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Key
Am Major
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
Am · G · D · C · Em
“Althea” is one of the Grateful Dead’s most beloved later-era songs. With its jazzy chord changes and melodic sophistication, it offers a rewarding challenge for intermediate players.
Moderate Rock Groove (4/4 Time)
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Tip: The chord changes come a bit faster in this one. Practice the Am to G to D transition smoothly. The song has a laid-back groove despite the chord movement. Don’t rush it.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song
Verse 1
Am G
I told Althea I’m a roving sign
D Am
That I was born to be a bachelor
Am G
Althea told me, OK, that’s fine
D C
So now I’m trying to catch her
Chorus
Em C
Can’t talk to you without talking to me
Am D
We’re guilty of the same old thing
Em C
Thinking a lot about less and less
Am D
And forgetting the love we bring
Verse 2
Am G D
There are things you can replace and others you cannot
Am G
The time has come to weigh those things
D C
This space is getting hot
Am G
You know this space is getting hot