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F#mtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
A · Bm · D · E · F#m
I Shall Be Released Chords – Guitar
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
A · Bm · D · E · F#m
I Shall Be Released Chords – Ukulele
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
A · Bm · D · E · F#m
I Shall Be Released Chords – Piano
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
A · Bm · D · E · F#m
I Shall Be Released Chords – Banjo
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
A · Bm · D · E · F#m
I Shall Be Released Chords – Mandolin
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
A · Bm · D · E · F#m
I Shall Be Released Chords – Harmonica
Bob Dylan’s poignant ballad of confinement and hope. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.
Folk Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret and play G, C, and D shapes to sound in the key of A, or play the A, D, and E chords without a capo.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
A – D
A – E
A – D
A – E
Chorus
D – A
E – A
D – A
E
Verse 2
A – D
A – E
A – D
A – E
Chorus
D – A
E – A
D – A
E
Verse 3
A – D
A – E
A – D
A – E
Chorus
D – A
E – A
D – A
E
Practice tip: The song uses only three chords (A, D, E). Practice switching smoothly between A and D, as this is the most common transition in the verses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "I Shall Be Released"?
You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: A, Bm, D, E and F#m.
Is "I Shall Be Released" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "I Shall Be Released" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "I Shall Be Released"?
It was written by Bob Dylan, and released in 1967.