The Times They Are a-Changin’ Chords

Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G · C · D · Em · Am

The Times They Are a-Changin’ Chords – Guitar

Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
G · C · D · Em · Am

The Times They Are a-Changin’ Chords – Ukulele

Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
G · C · D · Em · Am

The Times They Are a-Changin’ Chords – Piano

Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G · C · D · Em · Am

The Times They Are a-Changin’ Chords – Banjo

Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
G · C · D · Em · Am

The Times They Are a-Changin’ Chords – Mandolin

Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
G · C · D · Em · Am

The Times They Are a-Changin’ Chords – Harmonica

Bob Dylan’s iconic folk anthem about social change and transition. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Chords used: G, C, D, Em, Am  ·  Key: G  ·  Difficulty: Beginner

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)
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Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match Dylan’s original recording key of A, but play the G, C, D, and Em shapes as written.

Chords & Structure

Full Song

Verse 1

 
G – C
G – D
G – C
G – D
G – C
G – D
G – C
G – D
G – C
G – D
G – C – D
 

Chorus

 
G – C – G
G – C – D
G – C – G
G – C – D
 

Verse 2

 
G – C
G – D
G – C
G – D
G – C
G – D
G – C
G
D
G – C
G – C – D
 

Chorus

 
G – C – G
G – C – D
G – C – G
G – C – D
 

Verse 3

 
G – C
G – D
G – C
G – D
G – C
G – D
G – C
G
D
G – C
G – C – D
 

Chorus

 
G – C – G
G – C – D
G – C – G
G – C – D
 

Verse 4

 
G – C
G – D
G – C
G – D
G – C
G – D
G – C
G
D
G – C
G – C – D
 

Chorus

 
G – C – G
G – C – D
G – C – G
G – C – D
 

Outro

 
G – C – G
G – C – D
G – C
G – D
G – C
G – D
G – C
G
D
G – C
G – C – D
 

Practice tip: Focus on the steady, consistent strumming pattern throughout; the song’s power comes from its relentless, marching rhythm, so practice with a metronome to keep time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "The Times They Are a-Changin’"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D, Em and Am.

Is "The Times They Are a-Changin’" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "The Times They Are a-Changin’" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "The Times They Are a-Changin’"?

It was written by Bob Dylan, and released in 1964.