Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Amtap to play
Ctap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G · D · Am · C · Em
Jack Straw Chords – Guitar
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Amtap to play
Ctap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
G · D · Am · C · Em
Jack Straw Chords – Ukulele
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Amtap to play
Ctap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
G · D · Am · C · Em
Jack Straw Chords – Piano
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Amtap to play
Ctap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G · D · Am · C · Em
Jack Straw Chords – Banjo
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Amtap to play
Ctap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
G · D · Am · C · Em
Jack Straw Chords – Mandolin
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Amtap to play
Ctap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
G · D · Am · C · Em
Jack Straw Chords – Harmonica
A classic Grateful Dead song about outlaws on the run, written by Robert Hunter and Bob Weir. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.
Folk Rock Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of A, but these chords are written for open position in G.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
G – C – G
C – G
D – C – G (×2)
Verse 2
G – C – G
C – G
D – C – G (×2)
Chorus
C – G – C
G – C – G
D – C – G
D – C – G – C – G
Verse 3
G – C – G
C – G
D – C – G (×2)
Chorus
C – G – C
G – C – G
D – C – G
D – C – G – C – G
Bridge
D – C – G (×3)
D – C – G – C
G
C
G
Verse 4 / Outro
G – C – G
C – G
D – C – G (×2)
C – G – G
Practice tip: The chord progression G-C-G is the backbone of this song; get comfortable switching between these two chords before adding the D and C in the chorus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Jack Straw"?
You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: G, D, Am, C and Em.
Is "Jack Straw" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Jack Straw" in?
It is in the key of G.
Who wrote "Jack Straw"?
It was written by Robert Hunter, Bob Weir, and released in 1972.