Diamonds and Rust Chords

Amtap to play
Emtap to play
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
Am · Em · G · C · D

Diamonds and Rust Chords – Guitar

Joan Baez’s poignant reflection on a past relationship with Bob Dylan. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)
123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret and play G, C, D shapes to sound in the key of A, or play the A, D, E chords as written.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

 
A
Well I’ll be damned
D A
Here comes your ghost again
E
But that’s not unusual
A
It’s just that the moon is full
D
And you happened to call
A
And here I sit
E
Hand on the telephone
A
Hearing a voice I’d known
D
A couple of light years ago
A E
Heading straight for a fall
 

Verse 2

 
A D
As I remember your eyes
A
Were bluer than robin’s eggs
E
My poetry was lousy you said
A
Where are you calling from?
D A
A booth in the midwest
E
Ten years ago
A
I bought you some cufflinks
D
You brought me something
A E
We both know what memories can bring
A D
They bring diamonds and rust
 

Chorus

 
A
Well you burst on the scene
D
Already a legend
A
The unwashed phenomenon
E
The original vagabond
A
You strayed into my arms
D
And there you stayed
A
Temporarily lost at sea
E
The Madonna was yours for free
A
Yes the girl on the half-shell
D A
Would keep you unharmed
 

Verse 3

 
A
Now I see you standing
D A
With brown leaves falling all around
E
And snow in your hair
A
Now you’re smiling out the window
D
Of that crummy hotel
A
Over Washington Square
E
Our breath comes out white clouds
A
Mingles and hangs in the air
D
Speaking strictly for me
A E
We both could have died then and there
 

Chorus

 
A
Now you’re telling me
D
You’re not nostalgic
A
Then give me another word for it
E
You who are so good with words
A
And at keeping things vague
D
’Cause I need some of that vagueness now
A
It’s all come back too clearly
E
Yes I loved you dearly
A D A
And if you’re offering me diamonds and rust
E
I’ve already paid
 

Bridge

 
D A
Diamonds and rust
D A
Diamonds and rust
 

Verse 4

 
A
Well I’ll be damned
D A
Here comes your ghost again
E
But that’s not unusual
A
It’s just that the moon is full
D
And you happened to call
A
And here I sit
E
Hand on the telephone
A
Hearing a voice I’d known
D
A couple of light years ago
A E
Heading straight for a fall
 

Chorus

 
A
Now you’re telling me
D
You’re not nostalgic
A
Then give me another word for it
E
You who are so good with words
A
And at keeping things vague
D
’Cause I need some of that vagueness now
A
It’s all come back too clearly
E
Yes I loved you dearly
A D A
And if you’re offering me diamonds and rust
E
I’ve already paid
 

Practice tip: Focus on the steady, conversational rhythm and let the lyrics guide the phrasing; the chords are simple, so concentrate on telling the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Diamonds and Rust"?

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

Is "Diamonds and Rust" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "Diamonds and Rust" in?

It is in the key of A.

Who wrote "Diamonds and Rust"?

It was written by Joan Baez, and released in 1975.

Amtap to play
Emtap to play
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Am · Em · G · C · D

Diamonds and Rust Chords – Ukulele

Joan Baez’s poignant reflection on a past relationship with Bob Dylan. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)
123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret and play G, C, D shapes to sound in the key of A, or play the A, D, E chords as written.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

 
A
Well I’ll be damned
D A
Here comes your ghost again
E
But that’s not unusual
A
It’s just that the moon is full
D
And you happened to call
A
And here I sit
E
Hand on the telephone
A
Hearing a voice I’d known
D
A couple of light years ago
A E
Heading straight for a fall
 

Verse 2

 
A D
As I remember your eyes
A
Were bluer than robin’s eggs
E
My poetry was lousy you said
A
Where are you calling from?
D A
A booth in the midwest
E
Ten years ago
A
I bought you some cufflinks
D
You brought me something
A E
We both know what memories can bring
A D
They bring diamonds and rust
 

Chorus

 
A
Well you burst on the scene
D
Already a legend
A
The unwashed phenomenon
E
The original vagabond
A
You strayed into my arms
D
And there you stayed
A
Temporarily lost at sea
E
The Madonna was yours for free
A
Yes the girl on the half-shell
D A
Would keep you unharmed
 

Verse 3

 
A
Now I see you standing
D A
With brown leaves falling all around
E
And snow in your hair
A
Now you’re smiling out the window
D
Of that crummy hotel
A
Over Washington Square
E
Our breath comes out white clouds
A
Mingles and hangs in the air
D
Speaking strictly for me
A E
We both could have died then and there
 

