Are you feeling the itch to learn some classic tunes written by one of the world’s all-time greatest songwriters – Bob Dylan? Look no further! Learning easy Bob Dylan guitar songs is an enjoyable and fulfilling approach into his massive repertoire. This post will show you how to play 15 easy-to-learn classic tracks, from ‘Blowin’ in The Wind’ and ‘The Times They Are A-Changin” right through to ‘Knocking on Heavens Door’. We’ll provide a step by step workflow for getting each song under your fingers, as well as tips for adding character and color that both respect Dylan’s original style while claiming it as your own. So get ready to make beautiful music with these timeless compositions!
Easy Bob Dylan Guitar Songs
1 Hurricane
It’s easy to play this classic protest song from 1976’s album Desire on the guitar. The chords are just: A, E, F#m and D.
2 Blowin’ In The Wind
One of Bob Dylan’s most recognizable songs is “Blowin’ in the Wind,” which was featured on his 1963 album The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. It has been covered by countless artists, from Peter, Paul, and Mary to Stevie Wonder. This song is great for beginners because it features an easy-to-learn guitar progression of just three chords: D, G, and A. For those looking for an extra challenge, try playing it in its original key of D Major! With a few simple strums and some well-placed hammer-ons and pull-offs, you’ll have this song sounding like a pro in no time. [1]
3 Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door
This popular Dylan track was originally released on his 1973 album, Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid. The song has a slow and sad tone, and many famous musicians like Guns N’ Roses and Eric Clapton have recorded their own versions of it. On guitar, this one is all about practice and patience—but don’t be discouraged! Once you get the strumming down pat, you can focus on adding subtle fingerpicking flourishes to take your playing up a notch.
4 Subterranean Homesick Blues
This classic Dylan song from 1965 is widely considered to be one of the best songs ever written. Playing this tune on the guitar is simple as it only requires three basic chords: G, D, and A7. The melody is catchy and it’s a great way to get your feet wet playing Dylan tunes if you’re new to his music. The riff on this song was also famously used in the video for Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.” To really nail down the Subterranean Homesick Blues sound, practice strumming 16th notes rather than eight notes when playing the verse sections. That’ll give you that classic Bob Dylan vibe you hear in many of his songs like this one.
5 One More Cup Of Coffee
This song from 1976’s Desire is a great way to learn some of Dylan’s signature fingerpicking style. The chords—which include E, A, D and B7—are easy enough for beginners to play. To really master the song, focus on learning how to move between the chords with smooth transitions. Once you’ve got that down, practice playing the chorus with some of Dylan’s iconic licks and fills. This tune will take some time to perfect, but it’s a great track for anyone looking to get a handle on more advanced Bob Dylan guitar songs.
6 Desolation Row
One of the most popular songs to play on guitar is the classic 1965 Bob Dylan tune. It has several sections with complex chords that are relatively easy to pick up. The main riff in the song is a simple progression of G, F, and C major chords and sounds great when strummed a few times before each verse. The chorus hooks use Am, Dm7, G, C and E minor chords which gives it a nice jazzy feel. This iconic song is great for beginner players as it teaches them how to move from one chord to another in an interesting way. Plus the lyrics are timelessly relevant! [2]
7 Shelter From The Storm
Another classic Dylan tune, Shelter From the Storm is a great song for guitarists of any level. The verse has a repetitive strumming pattern which makes it easy to learn and pick up quickly. It uses simple open chords such as A, D, E minor and is relatively straightforward to master. The chorus is slightly more complicated with Em7 and C major chords being thrown in there but they are still very manageable. With its catchy lyrics and beautiful melody this song will definitely be a crowd-pleaser!
8 All Along The Watchtower
This is one of the most iconic and popular Bob Dylan songs, and it’s a great choice for beginning guitarists. The song only has four chords (D, A, G, and Em), and they’re all relatively easy to play. To make it even easier, you can use a capo on the third fret. This will help you stay in the same key as the original recording without having to stretch your fingers too much. You can also add some interesting rhythms by strumming downstrokes on each chord with eighth notes or triplets. Once you become comfortable with the chords and rhythm of this song, you’ll be able to express yourself through dynamics and subtle variations of the basic pattern.
9 The Man In Me
This is a great song for guitarists who are looking to add some improvisation to their playing. The verse is played using just three chords (D, G, and A), each of which can be easily strummed by a beginning guitarist. The chorus section uses the same chords but with a chromatic walk-down on the D chord in between. As you become comfortable with this pattern, try adding open strings or even melodic lines over each chord to make it your own. You can also mix up the rhythms as you experiment with different styles and ideas. No matter how you approach it though, this song will provide plenty of room for creative expression.
