“Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan is considered one of the greatest songs of all time, and learning to play it on guitar is a rewarding experience for any musician. This guide provides you with the guitar chords for various versions of this legendary track, allowing you to explore different arrangements and find the one that suits your style. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced guitarist, you’ll find these chord charts helpful in mastering this timeless classic.
“Highway 61 Revisited” Version Guitar Chords
This is the original studio version, released on the album Highway 61 Revisited. It’s the most well-known arrangement and a great starting point for learning the song.
C Dm7 Once upon a time you dressed so fine C/e F G You threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn't you? C Dm7 C/e People'd call, say, "Beware doll, you're bound to fall" F G You thought they were all kiddin' you F G You used to laugh about F G Everybody that was hangin' out F C/e Dm7 C Now you don't talk so loud F C/e Dm7 C Now you don't seem so proud Dm F G About having to be scrounging for your next meal. C F G How does it feel C F G How does it feel C F G To be without a home C F G Like a complete unknown C F G Like a rolling stone? You've gone to the finest school all right, Miss Lonely But you know you only used to get juiced in it And nobody has ever taught you how to live on the street And now you find out you're gonna have to get used to it You said you'd never compromise With the mystery tramp, but now you realize He's not selling any alibis As you stare into the vacuum of his eyes And say do you want to make a deal? How does it feel How does it feel To be on your own With no direction home Like a complete unknown Like a rolling stone? You never turned around to see the frowns on the jugglers and the clowns When they all come down and did tricks for you You never understood that it ain't no good You shouldn't let other people get your kicks for you You used to ride on the chrome horse with your diplomat Who carried on his shoulder a Siamese cat Ain't it hard when you discover that He really wasn't where it's at After he took from you everything he could steal. How does it feel How does it feel To be on your own With no direction home Like a complete unknown Like a rolling stone? Princess on the steeple and all the pretty people They're drinkin', thinkin', that they got it made Exchanging all precious gifts But you'd better take your diamond ring, you'd better pawn it babe You used to be so amused At Napoleon in rags and the language that he used Go to him now, he calls you, you can't refuse When you ain't got nothing, you got nothing to lose You're invisible now, you got no secrets to conceal. How does it feel How does it feel To be on your own With no direction home Like a complete unknown Like a rolling stone?Exploring Other Versions and Chord Variations
Bob Dylan has performed “Like a Rolling Stone” in numerous concerts and arrangements throughout his career. Here are chords for some notable alternative versions:
“Bootleg Series 13” Piano Version Chords
This version, featured in the Bootleg Series Vol. 13, showcases a piano-based arrangement. It’s played a semitone higher than the guitar version and offers a different feel to the song. Notice the use of Gsus4, adding a subtle harmonic variation.
C Dm7 Once upon a time you dressed so fine C/e F Gsus4 G You threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn't you? C Dm7 C/e People'd call, say, "Beware doll, you're bound to fall" F Gsus4 G You thought they were all kiddin' you F Gsus4 G You used to make fun about F Gsus4 G Everybody that was hangin' out F Em Dm7 C Now you don't talk so loud F C/e Dm7 C Now you don't seem so proud Dm7sus4 Dm7 Gsus4 G About having to scrounge your next meal. C F Gsus4 G How does it feel C F Gsus4 G How does it feel C F Gsus4 To be out on your own G C F Gsus4 So unknown G G C F Gsus4 G Like a rolling stone? C F Gsus4 GBudokan Version Guitar Chords
The Budokan version utilizes an Fmaj7 chord, which adds a jazzy and sophisticated flavor to the familiar progression. Fmaj7 (133210) is a beautiful chord to incorporate into your playing.
C . Fmaj7 . [repeat] C Fmaj7 Once upon a time you dressed so fine C Fmaj7 C Fmaj7 C Fmaj7 Threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn't you? C Fmaj7 C People'd call, say, "Beware doll, you're bound to fall" Fmaj7 C Fmaj7 C You thought they were all kiddin' you F G You used to laugh about F G Everybody that was hangin' out F Em Dm C Now you don't talk so loud F Em Dm C Now you don't seem so proud Dm F G About having to be scrounging around for your next meal. C F G How does it feel C F G How does it feel C F G To be without a home C F G With no direction home C F G Like a complete unknown C F G Like a rolling stone?“Unplugged” / Isle of Wight Version Chords (Capo)
This “Unplugged” version, also performed at the Isle of Wight festival and released on Self Portrait, is played with a capo on the 2nd fret. This shifts the key and creates a brighter, folkier sound. The Bm chord is played more like G/b, and Am might have a C/g character due to the bass line.
Capo 2nd fret
G Am Once upon a time you dressed so fine Bm C D Dsus4 D You threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn't you? G Am Bm People'd call, say, "Beware doll, you're bound to fall" C D Dsus4 D You thought they were all kiddin' you C D You used to laugh about C D Everybody that was hangin' out C Bm Am G Now you don't talk so loud C Bm Am G Now you don't seem so proud Am C D About having to be scrounging for your next meal. G C D How does it feel G C D How does it feel G C D To be without a home G C D Like a complete unknown G C D Like a rolling stone?Conclusion
“Like a Rolling Stone” is a song that lends itself to various interpretations and arrangements. By exploring these different chord versions, you can gain a deeper understanding of the song’s structure and Bob Dylan’s musical versatility. Grab your guitar, choose your favorite version, and start playing this iconic song today!
