Rock, Folk

Box of Rain Chords

Grateful Dead Beginner Key of G 5 Chords 2 min read Updated Jul 2026

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

G · C · D · Am · Em

Box of Rain Chords – Guitar

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

G · C · D · Am · Em

Box of Rain Chords – Ukulele

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

G · C · D · Am · Em

Box of Rain Chords – Piano

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

G · C · D · Am · Em

Box of Rain Chords – Banjo

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

G · C · D · Am · Em

Box of Rain Chords – Mandolin

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

G · C · D · Am · Em

Box of Rain Chords – Harmonica

A classic Grateful Dead song written by Phil Lesh and Robert Hunter. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Chords used: G, C, D, Am, Em · Key: G · Difficulty: Beginner

Folk Rock Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

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Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of A, but these chords are written for open position in G.

Chords & Structure

Full Song

Verse 1

G

C – G

D

C – G – C

G

D – G

C – G

D – G

Verse 2

G

C – G

D

C – G – C

G

D – G

C – G

D – G

Chorus

C

G – D

C

G – D

C

G – D

C – G

D – G

Verse 3

G

C – G

D

C – G – C

G

D – G

C – G

D – G

Chorus

C

G – D

C

G – D

C

G – D

C – G

D – G

Bridge

C – G

D

C – G

D

C

G

D

C – G

D – G

Verse 4

G

C – G

D

C – G

D

C – G

D

C – G

Chorus

C

G – D

C

G – D

C

G – D

C – G

D – G

Practice tip: The chord progression G, C, D is the core of this song. Practice switching between these three chords smoothly before adding the lyrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Box of Rain"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D, Am and Em.

Is "Box of Rain" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Box of Rain" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Box of Rain"?

It was written by Robert Hunter, Phil Lesh, and released in 1970.