10 Girl From The North Country
This classic Bob Dylan song is a great way for guitar players of all levels to get into playing some of his music. It includes the use of simple chords, as well as some finger-picking techniques. The haunting lyrics make it a great choice for any guitarist looking to add a little extra emotion to their performance.
11 Changing Of The Guards
This song is another great choice for those looking to learn Bob Dylan’s music on the guitar. The chords are not too challenging, but there is a lot of complexity here depending on how deep you want to go into the finger-picking techniques used throughout the track. It’s also a great song for creating atmosphere and ambience in any setting. [3]
12 Visions Of Johanna
This folk rock classic by Bob Dylan is one of his most popular songs. It was originally released on his 1966 album, Blonde On Blonde, and has been covered by many other artists since then. The song features intricate guitar work and interesting lyrics that combine to create an unforgettable listening experience. For aspiring guitarists who are looking for some easy Bob Dylan songs to practice, “Visions Of Johanna” is a great choice. The chord progression is relatively straightforward—just three chords—and the fingerpicking pattern follows a simple 4/4 time signature. The song does include some dissonant intervals, so it may take a bit of practice before you can play it comfortably with the right feel.
13 It Ain’t Me Babe
This 1964 classic is a fan favorite among Dylan enthusiasts. It’s an upbeat song that features a catchy melody and Bob’s signature storytelling style. The guitar part is relatively easy to learn, as it follows the same I-IV-V chord progression throughout. As with all Bob Dylan songs, there are plenty of nuances in the lyrics and vocal delivery which make this song stand out from other folk tunes of its era. While not technically difficult for guitarists, “It Ain’t Me Babe” requires some practice to be able to play it smoothly and capture the unique feel of the song.
14 Masters Of War
“Masters Of War” is one of the most iconic songs from Bob Dylan’s early career. The song is a protest against what he saw as an oppressive and war-driven government. It can be played on guitar with just three chords: G, D, and A minor. This makes it easy to learn for beginner guitarists who are just starting out. Playing “Masters Of War” allows novice players to practice basic chord progressions while also playing a classic tune by one of music’s greatest figures. To play the song, you will need to use your index finger to fret the strings in order, pressing down firmly on each string as you move up the neck – moving through each chord at a slow and steady pace. The song is a great way to practice your fingerpicking skills, as well as developing an understanding of chord progression and dynamics while jamming along with Bob Dylan’s timeless track.
15 House Of The Rising Sun
“House Of The Rising Sun” is another classic Bob Dylan tune that can be played on guitar with just three chords: G, D, and A minor. This makes it an ideal option for beginner guitarists looking to test out their skills. What’s more, the song has a very distinctive melody that’s easy to recognize – making it even simpler for beginners to quickly learn the basics of this iconic track. To play “House Of The Rising Sun”, you’ll need to use your index finger to fret each note in order as you move up the neck – pressing down firmly on each string as you move through each chord at a slow and steady pace. [4]
16 It’s All Over Now Baby Blue
This classic Dylan track from his 1965 album, Bringing It All Back Home, is a sad and memorable song for many. A relatively easier song to play on guitar due to its simple strumming pattern, it captures the mood of longing and nostalgia perfectly. The slow pace allows you to really enjoy playing each chord and letting your fingers linger on them just enough to bring out all the emotion in the tune. Even if you’re not an advanced guitarist, you can still learn this song with a bit of practice and make it sound just as beautiful as Dylan did. So grab your acoustic guitar and give yourself some time to really get into this timeless classic!
17 Lily, Rosemary And The Jack Of Hearts
This classic from Dylan’s 1975 album, Blood On The Tracks is an absolute gem. It features a complex chord progression and some intricate fingerpicking sequences, which makes it a challenge to learn but also incredibly rewarding when you finally get the hang of it. It’s one of those songs that can really showcase your technical abilities as a guitarist while still staying true to the original melody. A must-try for any aspiring Dylan fan!
18 Tomorrow Is A Long Time
One of Bob Dylan’s most beautiful compositions, “Tomorrow Is A Long Time” is a poignant ballad about longing for a lost love. This song has become one of the most iconic in Dylan’s catalog and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. It makes for an excellent guitar piece with its simple chords and mellow melodies. To play this song, you’ll need to know how to form G Major, C Major, D Major, and E Minor barre chords. You can find tabs online that show where to place your fingers on the fretboard for each chord progression.
19 Highway 61 Revisited
Dylan’s 1965 single “Highway 61 Revisited” is a bluesy rock anthem that has gained legendary status over the years. The song features a number of dynamic guitar parts, including some aggressive riffing and solos. To play this song on guitar, you’ll need to be familiar with power chords and open chords in the key of E. Additionally, you’ll want to practice sliding up and down the fretboard for certain sections of the song.
