Dtap to play
Gtap to play
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
D · G · A · Em · Bm
Carolina in My Mind Chords – Guitar
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
D · G · A · Em · Bm
Carolina in My Mind Chords – Ukulele
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
D · G · A · Em · Bm
Carolina in My Mind Chords – Piano
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
D · G · A · Em · Bm
Carolina in My Mind Chords – Banjo
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
D · G · A · Em · Bm
Carolina in My Mind Chords – Mandolin
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Emtap to play
Bmtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
D · G · A · Em · Bm
Carolina in My Mind Chords – Harmonica
James Taylor’s wistful folk-rock classic about homesickness and longing. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.
Folk Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of E while playing these D-position chords.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
D – G
D – A
D – G
A – D
G – A
D – G – A
Chorus
D – G
D – A
D – G
A – D – A
Verse 2
D – G
D – A
D – G
A – D
G – A
D – G – A
Chorus
D – G
D – A
D – G
A – D – A
Bridge
G – A
D – G
G – A
D – G
Verse 3
D – G
D – A
D – G
A – D
G – A
D – G – A
Chorus
D – G
D – A
D – G
A – D – A
Practice tip: The D, G, and A chords are the entire song. Practice switching between them slowly until the transitions feel automatic, then add the strum pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Carolina in My Mind"?
You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: D, G, A, Em and Bm.
Is "Carolina in My Mind" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Carolina in My Mind" in?
It is in the key of D.
Who wrote "Carolina in My Mind"?
It was written by James Taylor, and released in 1968.