Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Ftap to play
Etap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
Am · G · F · E
Hit the Road Jack Chords – Guitar
Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Ftap to play
Etap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Am · G · F · E
Hit the Road Jack Chords – Ukulele
Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Ftap to play
Etap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Am · G · F · E
Hit the Road Jack Chords – Piano
Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Ftap to play
Etap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Am · G · F · E
Hit the Road Jack Chords – Banjo
Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Ftap to play
Etap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Am · G · F · E
Hit the Road Jack Chords – Mandolin
Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Ftap to play
Etap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Am · G · F · E
Hit the Road Jack Chords – Harmonica
Ray Charles’s classic call-and-response rhythm and blues anthem about a tumultuous relationship. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.
Shuffle Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Emphasize the downbeats to capture the song’s driving shuffle feel.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
A – E
D – A
A – E – A
Chorus
E – A – E
A – E
D – A
A – E – A
Verse 2
A – E
D – A
A – E
A – E – A
Chorus
E – A – E
A – E
D – A
A – E
D – A
A – E – A
Bridge
A – E – A – E (×2)
A – E – A
E – A – E
Verse 3
A
E
D – A
Chorus
E – A – E
A – E
D – A
A – E – A
A – E
D – A
A – E – A
Practice tip: Master the simple A, D, and E chord changes before adding the vocal call-and-response rhythm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Hit the Road Jack"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, G, F and E.
Is "Hit the Road Jack" 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 "Hit the Road Jack" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Hit the Road Jack"?
It was written by Percy Mayfield, and released in 1961.