Etap to play
Btap to play
Atap to play
C#mtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
E · B · A · C#m
Beast of Burden Chords – Guitar
Etap to play
Btap to play
Atap to play
C#mtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
E · B · A · C#m
Beast of Burden Chords – Ukulele
Etap to play
Btap to play
Atap to play
C#mtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
E · B · A · C#m
Beast of Burden Chords – Piano
Etap to play
Btap to play
Atap to play
C#mtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
E · B · A · C#m
Beast of Burden Chords – Banjo
Etap to play
Btap to play
Atap to play
C#mtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
E · B · A · C#m
Beast of Burden Chords – Mandolin
Etap to play
Btap to play
Atap to play
C#mtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
E · B · A · C#m
Beast of Burden Chords – Harmonica
The Rolling Stones’ groovy, soulful plea from the Some Girls album. Beginner difficulty in the key of E.
Blues-Rock Groove (4/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑↓↑
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Tip: Play with a loose, funky feel. This song has a lazy, soulful groove — don’t rush it. Let the rhythm breathe.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
E
A – E
E – A – E
Verse 2
E
A – E
E – A – E
Chorus
B – A – E (×4)
Verse 3
E
A – E
E
A – E
Chorus
B – A – E (×4)
Verse 4
E
A – E
E – A
E
Chorus
B – A
E
B – A
E
B – A – E
B – A
E
Outro
E
A – E
E – A – E
Practice tip: Three main chords (E, A, B) with a bluesy groove. The B-A-E turnaround in the chorus is the signature move. Practice it until the slide from B to A to E feels natural.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Beast of Burden"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: E, B, A and C#m.
Is "Beast of Burden" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Beast of Burden" in?
It is in the key of E.
Who wrote "Beast of Burden"?
It was written by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and released in 1978.