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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
A · D · E · G
Dire Wolf Chords – Guitar
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
A · D · E · G
Dire Wolf Chords – Ukulele
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
A · D · E · G
Dire Wolf Chords – Piano
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
A · D · E · G
Dire Wolf Chords – Banjo
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
A · D · E · G
Dire Wolf Chords – Mandolin
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
A · D · E · G
Dire Wolf Chords – Harmonica
A haunting folk-rock ballad by the Grateful Dead about a late-night poker game with a mythical beast. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.
Folk Rock Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret and play G, C, and D shapes for the correct key, or play the chords as written without a capo.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
A – E – A – E
A – E – A – E – A (×2)
E – A
Chorus
A – E – A – E
A – E – A – E – A
Verse 2
A – E – A – E
A – E – A – E – A
A – E – A – E
A – E – A – E – A (×2)
E – A
Chorus
A – E – A – E
A – E – A – E – A
Verse 3
A – E – A – E
A – E – A – E – A (×2)
E – A
Chorus
A – E – A – E
A – E – A – E – A
Bridge
A – E – A – E
A – E – A – E – A (×3)
E – A
Chorus
A – E – A – E
A – E – A – E – A
Practice tip: Master the simple A to E change first, as it drives the entire song. Strum slowly and focus on the storytelling rhythm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Dire Wolf"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: A, D, E and G.
Is "Dire Wolf" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Dire Wolf" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Dire Wolf"?
It was written by Robert Hunter, Jerry Garcia, and released in 1970.