Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" is a classic folk song known for its fingerpicking acoustic guitar style and heartfelt lyrics. The original recording features a gentle, flowing rhythm and a relaxed tempo, making it approachable for beginners.
## Chord Progression and Shapes
The song uses basic open chords: D, A, Bm, G, E7, A7, and D7. The Bm chord is a barre chord, which might be challenging for beginners; take your time learning its shape and practice transitioning from D and G to Bm slowly.
## Strumming and Picking Tips
While Dylan uses fingerpicking, beginners can start with a simple down-down-up-up-down-up strumming pattern (folk/ballad style). If comfortable, try Travis picking: thumb plays alternating bass notes (D and A strings), while fingers pluck the G, B, and high E strings.
## Chord Transitions
Practice moving between D, A, and Bm, as they appear often. When changing to Bm from D, keep your index finger ready to barre the second fret. For E7 and A7, use open position fingerings for smoother transitions. D7 leads naturally to G, so shift your hand position efficiently.
## General Advice
Play slowly at first, focusing on clean chord changes and timing. Use a capo on the 4th fret if you wish to match Dylan's original key. Listen to the original recording to get a feel for tempo and dynamics.
Enjoy the storytelling nature of the song, and don’t rush—let the melody flow naturally with your strumming or picking.
IntroD A Bm G A D
Verse 1Well it ain't no use toA sit and wonderBm why babe,G if'n you don't know byD nowA
And itD ain't no use toA sit and wonderBm why babeE7 It'll never do someA7 how
D When your rooster, crows at theD7 break, of dawn,G look out your window and,Bm I'll be gone
D You're the, reason I'm,Bm travelingG onD Don't thinkA twice it's allD right
HarmonicaD A Bm D G D
Verse 2And it ain't no use inA turnin' on yourBm light babeG That light I, neverD knowedA
AndD it ain't no use inA turnin' on yourBm light babeE7 I'm on the dark side of theA road
D But I wish there was somethin' you would,D7 do or say,G to try and make me change myBm mind and stay
D But we never did too muchBm talkin' anyG wayD Don't thinkA twice it's allD right
HarmonicaA Bm D G D
Verse 3No it ain't no use inA calling out myBm name gal,G like you never done beD foreA
And itD ain't no use inA calling out myBm name galE7 I can't hear you anyA7 more
I'm aD thinking and a-wond'rin' walkin'D7 down the roadG I once loved a woman, aBm child I am told
I'dD given my heart but sheBm wanted myG soulD But don't thinkA twice it's allD right
HarmonicaD G D
Verse 4So lon-A ong honeyBm babe Where I'mG bound, I can'tD tellA
D Goodbye isA too good aBm word babeE7 So I'll just say, fare theeA well
D I ain't a sayin' you treatedD7 me unkindG You could have done better but,Bm I don't mind
D You just kinda wasted my,Bm preciousG timeD Don't thinkA twice it's allD right
OutroD A Bm D G D D A Bm D E7 A D D7 G G E D A D G D A D G D