Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G · C · D · Em
Drift Away Chords – Guitar
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
G · C · D · Em
Drift Away Chords – Ukulele
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
G · C · D · Em
Drift Away Chords – Piano
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G · C · D · Em
Drift Away Chords – Banjo
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
G · C · D · Em
Drift Away Chords – Mandolin
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
G · C · D · Em
Drift Away Chords – Harmonica
Dobie Gray’s feel-good classic about the power of music. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.
Feel-Good Rock (4/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Play with a warm, easygoing feel. This is a song about music making everything better — let that relaxed joy come through in your playing.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
D
Em
G
A
Chorus
D
Em
G – A
D
Em
G – A
Verse 2
D
Em
G
A
Chorus
D
Em
G – A
D
Em
G – A
Verse 3
D
Em
G
A
Verse 4
D
Em
G
A
Final Chorus
D
Em
G – A
D
Em
G – A
D – Em
G – A – D
Practice tip: Four simple chords (D, Em, G, A) repeat throughout. This is a perfect feel-good song for beginners — the progression is easy and the melody is instantly singable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Drift Away"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.
Is "Drift Away" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Drift Away" in?
It is in the key of G.
Who wrote "Drift Away"?
It was written by Mentor Williams, and released in 1973.