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Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
Dm · Bb · C · Am · F
Layla Chords – Guitar
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Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Dm · Bb · C · Am · F
Layla Chords – Ukulele
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Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Dm · Bb · C · Am · F
Layla Chords – Piano
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Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Dm · Bb · C · Am · F
Layla Chords – Banjo
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Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Dm · Bb · C · Am · F
Layla Chords – Mandolin
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Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Dm · Bb · C · Am · F
Layla Chords – Harmonica
Eric Clapton’s anguished rock anthem about unrequited love. Intermediate difficulty in the key of D.
Rock Ballad (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: The intro riff is iconic; practice it slowly before integrating the strumming pattern for the verses.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Intro Riff
(Play famous riff)
Verse 1
D – Bm
G – A
D – Bm
G – A
Chorus
D – Bm
D – G
D – A – D
Verse 2
D – Bm
G – A
D – Bm
G – A
Chorus
D – Bm
D – G
D – A – D
Instrumental / Piano Outro
D
Bm
G
A
D
Bm
G
A
Outro
D – Bm
D – G
D – A
D – Bm
D – G
D – A
D – Bm
D – G
D – A – D
Practice tip: The outro section shifts to a slower, piano-driven feel; focus on letting the chords ring out and maintaining a steady, emotional pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Layla"?
You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: Dm, Bb, C, Am and F.
Is "Layla" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Layla" in?
It is in the key of D.
Who wrote "Layla"?
It was written by Eric Clapton, Jim Gordon, and released in 1970.