How to Play "My Back Pages" on Guitar
"My Back Pages" is a classic Bob Dylan song from the 1960s, known for its poetic lyrics and folk-rock feel. The original features a gentle strumming style typical of Dylan's acoustic work, making it accessible and enjoyable for beginner guitarists.
Chords & Progression
The song uses basic open chords: C, F, Am, Em, and G. If the F chord is difficult, try the simplified F (xx3211) or Fmaj7 (xx3210).
Strumming Pattern
A simple strumming pattern works well:
Down–down–up–up–down–up (D–D–U–U–D–U).
Play steadily and focus on keeping the rhythm gentle and flowing to match Dylan’s folk style.
Chord Transitions & Tips
Practice moving between C and F, as this transition repeats throughout. The switch from Am to Em is easy; just move your fingers up one string each. For G, use the standard open position. Take your time with F, and use a partial barre if needed.
Other Techniques
Try light palm muting during verses for a softer sound, and open up with fuller strums for the chorus line: "Ah but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now."
Keep your strumming hand relaxed, listen to the original for reference, and enjoy playing this folk classic!
IntroC F C F C F C F
Verse 1C Crimson flames tiedEm through my ears rollin'F high andG mightyC trap
Pounced withAm fire onEm flaming roads usingF ideas as myG maps
We'llAm meet on edgesEm soon said I,F proud 'neath heatedG brow
Ah butC I was so muchF olderC then, I'mF youngerG than thatC nowF C F
Verse 2C Half wracked prejudice,Em leaped forth, ripF down allG hate IC screamed
C Lies thatAm life isEm black and white, spokeF from my skull IG dreamed
RoAm mantic facts ofEm musketeers founF dationed deep, someG how
Ah butC I was so muchF olderC then, I'mF youngerG than thatC nowF C F
Verse 3Girls'C facesAm formed theEm forward path,F phonyG jealouC sy
ToAm memorizingEm politics, ofF ancient historG y
FlungAm down by corpse, eEm vangelists unF thought of though someG how
Ah butC I was so muchF olderC then, I'mF youngerG than thatC nowF C F
SoloC Am Em F G C
C Am Em F G
Am Em F G
C F C F G C F C F
Verse 4C Self orAm dained proEm fessor's tongue, tooF seriousG toC fool
C SpoutedAm out that liberEm ty, is just eF quality inG school
EAm quality, IEm spoke the word, asF if a weddingG vow
Ah butC I was so muchF olderC then, I'mF youngerG than thatC nowF C F
Verse 5C In a soldier'sAm stance IEm aimed my hand, at theF mongrelG dogs whoC teach
FearingC not that I'd beAm come myEm enemy, in theF instant that IG preach
My exAm istence led by conEm fusion boats,F mutiny from stern toG bow
Ah butC I was so muchF olderC then, I'mF youngerG than thatC nowF C F
Verse 6It's myC guard stoodAm hard whenEm abstract threats tooF nobleG to neC glect
DeC ceived meAm into thinkingEm I, hadF something to proG tect
Am Good and bad I deEm fine these terms, quiteF clear no doubt someG how
Ah butC I was so muchF olderC then, I'mF youngerG than thatC nowF C F
OutroC Am Em F G C
C Am Em F G
Am Em F G
ButC I was so muchF olderC then, I'mF youngerG than thatC now
F C F C F C F C
