Rock,Folk

Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door Chords

Bob Dylan Beginner Key of G 4 Chords 2 min read

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

G · D · Am · C

Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door Chords – Guitar

One of the most covered songs in music history, and a perfect first song for any guitarist. Four chords, a gentle strum, and a melody that everyone knows.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep the strumming hand moving in a steady down-up motion, even when you skip a strum. This keeps your rhythm locked.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need G, D, Am, and C. These are the four most common open chords in guitar — master these and hundreds of songs open up.

2

Get the rhythm

This song has a slow, steady 4/4 feel. Strum down on beats 1 and 2, then down-up-down-up on beats 3 and 4. Keep it relaxed and gentle.

3

Learn the two-bar pattern

The verse repeats: G, D, Am then G, D, C. Two bars each. Play through this progression until it feels automatic.

4

Sing along

The melody is simple and stays within a narrow range. Start by humming, then add the words once your strumming is steady.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Guitar Version

Verse 1

G D Am

Mama, take this badge off of me

G D C

I can’t use it anymore

G D Am

It’s gettin’ dark, too dark to see

G D C

I feel I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door

Chorus

G D Am

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

G D C

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

G D Am

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

G D C

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

Verse 2

G D Am

Mama, put my guns in the ground

G D C

I can’t shoot them anymore

G D Am

That long black cloud is comin’ down

G D C

I feel I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door

Practice tip: Focus on making clean chord changes. The G to D switch is smooth if you keep your ring finger as an anchor. Practice the two-bar progression at half speed until it clicks.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

G · D · Am · C

Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door Chords – Ukulele

One of the most covered songs in music history, and a perfect first song for any guitarist. Four chords, a gentle strum, and a melody that everyone knows.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep the strumming hand moving in a steady down-up motion, even when you skip a strum. This keeps your rhythm locked.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need G, D, Am, and C. These are the four most common open chords in guitar — master these and hundreds of songs open up.

2

Get the rhythm

This song has a slow, steady 4/4 feel. Strum down on beats 1 and 2, then down-up-down-up on beats 3 and 4. Keep it relaxed and gentle.

3

Learn the two-bar pattern

The verse repeats: G, D, Am then G, D, C. Two bars each. Play through this progression until it feels automatic.

4

Sing along

The melody is simple and stays within a narrow range. Start by humming, then add the words once your strumming is steady.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Ukulele Version

Verse 1

G D Am

Mama, take this badge off of me

G D C

I can’t use it anymore

G D Am

It’s gettin’ dark, too dark to see

G D C

I feel I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door

Chorus

G D Am

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

G D C

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

G D Am

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

G D C

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

Verse 2

G D Am

Mama, put my guns in the ground

G D C

I can’t shoot them anymore

G D Am

That long black cloud is comin’ down

G D C

I feel I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door

Practice tip: Focus on making clean chord changes. The G to D switch is smooth if you keep your ring finger as an anchor. Practice the two-bar progression at half speed until it clicks.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

G · D · Am · C

Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door Chords – Piano

One of the most covered songs in music history, and a perfect first song for any guitarist. Four chords, a gentle strum, and a melody that everyone knows.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep the strumming hand moving in a steady down-up motion, even when you skip a strum. This keeps your rhythm locked.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need G, D, Am, and C. These are the four most common open chords in guitar — master these and hundreds of songs open up.

2

Get the rhythm

This song has a slow, steady 4/4 feel. Strum down on beats 1 and 2, then down-up-down-up on beats 3 and 4. Keep it relaxed and gentle.

3

Learn the two-bar pattern

The verse repeats: G, D, Am then G, D, C. Two bars each. Play through this progression until it feels automatic.

4

Sing along

The melody is simple and stays within a narrow range. Start by humming, then add the words once your strumming is steady.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Piano Version

Verse 1

G D Am

Mama, take this badge off of me

G D C

I can’t use it anymore

G D Am

It’s gettin’ dark, too dark to see

G D C

I feel I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door

Chorus

G D Am

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

G D C

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

G D Am

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

G D C

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

Verse 2

G D Am

Mama, put my guns in the ground

G D C

I can’t shoot them anymore

G D Am

That long black cloud is comin’ down

G D C

I feel I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door

Practice tip: Focus on making clean chord changes. The G to D switch is smooth if you keep your ring finger as an anchor. Practice the two-bar progression at half speed until it clicks.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

G · D · Am · C

Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door Chords – Banjo

One of the most covered songs in music history, and a perfect first song for any guitarist. Four chords, a gentle strum, and a melody that everyone knows.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep the strumming hand moving in a steady down-up motion, even when you skip a strum. This keeps your rhythm locked.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need G, D, Am, and C. These are the four most common open chords in guitar — master these and hundreds of songs open up.