20 My Back Pages
This Bob Dylan classic is the perfect song for those who are just starting to learn how to play guitar. With its basic chords and simple strumming pattern, it’s one of the easiest songs for a beginner guitarist to learn. The beauty of this song lies in its simplicity: it’s easy to play but still full of emotion and depth. Once you get the hang of playing it, don’t be surprised if you find yourself playing it over and over again – even after mastering more complex songs on your instrument! So grab your guitar and get ready for an enjoyable practice session with “My Back Pages.” You won’t regret it! [5]
21 Maggie’s Farm
This is another great Bob Dylan song for beginner guitarists. It’s a fun tune to learn, with some interesting chord changes and patterns that will help you develop your skills on the instrument. The lyrics are easy to remember and follow along with, making it an ideal first-time song for players who are just starting out. If you’re looking for a fun challenge, this one’s definitely worth trying out!
22 She Belongs To Me
The She Belongs To Me guitar song by Bob Dylan is a classic from his 1965 Bringing It All Back Home album. This song features a simple, but catchy chord progression and melody that any guitar player can learn. It also shows off Dylan’s unique vocal style, which makes for an interesting listen. The lyrics tell of someone who is in love with a woman who “belongs to me” – he doesn’t have her yet, but he will soon win her heart. The song has become a live favorite during Dylan’s concerts over the years and continues to be popular among fans of folk music.
23 Love Minus Zero/No Limit
Love Minus Zero/No Limit is another classic Bob Dylan guitar song, taken from his 1965 album Bringing It All Back Home. This song features a simple but effective chord progression and melody that most guitar players can easily learn. The lyrics of the song are about someone who loves someone unconditionally, even though they “have no limit” to their love. This is one of Dylan’s most beloved songs and it remains popular among folk music fans today.
24 Tombstone Blues
This classic folk-rock singalong was a single off Dylan’s 1965 album Highway 61 Revisited. It features a repeating 12-bar blues pattern and lyrics that are as much poetry as they are songs. The lyrics tell the story of two people who were involved in some “trouble” but were able to escape together. Musically, it is an uptempo number with plenty of exciting chords to practice on guitar. While you don’t have to use any fancy techniques for this song, you can try adding in some interesting strums or fingerpicking patterns for added texture.
25 The Lonesome Death Of Hattie Carroll
This emotionally powerful song from Dylan’s 1964 album The Times They Are a-Changin’ tells the story of an incident in which William Zantzinger, a rich Maryland tobacco farmer, struck and killed Hattie Carroll with a cane. In stark contrast to Tombstone Blues, this song is built around gentle fingerpicking patterns and contains some beautiful minor chord progressions. While fingering the chords can be tricky at times, it should not be too difficult for beginners to get the basics down. This timeless classic has been covered by many great artists over the years and is sure to touch your soul every time you play it. [6]
26 When The Ship Comes In
This classic Bob Dylan song is one of the most popular songs to play on guitar. The lyrics are inspiring and easy to understand, making it a great song for beginner guitarists. The chords for this song are not hard to learn either, so even new guitarists will be able to play this with relative ease. It features some fun strumming patterns and a simple but catchy melody. With just three chords — D, A7, and G — this is an easy Bob Dylan guitar song that sounds great when played on the acoustic or electric guitars.
27 Every Grain Of Sand
This is one of Bob Dylan’s more contemplative and mellow songs, perfect for a relaxing day. Again, only three chords are used to create this masterful piece — Am, C and G7. The strumming pattern is slow but steady, and the melody is simple yet effective. The lyrics paint an inspiring picture of hope and faith in spite of life’s troubles. Beginners will find that learning this song isn’t too difficult either, making it an ideal choice for those looking for an easy Bob Dylan guitar song to learn.
28 Lay Down Your Weary Tune
One of Bob Dylan’s earliest songs, this tune is perfect for a beginning guitarist. It features easy chords and simple strumming throughout the song. The lyrics are relatively straightforward and can be easily learned with practice. While it may not be as popular as some of Dylan’s other songs, “Lay Down Your Weary Tune” is still a great starter song for guitars players looking to learn some of his music. With its beautiful melody and easy playing style, you won’t want to miss out on this classic piece! So pick up your guitar and lay down your weary tune today!
29 Let Me Die In My Footsteps
A song that’s been covered by a variety of artists, “Let Me Die In My Footsteps” is another great song for beginner guitarists to learn. With an easy chord progression and basic strumming pattern, this one won’t take too long to master. It also features lyrics that are simple enough for even newcomers to learn. If you’re looking for an easy Bob Dylan song to learn on the guitar, then “Let Me Die In My Footsteps” is a great choice!
30 North Country Blues
This Bob Dylan classic is a great song to learn on guitar—it’s got an easy-to-play chord progression and simple strumming pattern. It also has a great story that will captivate any audience. The lyrics are about leaving home for the north country, in search of something new and exciting. Though it may take some practice to get the lyrics just right, this song can be learned relatively quickly on guitar.
