Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G Major
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G · C · D · Am
Another classic from the Grateful Dead’s American Beauty, “Friend of the Devil” is an uptempo folk-rock tune about a man on the run. The bouncy rhythm and simple chords make it a joy to play.
Bouncy Folk Rock (4/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑↓↑
123456
Tip: This song has a distinctive bouncy feel. Alternate between bass notes and strums for the verse. The tempo should feel like a brisk walk. Keep it light and fun.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song
Verse 1
G C
I lit out from Reno, I was trailed by twenty hounds
G C
Didn’t get to sleep that night till the morning came around
D Am
Set out running but I’ll take my time
D Am
A friend of the devil is a friend of mine
D Am D G
If I get home before daylight, I just might get some sleep tonight
Chorus
D Am
I ran into the devil, babe, he loaned me twenty bills
D Am
I spent that night in Utah in a cave up in the hills
Verse 2
G C
I ran down to the levee but the devil caught me there
G C
He took my twenty dollar bill and he vanished in the air
D Am
Set out running but I’ll take my time
D Am
A friend of the devil is a friend of mine
D Am D G
If I get home before daylight, I just might get some sleep tonight