Chorus

 
A
Now you’re telling me
D
You’re not nostalgic
A
Then give me another word for it
E
You who are so good with words
A
And at keeping things vague
D
’Cause I need some of that vagueness now
A
It’s all come back too clearly
E
Yes I loved you dearly
A D A
And if you’re offering me diamonds and rust
E
I’ve already paid
 

Bridge

 
D A
Diamonds and rust
D A
Diamonds and rust
 

Verse 4

 
A
Well I’ll be damned
D A
Here comes your ghost again
E
But that’s not unusual
A
It’s just that the moon is full
D
And you happened to call
A
And here I sit
E
Hand on the telephone
A
Hearing a voice I’d known
D
A couple of light years ago
A E
Heading straight for a fall
 

Chorus

 
A
Now you’re telling me
D
You’re not nostalgic
A
Then give me another word for it
E
You who are so good with words
A
And at keeping things vague
D
’Cause I need some of that vagueness now
A
It’s all come back too clearly
E
Yes I loved you dearly
A D A
And if you’re offering me diamonds and rust
E
I’ve already paid
 

Practice tip: Focus on the steady, conversational rhythm and let the lyrics guide the phrasing; the chords are simple, so concentrate on telling the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Diamonds and Rust"?

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

Is "Diamonds and Rust" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "Diamonds and Rust" in?

It is in the key of A.

Who wrote "Diamonds and Rust"?

It was written by Joan Baez, and released in 1975.

Amtap to play
Emtap to play
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Am · Em · G · C · D

Diamonds and Rust Chords – Piano

Joan Baez’s poignant reflection on a past relationship with Bob Dylan. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)
123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret and play G, C, D shapes to sound in the key of A, or play the A, D, E chords as written.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

 
A
Well I’ll be damned
D A
Here comes your ghost again
E
But that’s not unusual
A
It’s just that the moon is full
D
And you happened to call
A
And here I sit
E
Hand on the telephone
A
Hearing a voice I’d known
D
A couple of light years ago
A E
Heading straight for a fall
 

Verse 2

 
A D
As I remember your eyes
A
Were bluer than robin’s eggs
E
My poetry was lousy you said
A
Where are you calling from?
D A
A booth in the midwest
E
Ten years ago
A
I bought you some cufflinks
D
You brought me something
A E
We both know what memories can bring
A D
They bring diamonds and rust
 

Chorus

 
A
Well you burst on the scene
D
Already a legend
A
The unwashed phenomenon
E
The original vagabond
A
You strayed into my arms
D
And there you stayed
A
Temporarily lost at sea
E
The Madonna was yours for free
A
Yes the girl on the half-shell
D A
Would keep you unharmed
 

Verse 3

 
A
Now I see you standing
D A
With brown leaves falling all around
E
And snow in your hair
A
Now you’re smiling out the window
D
Of that crummy hotel
A
Over Washington Square
E
Our breath comes out white clouds
A
Mingles and hangs in the air
D
Speaking strictly for me
A E
We both could have died then and there
 

Chorus

 
A
Now you’re telling me
D
You’re not nostalgic
A
Then give me another word for it
E
You who are so good with words
A
And at keeping things vague
D
’Cause I need some of that vagueness now
A
It’s all come back too clearly
E
Yes I loved you dearly
A D A
And if you’re offering me diamonds and rust
E
I’ve already paid
 

Bridge

 
D A
Diamonds and rust
D A
Diamonds and rust
 

Verse 4

 
A
Well I’ll be damned
D A
Here comes your ghost again
E
But that’s not unusual
A
It’s just that the moon is full
D
And you happened to call
A
And here I sit
E
Hand on the telephone
A
Hearing a voice I’d known
D
A couple of light years ago
A E
Heading straight for a fall
 

Chorus

 
A
Now you’re telling me
D
You’re not nostalgic
A
Then give me another word for it
E
You who are so good with words
A
And at keeping things vague
D
’Cause I need some of that vagueness now
A
It’s all come back too clearly
E
Yes I loved you dearly
A D A
And if you’re offering me diamonds and rust
E
I’ve already paid
 

Practice tip: Focus on the steady, conversational rhythm and let the lyrics guide the phrasing; the chords are simple, so concentrate on telling the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Diamonds and Rust"?

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

Is "Diamonds and Rust" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "Diamonds and Rust" in?

It is in the key of A.

Who wrote "Diamonds and Rust"?

It was written by Joan Baez, and released in 1975.

