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Key
G Major
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G · C · D
Bob Dylan’s protest anthem remains as relevant today as when it was written in 1962. Three chords, a harmonica, and words that changed the world.
Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 7th fret to match the original recording key. The open chord shapes at the 7th fret give a bright, ringing quality.
How to play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the three chords
You need G, C, and D. Dylan’s genius was making profound music from the simplest elements.
2
Get the folk strum
The strumming is gentle and conversational. This is a talking song — the guitar accompanies the voice, not the other way around.
3
Learn the verse pattern
Each question follows: G-C-G-C-G-D. The answer phrase: C-D-G-C-G-D-G. The same pattern for all three verses.
4
Add a harmonica
If you have a harmonica in the key of C, wear it on a neck holder and play between verses. This is the classic Dylan sound.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song — Guitar Version
Verse 1
G C G
How many roads must a man walk down
G C D
Before you call him a man?
G C G
How many seas must a white dove sail
G C D
Before she sleeps in the sand?
Chorus
C D G C
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
C D G
The answer is blowin’ in the wind
Practice tip: Dylan once said he wrote this song in 10 minutes. Spend those 10 minutes learning to play it, then spend a lifetime thinking about what it means.