If you are just starting to play guitar, then you might want to pay attention to our list of the easiest Bob Dylan songs to play on guitar.
I can’t say I always loved Bob Dylan’s music. When I was young, I preferred heavier and faster tunes, so Bob Dylan’s ramblings and softer approach weren’t the things that appealed to me. I noticed, however, as I got older, I listened to Bob Dylan more frequently. Especially when I discovered Blood on the Tracks album which contains some of my favorite songs. It must have been the fact that I started paying more attention to the words, and realized that Dylan was a lyricist genius. That was proven when he received Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016. One great thing about being a fan of his music is that he recorded 38 studio albums, so you’ll always have something to listen. This is without counting all those countless bootleg recordings and live albums.
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I view Bob Dylan as always changing musician who spent much of his music career trying to reinvent himself. His roots were in American folk music, from which he turned to rock and electric guitar sound, that being viewed as extremely unpopular decision at the time. He then experimented with the gospel, country, blues and even jazz music. Due to this, his songs are fun to play. There are countless of music styles to choose from, and sometimes all those styles are mashed into one song. It is up to you to pick one from the Dylan you prefer, whether it is “folk Dylan”, “country Dylan” or my favorite “rock Dylan”. Guitar beginners should appreciate some of his early works the most since they rarely have more than 3 or 4 chords. In case you don’t love any Bob Dylan (shame on you) you can check out our list of the Easiest Beatles Songs to Play on Guitar.
Although I play guitar for years, I couldn’t rely on myself when it came to choosing the easiest Bob Dylan songs to play on guitar. There are so many to choose from and I can be sometimes subjective when it comes to determining the complexity of a song. That’s why I browsed through numerous YouTube guitar lesson videos while also checking out recommendations on Reddit and Yahoo in order to see what other guitar players think. Those songs that were recommended the most ended up on the list. Let’s check them out!
7. Tangled Up In Blue
Chords: A, G6, D, E, F#m, G, Asus
One of my favorite Dylan’s songs, Tangled Up In Blue opens our list. There are numerous interpretations and versions of the song, and almost all of them require a capo. I think this version of the chords I provided will make it sound close to original without it. Rhythm can be a bit sketchy at the times so prepare to practice more than you would like.
6. The Times They Are A-Changin’
Chords: G, Em, Am, C, D, Gmaj7/D, D7
This isn’t a hard song by any means. The chord progression is simple and repeats itself on all the verses. Also, the chords are pretty much basic, so all you need to do is get the strumming pattern correctly. Dylan had in mind creating an anthem when writing this song and you could say he succeeded.
5. All Along the Watchtower
The song number 5 on our list of easiest Bob Dylan songs to play on guitar only has 3 chords, but they are all barre chords, which can be bitter – sweet combination for the beginners. You will also need a capo on the 4th fret. Just like the previous song, this one also uses simple chord progression and is mostly repetitive. Still, the song is really fun to play and strumming pattern isn’t that hard. In the link provided, there are also chords for playing it without a capo, but it will be harder.
4. You Ain’t Going Nowhere
Another 3 chord song on our list of easiest Bob Dylan songs to play on guitar. This time, there are no barre chords or capo, so it is perfect for beginners. The chords provided are for the Bob Dylan and the Band version. The strumming pattern is really easy and fun, so you might want to sing along.
3. Mr. Tambourine Man
You’ll need a capo on the 3rd fret to play Mr. Tambourine Man, and there is no way around it if you want to keep it simple and close to the original. There is just a simple picking intro, and then you have to get the sequences for the verse and chorus. There have been many interpretations of the song’s lyrics, but the most interesting one I’ve heard is that the song is about drugs and that Mr. Tambourine Man is a code for a drug dealer. I bet the lyrics will sound different now.
2. Blowin’ In the Wind
Another Dylan’s classic from the early days, when he just pitched in few chords, easy strumming pattern and powerful lyrics. Once you get the starting strumming pattern right, all you need to do is change the chords. It won’t sound just like the original, however, unless you have someone to play harmonica parts.
1. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door
If you have some guitar playing experience, then the last entry on our list of easiest Bob Dylan songs to play on guitar was expected. I can’t stress enough how easy is this song. We have featured it on so many lists for easy guitar songs and guitar beginners, that I don’t have anything much to say. It ticks all the right boxes, using basic chords, simple chord progression and having a slower rhythm. It is a really popular song and at the same time one of the easiest to play on guitar in general. Now pick up a guitar and learn it.
