Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Ctap to play
Emtap to play
Key
Am
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
Am · G · D · C · Em
Althea Chords – Guitar
Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Ctap to play
Emtap to play
Key
Am
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Am · G · D · C · Em
Althea Chords – Ukulele
Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Ctap to play
Emtap to play
Key
Am
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Am · G · D · C · Em
Althea Chords – Piano
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Emtap to play
Key
Am
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Am · G · D · C · Em
Althea Chords – Banjo
Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Ctap to play
Emtap to play
Key
Am
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Am · G · D · C · Em
Althea Chords – Mandolin
Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Ctap to play
Emtap to play
Key
Am
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Am · G · D · C · Em
Althea Chords – Harmonica
“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.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
Am – G
D – Am
Am – G
D – C
Chorus
Em – C
Am – D
Em – C
Am – D
Verse 2
Am – G – D
Am – G
D – C
Am – G
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Althea"?
You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: Am, G, D, C and Em.
Is "Althea" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of Am, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Althea" in?
It is in the key of Am.
Who wrote "Althea"?
It was written by Jerry Garcia, Robert Hunter, and released in 1980.