Gimme Shelter
The story behind the song
This song is a moody piece about the world closing in, reflecting a time of war and tension. It covers the brutal realities of war, including murder, rape, and fear. The inspiration for the song came from seeing people scurrying for shelter from a sudden rainstorm, which evolved into the powerful themes explored in the lyrics. The tension within the song was also inspired by Keith Richards' jealousy regarding the relationship between Mick Jagger and Anita Pallenberg. It plays like a raw and urgent plea for protection in a chaotic world.
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Gimme Shelter
by The Rolling Stones
Chords in this song · guitar
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Lyrics and compositions © their respective songwriters and publishers. Free for personal practice.
About Gimme Shelter Chords by The Rolling Stones
Learn how to play Gimme Shelter by The Rolling Stones with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Gimme Shelter chords”, “Gimme Shelter guitar chords”, or “The Rolling Stones Gimme Shelter chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Gimme Shelter chords and for experienced players who want accurate Gimme Shelter lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include B, A, G, F, C#.
FAQ — Gimme Shelter by The Rolling Stones
How do I play "Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones on guitar?
Open the free chords for "Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.
Are the chords for "Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones free?
Yes. The chords for "Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.
Can I transpose "Gimme Shelter" to a different key?
Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Gimme Shelter" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.
Can I see chord diagrams for "Gimme Shelter"?
Yes. Tap any chord in "Gimme Shelter" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.
Is "Gimme Shelter" easy to play on guitar?
Many players learn "Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by The Rolling Stones below.
What key is "Gimme Shelter" in?
The chords for "Gimme Shelter" show the original chord names (including B, A, G, F, C#). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.