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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
E · A · B · D
Sugaree Chords – Guitar
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
E · A · B · D
Sugaree Chords – Ukulele
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
E · A · B · D
Sugaree Chords – Piano
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
E · A · B · D
Sugaree Chords – Banjo
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
E · A · B · D
Sugaree Chords – Mandolin
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
E · A · B · D
Sugaree Chords – Harmonica
A classic Grateful Dead song about a plea for loyalty and secrecy. Beginner difficulty in the key of E.
Folk Rock Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 4th fret and play the C, G, Am, and F shapes to match the original recording’s key of E.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
C – G
Am – F
C – G
Am – F – C
Chorus
G – C (×3)
G – F – C
Verse 2
C – G
Am – F
C – G
Am – F – C
Chorus
G – C (×3)
G – F – C
Verse 3
C – G
Am – F
C – G
Am – F – C
Chorus
G – C (×3)
G – F – C
C – G
Am – F
C – G
Am – F – C
G – C (×3)
G – F – C
Outro
C – G
Am – F
C – G
Am – F
C – G
Am – F
C – G
Am – F
Practice tip: Focus on the steady, relaxed strumming pattern and let the lyrics flow conversationally over the chords.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Sugaree"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: E, A, B and D.
Is "Sugaree" 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 "Sugaree" in?
It is in the key of E.
Who wrote "Sugaree"?
It was written by Robert Hunter, Jerry Garcia, and released in 1972.