Amtap to play
Emtap to play
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Am · Em · G · C · D

Diamonds and Rust Chords – Banjo

Joan Baez’s poignant reflection on a past relationship with Bob Dylan. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)
123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret and play G, C, D shapes to sound in the key of A, or play the A, D, E chords as written.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

 
A
Well I’ll be damned
D A
Here comes your ghost again
E
But that’s not unusual
A
It’s just that the moon is full
D
And you happened to call
A
And here I sit
E
Hand on the telephone
A
Hearing a voice I’d known
D
A couple of light years ago
A E
Heading straight for a fall
 

Verse 2

 
A D
As I remember your eyes
A
Were bluer than robin’s eggs
E
My poetry was lousy you said
A
Where are you calling from?
D A
A booth in the midwest
E
Ten years ago
A
I bought you some cufflinks
D
You brought me something
A E
We both know what memories can bring
A D
They bring diamonds and rust
 

Chorus

 
A
Well you burst on the scene
D
Already a legend
A
The unwashed phenomenon
E
The original vagabond
A
You strayed into my arms
D
And there you stayed
A
Temporarily lost at sea
E
The Madonna was yours for free
A
Yes the girl on the half-shell
D A
Would keep you unharmed
 

Verse 3

 
A
Now I see you standing
D A
With brown leaves falling all around
E
And snow in your hair
A
Now you’re smiling out the window
D
Of that crummy hotel
A
Over Washington Square
E
Our breath comes out white clouds
A
Mingles and hangs in the air
D
Speaking strictly for me
A E
We both could have died then and there
 

Chorus

 
A
Now you’re telling me
D
You’re not nostalgic
A
Then give me another word for it
E
You who are so good with words
A
And at keeping things vague
D
’Cause I need some of that vagueness now
A
It’s all come back too clearly
E
Yes I loved you dearly
A D A
And if you’re offering me diamonds and rust
E
I’ve already paid
 

Bridge

 
D A
Diamonds and rust
D A
Diamonds and rust
 

Verse 4

 
A
Well I’ll be damned
D A
Here comes your ghost again
E
But that’s not unusual
A
It’s just that the moon is full
D
And you happened to call
A
And here I sit
E
Hand on the telephone
A
Hearing a voice I’d known
D
A couple of light years ago
A E
Heading straight for a fall
 

Chorus

 
A
Now you’re telling me
D
You’re not nostalgic
A
Then give me another word for it
E
You who are so good with words
A
And at keeping things vague
D
’Cause I need some of that vagueness now
A
It’s all come back too clearly
E
Yes I loved you dearly
A D A
And if you’re offering me diamonds and rust
E
I’ve already paid
 

Practice tip: Focus on the steady, conversational rhythm and let the lyrics guide the phrasing; the chords are simple, so concentrate on telling the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Diamonds and Rust"?

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

Is "Diamonds and Rust" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "Diamonds and Rust" in?

It is in the key of A.

Who wrote "Diamonds and Rust"?

It was written by Joan Baez, and released in 1975.

Amtap to play
Emtap to play
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Am · Em · G · C · D

Diamonds and Rust Chords – Mandolin

Joan Baez’s poignant reflection on a past relationship with Bob Dylan. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)
123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret and play G, C, D shapes to sound in the key of A, or play the A, D, E chords as written.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

 
A
Well I’ll be damned
D A
Here comes your ghost again
E
But that’s not unusual
A
It’s just that the moon is full
D
And you happened to call
A
And here I sit
E
Hand on the telephone
A
Hearing a voice I’d known
D
A couple of light years ago
A E
Heading straight for a fall
 

Verse 2

 
A D
As I remember your eyes
A
Were bluer than robin’s eggs
E
My poetry was lousy you said
A
Where are you calling from?
D A
A booth in the midwest
E
Ten years ago
A
I bought you some cufflinks
D
You brought me something
A E
We both know what memories can bring
A D
They bring diamonds and rust
 

Chorus

 
A
Well you burst on the scene
D
Already a legend
A
The unwashed phenomenon
E
The original vagabond
A
You strayed into my arms
D
And there you stayed
A
Temporarily lost at sea
E
The Madonna was yours for free
A
Yes the girl on the half-shell
D A
Would keep you unharmed
 

Verse 3

 
A
Now I see you standing
D A
With brown leaves falling all around
E
And snow in your hair
A
Now you’re smiling out the window
D
Of that crummy hotel
A
Over Washington Square
E
Our breath comes out white clouds
A
Mingles and hangs in the air
D
Speaking strictly for me
A E
We both could have died then and there
 

