Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
D · Em · G · A
Maggie May Chords – Guitar
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
D · Em · G · A
Maggie May Chords – Ukulele
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
D · Em · G · A
Maggie May Chords – Piano
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Emtap to play
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Atap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
D · Em · G · A
Maggie May Chords – Banjo
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
D · Em · G · A
Maggie May Chords – Mandolin
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
D · Em · G · A
Maggie May Chords – Harmonica
Rod Stewart’s classic story of a young man’s bittersweet romance with an older woman. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.
Folk Rock Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret and play the chord shapes as written to match the original recording’s key of E, or play without a capo as written here in D.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
D
G – D
A7
G – D
G – A7 – D
Chorus
G
D
G – A7
Verse 2
D
G – D
A7
G – D
G – A7 – D
Chorus
G
D
G – A7
Verse 3
D
G – D
A7
G – D
G – A7 – D
Chorus
G
D
G – A7
Bridge
G – D
G – A7 – D
Verse 4
D
G
D
A7
G – D
G – A7 – D
Chorus
G
D
G – A7
Outro
D
G
D
G
D
G
D
Practice tip: The A7 chord is used frequently as a lead-in back to the D chord; practice the D-A7-D transition until it feels natural.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Maggie May"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: D, Em, G and A.
Is "Maggie May" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Maggie May" in?
It is in the key of D.
Who wrote "Maggie May"?
It was written by Rod Stewart, Martin Quittenton, and released in 1971.