C
G
Am
F
D7
G7
C7
Don't Think Twice It's Alright
Peter, Paul & Mary
Peter, Paul & Mary’s rendition of "Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right," originally by Bob Dylan, features a gentle folk arrangement. Their version emphasizes clear, steady strumming and melodic chord progressions that are accessible for beginners.
Chords & Progression
The song uses common open chords: C, G, Am, F, D7, G7, and C7. If you’re a beginner, you may wish to use the simplified F chord (xx3211 or x33211) instead of the full bar chord.
Strumming Pattern
A simple folk strumming pattern works well: try a steady down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) for each measure. For a softer feel, use your thumb or fingers for a light, flowing sound.
Chord Transitions & Tips
- Practice moving between C, G, and Am smoothly, as these transitions happen frequently.
- For C7 and G7, keep your fingers close to the fretboard for easier changes.
- During the intro and outro, play each chord for about two beats unless otherwise indicated by the song’s feel.
- For the “F” chord, if barring is difficult, use the simplified version.
- Try to let the melody of the lyrics guide your strumming dynamics: lighten up during verses, and emphasize the transitions between lines.
With consistent practice, this song offers a great way to build confidence in chord switching and folk strumming.
Intro
C G Am F G C G Am D7 G7
C C7 F Am C G Am F C G C
Verse 1It ain't no use toG sit and wonderAm why babe,F it don't matter anyG how
And itC ain't no use toG sit and wonderAm why babe,D7 if you don't know byG7 now
When yourC rooster crows at theC7 break of dawn,F look out your window andAm I'll be gone
C You're the reason I'mAm travelingF on,C don't thinkG twice it's allC rightG
Verse 2ItC ain't no use inG turning on yourAm light babe,F that light I neverG knowed
ItC ain't no use inG turning on yourAm light babe,D7 I'm on the dark side of theG7 road
Still IC wish there was somethin' you wouldC7 do or say,F to try and make me change myAm mind and stay
C We never did too muchAm talking anyF way,C so don't thinkG twice it's allC rightG
Verse 3I'mC walkin' down thatG long lonesomeAm road babe, where I'mF bound I can'tG tell
ButC goodbye isG too good aAm word gal,D7 so I'll just say fare theeG7 well
C I ain't saying you treatedC7 me unkind,F you could have done better butAm I don't mind
C You just sorta wastedAm my preciousF time,C but don't thinkG twice it's allC rightG
Verse 4ItC ain't no use inG calling out myAm name gal,F like you never did beG fore
ItC ain't no use inG calling out myAm name gal,D7 I can't hear you anyG7 more
I'm aC thinking and a-wond'rin' all theC7 way down the road,F I once loved a woman aAm child I'm told
I'veC given my heart but sheAm wanted myF soul,C but don't thinkG twice it's allC rightG
OutroC G Am F G C