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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
E · A · B · D
Don’t Mess Around with Jim Chords – Guitar
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
E · A · B · D
Don’t Mess Around with Jim Chords – Ukulele
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
E · A · B · D
Don’t Mess Around with Jim Chords – Piano
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
E · A · B · D
Don’t Mess Around with Jim Chords – Banjo
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
E · A · B · D
Don’t Mess Around with Jim Chords – Mandolin
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
E · A · B · D
Don’t Mess Around with Jim Chords – Harmonica
Jim Croce’s storytelling classic about a pool hall confrontation and its consequences. Beginner difficulty in the key of E.
Folk Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Keep a steady, bouncy rhythm to match the narrative flow.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
E – A
E – B
E – A
E – B – E
Verse 2
E – A
E – B
E – A
E – B – E
Chorus
A
E
A
B – E
Verse 3
E – A
E – B
E – A
E – B – E
Verse 4
E – A
E – B
E – A
E – B – E
Chorus
A
E
A
B – E
Bridge
A – E (×3)
B – E
Verse 5
E – A
E – B
E – A
E – B – E
Verse 6
E – A
E – B
E – A
E – B – E
Chorus
A
E
A
B – E
Outro
E – A
E – B
E – A
E – B – E
A – E
A – E – B
A – E – E
Practice tip: Master the E, A, and B chords first, then focus on the quick changes in the chorus, especially the A to E transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Don’t Mess Around with Jim"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: E, A, B and D.
Is "Don’t Mess Around with Jim" 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 "Don’t Mess Around with Jim" in?
It is in the key of E.
Who wrote "Don’t Mess Around with Jim"?
It was written by Jim Croce, and released in 1972.