Amtap to play
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Emtap to play
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
Am · Dm · Em · G
I Shot the Sheriff Chords – Guitar
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Am · Dm · Em · G
I Shot the Sheriff Chords – Ukulele
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Am · Dm · Em · G
I Shot the Sheriff Chords – Piano
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Am · Dm · Em · G
I Shot the Sheriff Chords – Banjo
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Am · Dm · Em · G
I Shot the Sheriff Chords – Mandolin
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Am · Dm · Em · G
I Shot the Sheriff Chords – Harmonica
Bob Marley’s reggae classic about justice and accountability. Beginner difficulty in the key of Am.
Reggae Rhythm (4/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a reggae strum: emphasize the off-beats and mute the strings on the downbeats. The groove should feel relaxed but insistent.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
Am – Dm
Am
Am – Dm
Am
Verse 2
Am – Dm
Am – F – Em
Am – Dm
Am – F – Em
Am – Dm
Am
Chorus
Am – Dm
Am
Am – Dm
Am
Verse 3
Am – Dm
Am – F – Em
Am – Dm
Am – F – Em
Am – Dm
Am
Chorus
Am – Dm
Am
Am – Dm
Am
Verse 4
Am – Dm
Am – F – Em
Am – Dm
Am – F – Em
Am – Dm
Am
Final Chorus
Am – Dm
Am
Am – Dm
Am
Am – Dm
Am
Practice tip: The Am-Dm pattern is the backbone. In the verses, F and Em add movement. The reggae strum pattern is key — practice muting on beats 1 and 3, strumming on 2 and 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "I Shot the Sheriff"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, Dm, Em and G.
Is "I Shot the Sheriff" 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 "I Shot the Sheriff" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "I Shot the Sheriff"?
It was written by Bob Marley, and released in 1973.