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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
E · A · B · D
Shakedown Street Chords – Guitar
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
E · A · B · D
Shakedown Street Chords – Ukulele
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
E · A · B · D
Shakedown Street Chords – Piano
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
E · A · B · D
Shakedown Street Chords – Banjo
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
E · A · B · D
Shakedown Street Chords – Mandolin
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
E · A · B · D
Shakedown Street Chords – Harmonica
The Grateful Dead’s funky exploration of a street where nothing is quite as it seems. Beginner difficulty in the key of E.
Funk Groove (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Mute the strings slightly with your strumming hand for a percussive, funky sound.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
E – A – E
A – E – A – E (×3)
Chorus
A – E – B (×3)
A – E
Verse 2
E – A – E
A – E – A
E – A – E
A – E – A
Chorus
A – E – B (×3)
A – E
Bridge
A – E (×4)
Verse 3
E – A – E
A – E – A
E – A – E
A – E – A
Chorus
A – E – B (×3)
A – E
Outro
E – A (×2)
E – A – E
A – E – A
E – A – E
A – E – A
E – A – E
A – E – A
E – A – E
A – E – A
E – A – E
A – E – A
Practice tip: The song uses only three main chords (E, A, B). Practice switching between E and A smoothly, as this is the most common transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Shakedown Street"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: E, A, B and D.
Is "Shakedown Street" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Shakedown Street" in?
It is in the key of E.
Who wrote "Shakedown Street"?
It was written by Robert Hunter, Jerry Garcia, and released in 1978.