Emtap to play
Amtap to play
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Dtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
Em · Am · G · D
In the Pines Chords – Guitar
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Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Em · Am · G · D
In the Pines Chords – Ukulele
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Em · Am · G · D
In the Pines Chords – Piano
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Em · Am · G · D
In the Pines Chords – Banjo
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Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Em · Am · G · D
In the Pines Chords – Mandolin
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Amtap to play
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Dtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Em · Am · G · D
In the Pines Chords – Harmonica
Lead Belly’s haunting folk-blues ballad about loss and loneliness, famously known as “Where Did You Sleep Last Night.” Beginner difficulty in the key of E.
Folk Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret and play D, G, and A shapes to match the key of E if that’s easier.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
E
B7
E – B7
Chorus
E
B7
E
B7
E – B7
Verse 2
E
B7
E – B7 (×2)
Chorus
E
B7
E
B7
E – B7
Verse 3
E
B7
E – B7 (×2)
Chorus
E
B7
E
B7
E – B7
Verse 4
E
B7
E – B7 (×2)
Chorus
E
B7
E
B7
E – B7
Practice tip: Focus on the simple two-chord (E and B7) pattern; the song’s power comes from the steady rhythm and the lyrical delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "In the Pines"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Em, Am, G and D.
Is "In the Pines" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "In the Pines" in?
It is in the key of E.
Who wrote "In the Pines"?
It was written by Traditional.