 3 songs well instead of 10 songs badly: Familiar aartis impress everyone far more than half-learned chord changes.
- Tune up beforehand: Festivals are noisy and humid with diyas and incense, so tune your strings carefully before guests arrive.
- Print or save the chords on your phone: Have a quick chord sheet handy so you can glance at the sequence without losing your rhythm.
Beginner Practice Plan (One Week Before Diwali)
Follow this simple 7-day schedule to be 100% prepared to play confidently in front of your family:
| Day | Focused Practice Action |
|---|---|
| Days 1–2 | Learn G, C, D, Em and practice switching between them cleanly with a metronome at 60 BPM. |
| Day 3 | Play Om Jai Jagdish Hare slowly, focusing on continuous down-up rhythm without stopping. |
| Day 4 | Add Om Jai Lakshmi Mata and practice the gentle fingerpicking pattern. |
| Day 5 | Learn Am, F, and E, then practice the chord cycle for Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram. |
| Day 6 | Practise your favourite two songs with a capo on the 2nd and 3rd fret to match different vocal ranges. |
| Day 7 | Play all selected songs through from start to finish, without pausing, like a live family performance. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can beginners play Diwali songs on guitar?
Yes. Most aartis and bhajans use three or four open chords and a simple strumming pattern, so they're ideal for beginners.
Which capo position is best for aartis?
It depends on the singer's voice. Capo 2 or 3 is a good starting point for G and C-based songs, allowing both male and female singers to find a comfortable singing pitch.
Do I need to read tabs or sheet music?
No. Since these songs are widely known, you can play the chords while following the melody you already know by ear.
What's the easiest Diwali song to start with?
Om Jai Jagdish Hare. It uses basic G, C, and D chords, and the progression repeats predictably throughout the entire prayer.
Final Thoughts
Playing Diwali songs on guitar is a lovely way to bring music into the festival, and you only need a handful of chords to do it. Start with one aarti, get comfortable with the rhythm, and build from there.
Explore chord shapes, scales, and the fretboard on Open Fretboard to take your playing further, and come back for more festive and devotional song guides.
Happy Diwali, and happy playing!