Rock,Folk

Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door Chords

Bob Dylan Beginner Key of G 4 Chords 3 min read Updated Jul 2026

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, D, Am and C.

Is "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door"?

It was written by Bob Dylan.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, D, Am and C.

Is "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door"?

It was written by Bob Dylan.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, D, Am and C.

Is "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door"?

It was written by Bob Dylan.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, D, Am and C.

Is "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door"?

It was written by Bob Dylan.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, D, Am and C.

Is "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door"?

It was written by Bob Dylan.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, D, Am and C.

Is "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door"?

It was written by Bob Dylan.