Folk, Blues

In the Pines Chords

Lead Belly Beginner Key of E 4 Chords 3 min read Updated Jul 2026

Emtap to play

Amtap to play

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

Em · Am · G · D

In the Pines Chords – Guitar

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)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

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.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

And I shivered the whole night through

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

Verse 2

E

Her husband was a hard-working man

B7

Just about a mile from here

E B7

His head was found in a driving wheel

E B7

But his body never was found

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

Verse 3

E

Little girl, little girl, what have I done

B7

That makes you treat me so

E B7

You have caused me to wear these weeping britches

E B7

And everywhere I go

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

Verse 4

E

I asked my captain for the time of day

B7

He said he throwed his watch away

E B7

A heart filled with sorrow and a worried mind

E B7

In the pines, in the pines

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

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.

Emtap to play

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

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)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

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.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

And I shivered the whole night through

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

Verse 2

E

Her husband was a hard-working man

B7

Just about a mile from here

E B7

His head was found in a driving wheel

E B7

But his body never was found

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

Verse 3

E

Little girl, little girl, what have I done

B7

That makes you treat me so

E B7

You have caused me to wear these weeping britches

E B7

And everywhere I go

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

Verse 4

E

I asked my captain for the time of day

B7

He said he throwed his watch away

E B7

A heart filled with sorrow and a worried mind

E B7

In the pines, in the pines

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

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.

Emtap to play

Amtap to play

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

Em · Am · G · D

In the Pines Chords – Piano

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)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

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.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

And I shivered the whole night through

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

Verse 2

E

Her husband was a hard-working man

B7

Just about a mile from here

E B7

His head was found in a driving wheel

E B7

But his body never was found

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

Verse 3

E

Little girl, little girl, what have I done

B7

That makes you treat me so

E B7

You have caused me to wear these weeping britches

E B7

And everywhere I go

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

Verse 4

E

I asked my captain for the time of day

B7

He said he throwed his watch away

E B7

A heart filled with sorrow and a worried mind

E B7

In the pines, in the pines

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

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.

Emtap to play

Amtap to play

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

Em · Am · G · D

In the Pines Chords – Banjo

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)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

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.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

And I shivered the whole night through

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

Verse 2

E

Her husband was a hard-working man

B7

Just about a mile from here

E B7

His head was found in a driving wheel

E B7

But his body never was found

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

Verse 3

E

Little girl, little girl, what have I done

B7

That makes you treat me so

E B7

You have caused me to wear these weeping britches

E B7

And everywhere I go

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

Verse 4

E

I asked my captain for the time of day

B7

He said he throwed his watch away

E B7

A heart filled with sorrow and a worried mind

E B7

In the pines, in the pines

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

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.

Emtap to play

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

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)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

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.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

And I shivered the whole night through

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

Verse 2

E

Her husband was a hard-working man

B7

Just about a mile from here

E B7

His head was found in a driving wheel

E B7

But his body never was found

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

Verse 3

E

Little girl, little girl, what have I done

B7

That makes you treat me so

E B7

You have caused me to wear these weeping britches

E B7

And everywhere I go

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

Verse 4

E

I asked my captain for the time of day

B7

He said he throwed his watch away

E B7

A heart filled with sorrow and a worried mind

E B7

In the pines, in the pines

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

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.

Emtap to play

Amtap to play

Gtap to play

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)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

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.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

And I shivered the whole night through

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

Verse 2

E

Her husband was a hard-working man

B7

Just about a mile from here

E B7

His head was found in a driving wheel

E B7

But his body never was found

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

Verse 3

E

Little girl, little girl, what have I done

B7

That makes you treat me so

E B7

You have caused me to wear these weeping britches

E B7

And everywhere I go

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

Verse 4

E

I asked my captain for the time of day

B7

He said he throwed his watch away

E B7

A heart filled with sorrow and a worried mind

E B7

In the pines, in the pines

Chorus

E

My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me

B7

Tell me where did you sleep last night

E

In the pines, in the pines

B7

Where the sun never shines

E B7

I would shiver the whole night through

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.