Chorus

 
A
Now you’re telling me
D
You’re not nostalgic
A
Then give me another word for it
E
You who are so good with words
A
And at keeping things vague
D
’Cause I need some of that vagueness now
A
It’s all come back too clearly
E
Yes I loved you dearly
A D A
And if you’re offering me diamonds and rust
E
I’ve already paid
 

Bridge

 
D A
Diamonds and rust
D A
Diamonds and rust
 

Verse 4

 
A
Well I’ll be damned
D A
Here comes your ghost again
E
But that’s not unusual
A
It’s just that the moon is full
D
And you happened to call
A
And here I sit
E
Hand on the telephone
A
Hearing a voice I’d known
D
A couple of light years ago
A E
Heading straight for a fall
 

Chorus

 
A
Now you’re telling me
D
You’re not nostalgic
A
Then give me another word for it
E
You who are so good with words
A
And at keeping things vague
D
’Cause I need some of that vagueness now
A
It’s all come back too clearly
E
Yes I loved you dearly
A D A
And if you’re offering me diamonds and rust
E
I’ve already paid
 

Practice tip: Focus on the steady, conversational rhythm and let the lyrics guide the phrasing; the chords are simple, so concentrate on telling the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Diamonds and Rust"?

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

Is "Diamonds and Rust" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "Diamonds and Rust" in?

It is in the key of A.

Who wrote "Diamonds and Rust"?

It was written by Joan Baez, and released in 1975.

Amtap to play
Emtap to play
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Am · Em · G · C · D

Diamonds and Rust Chords – Harmonica

Joan Baez’s poignant reflection on a past relationship with Bob Dylan. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)
123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret and play G, C, D shapes to sound in the key of A, or play the A, D, E chords as written.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

 
A
Well I’ll be damned
D A
Here comes your ghost again
E
But that’s not unusual
A
It’s just that the moon is full
D
And you happened to call
A
And here I sit
E
Hand on the telephone
A
Hearing a voice I’d known
D
A couple of light years ago
A E
Heading straight for a fall
 

Verse 2

 
A D
As I remember your eyes
A
Were bluer than robin’s eggs
E
My poetry was lousy you said
A
Where are you calling from?
D A
A booth in the midwest
E
Ten years ago
A
I bought you some cufflinks
D
You brought me something
A E
We both know what memories can bring
A D
They bring diamonds and rust
 

Chorus

 
A
Well you burst on the scene
D
Already a legend
A
The unwashed phenomenon
E
The original vagabond
A
You strayed into my arms
D
And there you stayed
A
Temporarily lost at sea
E
The Madonna was yours for free
A
Yes the girl on the half-shell
D A
Would keep you unharmed
 

Verse 3

 
A
Now I see you standing
D A
With brown leaves falling all around
E
And snow in your hair
A
Now you’re smiling out the window
D
Of that crummy hotel
A
Over Washington Square
E
Our breath comes out white clouds
A
Mingles and hangs in the air
D
Speaking strictly for me
A E
We both could have died then and there
 

Chorus

 
A
Now you’re telling me
D
You’re not nostalgic
A
Then give me another word for it
E
You who are so good with words
A
And at keeping things vague
D
’Cause I need some of that vagueness now
A
It’s all come back too clearly
E
Yes I loved you dearly
A D A
And if you’re offering me diamonds and rust
E
I’ve already paid
 

Bridge

 
D A
Diamonds and rust
D A
Diamonds and rust
 

Verse 4

 
A
Well I’ll be damned
D A
Here comes your ghost again
E
But that’s not unusual
A
It’s just that the moon is full
D
And you happened to call
A
And here I sit
E
Hand on the telephone
A
Hearing a voice I’d known
D
A couple of light years ago
A E
Heading straight for a fall
 

Chorus

 
A
Now you’re telling me
D
You’re not nostalgic
A
Then give me another word for it
E
You who are so good with words
A
And at keeping things vague
D
’Cause I need some of that vagueness now
A
It’s all come back too clearly
E
Yes I loved you dearly
A D A
And if you’re offering me diamonds and rust
E
I’ve already paid
 

Practice tip: Focus on the steady, conversational rhythm and let the lyrics guide the phrasing; the chords are simple, so concentrate on telling the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Diamonds and Rust"?

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

Is "Diamonds and Rust" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "Diamonds and Rust" in?

It is in the key of A.

Who wrote "Diamonds and Rust"?

It was written by Joan Baez, and released in 1975.