Country

Jolene Chords

Dolly Parton Beginner Key of Am 3 Chords 2 min read

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Key

Am Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

Am · C · G

Jolene Chords – Guitar

Dolly Parton’s desperate plea is one of the greatest country songs ever written. The driving rhythm and emotional intensity make it unforgettable on acoustic guitar.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: The intro uses a fingerpicking pattern on Am. Alternate between the bass note (A string) and the top three strings for that classic country sound.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You need Am, C, and G. The whole song uses just these three in a minor key.

2

Get the fingerpicking intro

The iconic intro alternates bass notes and treble strings on the Am chord. Start slow — this riff is the song’s identity.

3

Learn the progression

Chorus: Am-C-G-Am-G-Am. Verse: Am-C-G-Am. The changes flow naturally once you get the feel.

4

Build the intensity

Each chorus should be slightly more desperate than the last. Use dynamics to tell the story — soft plea to urgent begging.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Guitar Version

Chorus

Am C G Am

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene

G Am

I’m begging of you, please don’t take my man

Am C G Am

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene

G Am

Please don’t take him just because you can

Verse 1

Am C

Your beauty is beyond compare

G Am

With flaming locks of auburn hair

G Am

With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green

Am C

Your smile is like a breath of spring

G Am

Your voice is soft like summer rain

G Am

And I cannot compete with you, Jolene

Practice tip: The emotional intensity of this song comes from the lyrics, not from playing louder. Practice singing it with conviction while keeping your guitar part steady and controlled.

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Key

Am Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

Am · C · G

Jolene Chords – Ukulele

Dolly Parton’s desperate plea is one of the greatest country songs ever written. The driving rhythm and emotional intensity make it unforgettable on acoustic guitar.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: The intro uses a fingerpicking pattern on Am. Alternate between the bass note (A string) and the top three strings for that classic country sound.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You need Am, C, and G. The whole song uses just these three in a minor key.

2

Get the fingerpicking intro

The iconic intro alternates bass notes and treble strings on the Am chord. Start slow — this riff is the song’s identity.

3

Learn the progression

Chorus: Am-C-G-Am-G-Am. Verse: Am-C-G-Am. The changes flow naturally once you get the feel.

4

Build the intensity

Each chorus should be slightly more desperate than the last. Use dynamics to tell the story — soft plea to urgent begging.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Ukulele Version

Chorus

Am C G Am

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene

G Am

I’m begging of you, please don’t take my man

Am C G Am

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene

G Am

Please don’t take him just because you can

Verse 1

Am C

Your beauty is beyond compare

G Am

With flaming locks of auburn hair

G Am

With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green

Am C

Your smile is like a breath of spring

G Am

Your voice is soft like summer rain

G Am

And I cannot compete with you, Jolene

Practice tip: The emotional intensity of this song comes from the lyrics, not from playing louder. Practice singing it with conviction while keeping your guitar part steady and controlled.

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Key

Am Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

Am · C · G

Jolene Chords – Piano

Dolly Parton’s desperate plea is one of the greatest country songs ever written. The driving rhythm and emotional intensity make it unforgettable on acoustic guitar.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: The intro uses a fingerpicking pattern on Am. Alternate between the bass note (A string) and the top three strings for that classic country sound.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You need Am, C, and G. The whole song uses just these three in a minor key.

2

Get the fingerpicking intro

The iconic intro alternates bass notes and treble strings on the Am chord. Start slow — this riff is the song’s identity.

3

Learn the progression

Chorus: Am-C-G-Am-G-Am. Verse: Am-C-G-Am. The changes flow naturally once you get the feel.

4

Build the intensity

Each chorus should be slightly more desperate than the last. Use dynamics to tell the story — soft plea to urgent begging.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Piano Version

Chorus

Am C G Am

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene

G Am

I’m begging of you, please don’t take my man

Am C G Am

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene

G Am

Please don’t take him just because you can

Verse 1

Am C

Your beauty is beyond compare

G Am

With flaming locks of auburn hair

G Am

With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green

Am C

Your smile is like a breath of spring

G Am

Your voice is soft like summer rain

G Am

And I cannot compete with you, Jolene

Practice tip: The emotional intensity of this song comes from the lyrics, not from playing louder. Practice singing it with conviction while keeping your guitar part steady and controlled.

