Dtap to play
Ftap to play
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Amtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
D · F · G · C · Am
Old Man Chords – Guitar
Dtap to play
Ftap to play
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Amtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
D · F · G · C · Am
Old Man Chords – Ukulele
Dtap to play
Ftap to play
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Amtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
D · F · G · C · Am
Old Man Chords – Piano
Dtap to play
Ftap to play
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Amtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
D · F · G · C · Am
Old Man Chords – Banjo
Dtap to play
Ftap to play
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Amtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
D · F · G · C · Am
Old Man Chords – Mandolin
Dtap to play
Ftap to play
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Amtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
D · F · G · C · Am
Old Man Chords – Harmonica
Neil Young’s poignant reflection on aging and connection from his 1972 album ‘Harvest’. Intermediate difficulty in the key of D.
Folk Rock Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret and play the chord shapes as written for the original key, or play without a capo for the key of D.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
D – A
G – D
D – A – G
D – A
G – D
D – A – G
Chorus
D – A – G (×3)
Verse 2
D – A
G
D – A – G (×3)
Chorus
D – A – G (×3)
Bridge
D – A – G
Verse 3
D – A
G – D
D – A – G
Chorus
D – A – G (×3)
Practice tip: Master the D-A-G chord progression changes, as they form the core of the song. Pay close attention to the syncopated vocal melody when placing your chords.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Old Man"?
You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: D, F, G, C and Am.
Is "Old Man" 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 "Old Man" in?
It is in the key of D.
Who wrote "Old Man"?
It was written by Neil Young, and released in 1972.