Rock

Gimme Shelter Chords

The Rolling Stones Intermediate Key of E 4 Chords 2 min read Updated Jul 2026

C#mtap to play

Btap to play

Atap to play

Etap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Intermediate

Capo

None

Chords

C#m · B · A · E

Gimme Shelter Chords – Guitar

C#mtap to play

Btap to play

Atap to play

Etap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

C#m · B · A · E

Gimme Shelter Chords – Ukulele

C#mtap to play

Btap to play

Atap to play

Etap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Intermediate

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

C#m · B · A · E

Gimme Shelter Chords – Piano

C#mtap to play

Btap to play

Atap to play

Etap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

C#m · B · A · E

Gimme Shelter Chords – Banjo

C#mtap to play

Btap to play

Atap to play

Etap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

C#m · B · A · E

Gimme Shelter Chords – Mandolin

C#mtap to play

Btap to play

Atap to play

Etap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Intermediate

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

C#m · B · A · E

Gimme Shelter Chords – Harmonica

The Rolling Stones’ dark, urgent masterpiece about war, violence, and shelter. Intermediate difficulty in the key of C#m.

Chords used: C#m, B, A, E · Key: E · Difficulty: Intermediate

Dark Rock (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

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Tip: Play with capo on 4th fret using Am shapes. This song has a raw, desperate energy. Build from a restrained verse to an explosive chorus.

Chords & Structure

Full Song

Verse 1

Am – C

F – C

Am – C

Chorus

Am – C

F – C

Am – C

F – C

Verse 2

Am – C

F – C

Am – C

Chorus

Am – C

F – C

Am – C

F – C

Verse 3

Am – C

F – C

Am – C

F – C

Chorus

Am – C

F – C

Am – C

F – C

Am – C

F – C

Am – C

Outro

Am – C

F – C

Am – C

F – C – Am

Practice tip: The Am-C-F-C progression gives this a dark, urgent feel. Practice building intensity throughout — start almost whispering and end at full volume. The dynamics tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Gimme Shelter"?

You need 4 intermediate-friendly chords: C#m, B, A and E.

Is "Gimme Shelter" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 4 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Gimme Shelter" in?

It is in the key of E.

Who wrote "Gimme Shelter"?

It was written by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and released in 1969.