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Atap to play
Btap to play
C#mtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
E · A · B · C#m
Dirty Work Chords – Guitar
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Atap to play
Btap to play
C#mtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
E · A · B · C#m
Dirty Work Chords – Ukulele
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Btap to play
C#mtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
E · A · B · C#m
Dirty Work Chords – Piano
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Btap to play
C#mtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
E · A · B · C#m
Dirty Work Chords – Banjo
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Atap to play
Btap to play
C#mtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
E · A · B · C#m
Dirty Work Chords – Mandolin
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Atap to play
Btap to play
C#mtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
E · A · B · C#m
Dirty Work Chords – Harmonica
A classic tale of a transactional affair from Steely Dan’s debut album. Beginner difficulty in the key of E.
Light Rock (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 4th fret and play C, F, and G shapes for an easier time matching the original recording’s key.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
E
A – E – B
E
A – E – B
E – A – E – B – E – A
Chorus
E – A – E – B (×4)
Verse 2
E – A – E – B (×2)
E – A – E – B – E – A
Chorus
E – A – E – B (×4)
Bridge
A – E – B (×2)
Verse 3
E
A – E – B
E – A – E – B – E
A – E – B
E – A – E
Chorus
E – A – E – B (×4)
Practice tip: The chord progression E – A – E – B repeats often; get comfortable switching between these four chords before adding the lyrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Dirty Work"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: E, A, B and C#m.
Is "Dirty Work" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Dirty Work" in?
It is in the key of E.
Who wrote "Dirty Work"?
It was written by Walter Becker, Donald Fagen, and released in 1972.