The Times They Are A Changin' - Bob Dylan | Song Tabs - Guitar Chord Sheets

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The Times They Are A Changin' Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan’s original recording of this iconic song is simple and direct, which makes it very approachable for beginner guitarists. The song’s folk roots mean it’s suited to acoustic guitar, with a focus on clear chord changes and steady rhythm.

Chords and Transitions

The song uses these open chords: G, Em, C, D, D7, and Am.
All are beginner-friendly. Practice switching between G, Em, and C, as these occur frequently.
Pay special attention to the transition from D to D7 and from C back to G at line ends.

Strumming Pattern

A simple downstroke pattern works well:
Try D D D D (four downstrokes per bar) or D DU UD (down, down, up, up, down) for a folk feel.
Keep the strumming relaxed and consistent, matching the song’s 4/4 time signature.

Additional Tips

Start slow.
Sing or hum the melody to help anticipate chord changes.
Let chords ring out fully, especially at the end of each line.
If you prefer, use a capo to match Dylan’s vocal pitch, but standard tuning works fine.

With practice, you’ll capture the spirit of Dylan’s original, focusing on clear chords and steady rhythm over fancy technique.

G

Em

D

C

Am

D7

Intro

G

Verse 1

ComeG gather 'roundEm people, wherD ever youG roam

And adG mit that theEm waters aC round you haveD grown

And acG cept it thatEm soon you'll beC drenched to theG bone

If yourG time toAm you is worthD saving

Then you'd better startD⁷ swimming or you'llC sink like aD stone

For theG times theyC are aD changG in'

Verse 2

ComeG writers andEm critics whoD prophesize with yourG pen

AndG keep your eyesEm wide the chanceC won't come aD gain

AndG don't speak tooEm soon for theC wheel's still inG spin

And there'sG no tellingAm who that it'sD namin'

Oh the loserD⁷ now will beC later toD win

For theG times theyC are aD changG in'

Verse 3

ComeG senators,Em congressmenD please heed theG call

Don'tG stand in theEm doorway don'tC block up theD hall

ForG he that getsEm hurt will beC he who hasG stalled

TheG battleAm outsideD ragin'

Will soon shake yourD⁷ windows andC rattle yourD walls

For theG times theyC are aD changG in'

Verse 4

ComeG mothers andEm fathersD throughout theG land

AndG don't criticEm ize what youC can't underD stand

YourG sons and yourEm daughters are beC yond your comG mand

YourG old road isAm rapidlyD agin'

Please get out of theD⁷ new one if youC can't lend yourD hand

For theG times theyC are aD changG in'

Verse 5

TheG line it isEm drawn, theD curse it isG cast

TheG slow oneEm now willC later beD fast

As theG presentEm now, willC later be theG past

TheG order isAm rapidlyD fading

And the first oneD⁷ now willC later beD last

For theG times, theyC are aD changG in'