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Key

Am Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

Am · C · G

Jolene Chords – Banjo

Dolly Parton’s desperate plea is one of the greatest country songs ever written. The driving rhythm and emotional intensity make it unforgettable on acoustic guitar.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: The intro uses a fingerpicking pattern on Am. Alternate between the bass note (A string) and the top three strings for that classic country sound.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You need Am, C, and G. The whole song uses just these three in a minor key.

2

Get the fingerpicking intro

The iconic intro alternates bass notes and treble strings on the Am chord. Start slow — this riff is the song’s identity.

3

Learn the progression

Chorus: Am-C-G-Am-G-Am. Verse: Am-C-G-Am. The changes flow naturally once you get the feel.

4

Build the intensity

Each chorus should be slightly more desperate than the last. Use dynamics to tell the story — soft plea to urgent begging.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Banjo Version

Chorus

Am C G Am

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene

G Am

I’m begging of you, please don’t take my man

Am C G Am

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene

G Am

Please don’t take him just because you can

Verse 1

Am C

Your beauty is beyond compare

G Am

With flaming locks of auburn hair

G Am

With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green

Am C

Your smile is like a breath of spring

G Am

Your voice is soft like summer rain

G Am

And I cannot compete with you, Jolene

Practice tip: The emotional intensity of this song comes from the lyrics, not from playing louder. Practice singing it with conviction while keeping your guitar part steady and controlled.

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Key

Am Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

Am · C · G

Jolene Chords – Mandolin

Dolly Parton’s desperate plea is one of the greatest country songs ever written. The driving rhythm and emotional intensity make it unforgettable on acoustic guitar.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: The intro uses a fingerpicking pattern on Am. Alternate between the bass note (A string) and the top three strings for that classic country sound.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You need Am, C, and G. The whole song uses just these three in a minor key.

2

Get the fingerpicking intro

The iconic intro alternates bass notes and treble strings on the Am chord. Start slow — this riff is the song’s identity.

3

Learn the progression

Chorus: Am-C-G-Am-G-Am. Verse: Am-C-G-Am. The changes flow naturally once you get the feel.

4

Build the intensity

Each chorus should be slightly more desperate than the last. Use dynamics to tell the story — soft plea to urgent begging.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Mandolin Version

Chorus

Am C G Am

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene

G Am

I’m begging of you, please don’t take my man

Am C G Am

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene

G Am

Please don’t take him just because you can

Verse 1

Am C

Your beauty is beyond compare

G Am

With flaming locks of auburn hair

G Am

With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green

Am C

Your smile is like a breath of spring

G Am

Your voice is soft like summer rain

G Am

And I cannot compete with you, Jolene

Practice tip: The emotional intensity of this song comes from the lyrics, not from playing louder. Practice singing it with conviction while keeping your guitar part steady and controlled.

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Key

Am Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

Am · C · G

Jolene Chords – Harmonica

Dolly Parton’s desperate plea is one of the greatest country songs ever written. The driving rhythm and emotional intensity make it unforgettable on acoustic guitar.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: The intro uses a fingerpicking pattern on Am. Alternate between the bass note (A string) and the top three strings for that classic country sound.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You need Am, C, and G. The whole song uses just these three in a minor key.

2

Get the fingerpicking intro

The iconic intro alternates bass notes and treble strings on the Am chord. Start slow — this riff is the song’s identity.

3

Learn the progression

Chorus: Am-C-G-Am-G-Am. Verse: Am-C-G-Am. The changes flow naturally once you get the feel.

4

Build the intensity

Each chorus should be slightly more desperate than the last. Use dynamics to tell the story — soft plea to urgent begging.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Harmonica Version

Chorus

Am C G Am

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene

G Am

I’m begging of you, please don’t take my man

Am C G Am

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene

G Am

Please don’t take him just because you can

Verse 1

Am C

Your beauty is beyond compare

G Am

With flaming locks of auburn hair

G Am

With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green

Am C

Your smile is like a breath of spring

G Am

Your voice is soft like summer rain

G Am

And I cannot compete with you, Jolene

Practice tip: The emotional intensity of this song comes from the lyrics, not from playing louder. Practice singing it with conviction while keeping your guitar part steady and controlled.