Gtap to play
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G · C · D · A
Bobby McGee Chords – Guitar
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
G · C · D · A
Bobby McGee Chords – Ukulele
Gtap to play
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
G · C · D · A
Bobby McGee Chords – Piano
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G · C · D · A
Bobby McGee Chords – Banjo
Gtap to play
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
G · C · D · A
Bobby McGee Chords – Mandolin
Gtap to play
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
G · C · D · A
Bobby McGee Chords – Harmonica
Janis Joplin’s iconic, free-spirited anthem about love, loss, and the open road. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.
Folk Rock Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: This song has a relaxed, storytelling feel, so don’t rush the strumming pattern.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
G – C
G
G – C
G
Verse 2
G – C
G
G – C
G
Chorus
C – G
D – G
C – G
D – G (×2)
Verse 3
G – C
G
G – C
G
Verse 4
G – C
G
G – C
G
Chorus
C – G
D – G
C – G
D – G (×2)
Bridge
Em – C (×2)
Outro
G – C
G
G – C
D – G (×3)
Practice tip: The G-C-D chord progression is the core of this song. Practice switching between these three chords cleanly before adding the lyrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Bobby McGee"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and A.
Is "Bobby McGee" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Bobby McGee" in?
It is in the key of G.
Who wrote "Bobby McGee"?
It was written by Kris Kristofferson, Fred Foster, and released in 1971.