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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
A · C#m · G · Bm · D · E
Lay Lady Lay Chords – Guitar
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
A · C#m · G · Bm · D · E
Lay Lady Lay Chords – Ukulele
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
A · C#m · G · Bm · D · E
Lay Lady Lay Chords – Piano
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
A · C#m · G · Bm · D · E
Lay Lady Lay Chords – Banjo
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
A · C#m · G · Bm · D · E
Lay Lady Lay Chords – Mandolin
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
A · C#m · G · Bm · D · E
Lay Lady Lay Chords – Harmonica
Bob Dylan’s classic, seductive ballad from Nashville Skyline. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.
Laid-Back Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret and play G, C, D, and Em shapes to sound in the key of A, or play the A, D, and E chords open without a capo.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
A – D
A – E
A – D
E – A
Chorus
A – D
A – E
A – D
E – A
Verse 2
A – D
A – E
A – D
E – A
Chorus
A – D
A – E
A – D
E – A
Bridge
D – A (×3)
E – A
Verse 3
A – D
A – E
A – D
Chorus
A – D
A – E
A – D
E – A
Outro
A – D
A – E
A – D
A – E
A – D
A – E
A – D
A – E
Practice tip: The song’s groove relies on a steady, relaxed strum. Practice the A, D, and E chord changes slowly until you can move between them without pausing the rhythm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Lay Lady Lay"?
You need 6 beginner-friendly chords: A, C#m, G, Bm, D and E.
Is "Lay Lady Lay" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 6 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Lay Lady Lay" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Lay Lady Lay"?
It was written by Bob Dylan, and released in 1969.