2

Get the rhythm

This song has a slow, steady 4/4 feel. Strum down on beats 1 and 2, then down-up-down-up on beats 3 and 4. Keep it relaxed and gentle.

3

Learn the two-bar pattern

The verse repeats: G, D, Am then G, D, C. Two bars each. Play through this progression until it feels automatic.

4

Sing along

The melody is simple and stays within a narrow range. Start by humming, then add the words once your strumming is steady.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Banjo Version

Verse 1

G D Am

Mama, take this badge off of me

G D C

I can’t use it anymore

G D Am

It’s gettin’ dark, too dark to see

G D C

I feel I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door

Chorus

G D Am

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

G D C

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

G D Am

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

G D C

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

Verse 2

G D Am

Mama, put my guns in the ground

G D C

I can’t shoot them anymore

G D Am

That long black cloud is comin’ down

G D C

I feel I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door

Practice tip: Focus on making clean chord changes. The G to D switch is smooth if you keep your ring finger as an anchor. Practice the two-bar progression at half speed until it clicks.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

G · D · Am · C

Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door Chords – Mandolin

One of the most covered songs in music history, and a perfect first song for any guitarist. Four chords, a gentle strum, and a melody that everyone knows.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep the strumming hand moving in a steady down-up motion, even when you skip a strum. This keeps your rhythm locked.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need G, D, Am, and C. These are the four most common open chords in guitar — master these and hundreds of songs open up.

2

Get the rhythm

This song has a slow, steady 4/4 feel. Strum down on beats 1 and 2, then down-up-down-up on beats 3 and 4. Keep it relaxed and gentle.

3

Learn the two-bar pattern

The verse repeats: G, D, Am then G, D, C. Two bars each. Play through this progression until it feels automatic.

4

Sing along

The melody is simple and stays within a narrow range. Start by humming, then add the words once your strumming is steady.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Mandolin Version

Verse 1

G D Am

Mama, take this badge off of me

G D C

I can’t use it anymore

G D Am

It’s gettin’ dark, too dark to see

G D C

I feel I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door

Chorus

G D Am

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

G D C

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

G D Am

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

G D C

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

Verse 2

G D Am

Mama, put my guns in the ground

G D C

I can’t shoot them anymore

G D Am

That long black cloud is comin’ down

G D C

I feel I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door

Practice tip: Focus on making clean chord changes. The G to D switch is smooth if you keep your ring finger as an anchor. Practice the two-bar progression at half speed until it clicks.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

G · D · Am · C

Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door Chords – Harmonica

One of the most covered songs in music history, and a perfect first song for any guitarist. Four chords, a gentle strum, and a melody that everyone knows.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep the strumming hand moving in a steady down-up motion, even when you skip a strum. This keeps your rhythm locked.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need G, D, Am, and C. These are the four most common open chords in guitar — master these and hundreds of songs open up.

2

Get the rhythm

This song has a slow, steady 4/4 feel. Strum down on beats 1 and 2, then down-up-down-up on beats 3 and 4. Keep it relaxed and gentle.

3

Learn the two-bar pattern

The verse repeats: G, D, Am then G, D, C. Two bars each. Play through this progression until it feels automatic.

4

Sing along

The melody is simple and stays within a narrow range. Start by humming, then add the words once your strumming is steady.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Harmonica Version

Verse 1

G D Am

Mama, take this badge off of me

G D C

I can’t use it anymore

G D Am

It’s gettin’ dark, too dark to see

G D C

I feel I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door

Chorus

G D Am

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

G D C

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

G D Am

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

G D C

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

Verse 2

G D Am

Mama, put my guns in the ground

G D C

I can’t shoot them anymore

G D Am

That long black cloud is comin’ down

G D C

I feel I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door

Practice tip: Focus on making clean chord changes. The G to D switch is smooth if you keep your ring finger as an anchor. Practice the two-bar progression at half speed until it clicks.