31 The Times They Are A-Changin
‘This classic Bob Dylan song is a must-know for anyone wishing to incorporate more folk tunes into their repertoire. Its simple guitar chords and catchy melody make it an easy one to learn. Though the lyrics are quite complex and cryptic, they tell an important story about a society in flux during 1960s America. The timeless message of hope and change rings true even today, making this a great tune for both beginners and seasoned players alike.
FAQ
What is the easiest Bob Dylan song to play on guitar?
One of the easiest Bob Dylan songs to play on guitar is “Knocking on Heaven’s Door.” It features a simple chord progression, making it ideal for beginners. Other easy songs include “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “Forever Young” and “Like a Rolling Stone.”
What are some tips for playing Bob Dylan songs on guitar?
When playing Bob Dylan songs, be sure to get the timing right. Since many of his compositions are folk-oriented, they feature an irregular rhythm that can be difficult to master. Also, use your ear to match up with the singer’s pitch as closely as possible; while this may take some practice, it will help you capture the true essence of these timeless classics. Lastly, be sure to use a capo if needed to get the right key for the song.
What is an easy way to learn Bob Dylan songs on guitar?
One of the best ways to learn Bob Dylan songs on guitar is by using online lessons or tutorials. There are plenty of resources available that cover both advanced techniques and beginner basics. Additionally, many websites offer interactive tools such as chord diagrams and tablature which can help you quickly master these iconic tunes. Finally, try playing along with live performances of Bob Dylan’s songs; this will give you an opportunity to study his unique style up close.
What is the easiest Blink 182 song on guitar?
The easiest Blink 182 song to play on guitar is “All the Small Things”. This classic pop-punk tune has a basic chord pattern of G, D, and C, with an easy strumming pattern that’s perfect for beginners. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for something fun to practice, this is one of the best beginner guitar songs you can learn. Another great Blink 182 song to learn on guitar is “Dammit”. This track features power chords and an easy rhythm pattern that will help you gain confidence in your playing. It also has a few trickier sections like quick chord changes and hammer-ons or pull-offs which can be challenging but are worth mastering for any aspiring guitarist.
How good is Bob Dylan as a guitarist?
Bob Dylan is widely considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time. He has been a major influence on many genres, including folk, Americana, and rock music, and his unique style of playing often combines fingerpicking, slide guitar, and open tunings. His ability to craft complex melodies out of simple chords make him stand out as an outstanding guitarist. From classic hits like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are A-Changin'” to more modern tracks like “Things Have Changed” and “Make You Feel My Love”, there are countless Bob Dylan songs that are perfect for learning on guitar.
What is the fastest guitar song ever?
The fastest guitar song ever is “Jingle Bells” played by U.K. shredder Andy James. He managed to play the holiday classic in a blazing 2 seconds and 11 milliseconds, setting the record for the world’s fastest guitar song. The track features an incredible speed-picking technique that requires quick precision and excellent finger control. While it might be too difficult for most beginner players, this amazing piece of musical mastery serves as a great inspiration to anyone who wants to take their playing to the next level.
What are the pros and cons of guitar playing?
One of the biggest pros to guitar playing is being able to play music anytime, anywhere. With a guitar you can create your own musical space and make beautiful sounds without having to rely on anyone else or any other instrument. Also, learning to play the guitar isn’t as hard as it looks; even if you’re just getting started, there are plenty of tutorials and resources out there that make it easier than ever. On the other hand, one con to guitar playing is that it does require practice and dedication in order for you to become proficient and master the skills needed. Additionally, depending on what type of model and style of guitar you purchase, some can be quite expensive.
Useful Video: Bob Dylan – Tangled up in Blue – Easy Songs For Acoustic Guitar – Guitar Lesson
Conclusion
Bob Dylan has written an immense catalog of songs from which to choose from for the guitar. From some of his earliest hits such as “Blowin’ in the Wind” to his more recent works like “Make You Feel My Love,” there is something for everyone when it comes to learning and performing Bob Dylan songs on the guitar. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or just starting out, these easy Bob Dylan guitar songs will provide you with hours of enjoyable entertainment. With enough practice, you’ll be ready to take your own spin on some of Dylan’s most beloved compositions and impress your friends with your newfound skills!
References:
- https://rockguitaruniverse.com/bob-dylan-guitar-songs/
- https://www.e-chords.com/bob-dylan
- https://www.insidermonkey.com/blog/7-easiest-bob-dylan-songs-to-play-on-guitar-586450/
- https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bob-Dylan-Made-Easy-Guitar/dp/0825614163
- https://www.gear4music.com/blog/easy-guitar-songs-for-beginners/
- https://appliedguitartheory.com/lessons/easy-songs-for-guitar/