Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Midnight Rider Chords – Guitar
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Midnight Rider Chords – Ukulele
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Midnight Rider Chords – Piano
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Gtap to play
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Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Midnight Rider Chords – Banjo
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Midnight Rider Chords – Mandolin
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Midnight Rider Chords – Harmonica
The Allman Brothers Band’s classic Southern rock anthem about a man on the run. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.
Driving Rock (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret and play the chord shapes as written for the original recording key of E.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
D – G
D – A
D – G
D – A
D – G – A – D
Chorus
G – D
A – D
G – D
A – D – G
D – A
Verse 2
D – G
D – A
D – G
D – A
D – G – A – D
Chorus
G – D
A – D
G – D
A – D – G
D – A
Bridge
G – D
A – D
Verse 3 / Outro
D – G
D – A
D – G
D – A
D – G – A – D (×3)
Practice tip: The song uses only four chords (D, G, A). Practice switching between D and A, as this is the most common transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Midnight Rider"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: D, G, A and Em.
Is "Midnight Rider" 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 "Midnight Rider" in?
It is in the key of D.
Who wrote "Midnight Rider"?
It was written by Gregg Allman, Robert Kim Payne, and released in 1970.