Now playing

Black Diamond Strings

Chords

4.970 votes

Listen

YouTubeYouTube SpotifySpotify AppleApple Music

Amajor

90BPM

Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

Black Diamond Strings
Guy Clark
Dublin Blues 
Capo 2  key of B if you want to. 
Chorus   
BDlack Diamond Strings   
BAlack Diamond Strings   
DrinkiEn’ 1 W. Harper   
Playin’ ABlack Diamond Strings   
DBlack Diamond Strings   
Are like Awhite flour and grits   
You play Black Diamond Strings   
‘Cause it’s Eall you can Aget   
Verse 1
BAlack Diamond Strings on a CDatalog GAuitar   
That’s pretty high cotton wEhoever you Aare   
You break one you change one, that’s as Dgood as it Agets   
You can play all year long on tEwo or three sAets  
Verse 2 
AJ.W. Crowell was a Dhell of a Aman   
He played two nights a week in a Ehillbilly Aband   
He played at the Ice House on DTelephone ARoad   
He played in the yard just to Elighten his Aload     
Chorus   
BDlack Diamond Strings   
BAlack Diamond Strings   
DrinkiEn’ 1 W. Harper   
Playin’ ABlack Diamond Strings   
DBlack Diamond Strings   
Are like Awhite flour and grits   
You play Black Diamond Strings   
‘Cause it’s Eall you can Aget   
Verse 3 
AHey J.W Dplay that AFrauline   
Let Rodney sit in, hell, Ehe’s goin’ on Anine   
His fingers are bleedin’, but he’s Dkeepin’ good Atime   
Playin’ Black Diamond Strings, Ehe’ll never quit Atryin’   
N/C  
   (spoken) Causette told ‘em both   
Verse 4
AYou boys pack it up, Dit’s time to go Ahome   
We got church in the mornin’, it’s Ecomin’ up Adawn   
Don’t make me say it Dagain or I’m Agone   
You can stay here forever, but Eyou’re gonna walk Ahome   
Chorus   
BDlack Diamond Strings   
BAlack Diamond Strings   
DrinkiEn’ 1 W. Harper   
Playin’ ABlack Diamond Strings   
DBlack Diamond Strings   
Are like Awhite flour and grits   
You play Black Diamond Strings   
‘Cause it’s Eall you can Aget  

All chords in this song (3)

The story behind the song

"Black Diamond Strings" paints a vivid picture of a musician making do with what he has, playing a catalog guitar strung with Black Diamond Strings. It evokes the spirit of a working artist, perhaps in a hillbilly band, whose passion for music shines through despite humble beginnings. The song captures a sense of enduring commitment to the craft, even if it means playing two nights a week and facing the long walk home. At its heart, it's a tribute to the resilience and resourcefulness of a musician.

AI-written from these sources:Guy Clark — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

Story time

Black Diamond Strings

Black Diamond Strings

🎸 Tips from players

Got a tip for playing this song — capo position, easier chords, strumming? Be the first to share one.

Chord Book

670,000+ free guitar chords · free-chords.com

Black Diamond Strings

by Guy Clark

Lyrics & chords · Original key · Capo on fret 2 (as written in this song)

Chords in this song · guitar

Black Diamond Strings

Guy Clark

Dublin Blues

Capo 2 key of B if you want to.

Chorus

Black Diamond Strings

Drinkin’ 1 W. Harper

Playin’ Black Diamond Strings

Black Diamond Strings

Are like white flour and grits

You play Black Diamond Strings

E A

‘Cause it’s all you can get

Verse 1

A D A

Black Diamond Strings on a Catalog Guitar

E A

That’s pretty high cotton whoever you are

D A

You break one you change one, that’s as good as it gets

E A

You can play all year long on two or three sets

Verse 2

A D A

J.W. Crowell was a hell of a man

E A

He played two nights a week in a hillbilly band

D A

He played at the Ice House on Telephone Road

E A

He played in the yard just to lighten his load

Chorus

Black Diamond Strings

Drinkin’ 1 W. Harper

Playin’ Black Diamond Strings

Black Diamond Strings

Are like white flour and grits

You play Black Diamond Strings

E A

‘Cause it’s all you can get

Verse 3

A D A

Hey J.W play that Frauline

E A

Let Rodney sit in, hell, he’s goin’ on nine

D A

His fingers are bleedin’, but he’s keepin’ good time

E A

Playin’ Black Diamond Strings, he’ll never quit tryin’

N/C

(spoken) Causette told ‘em both

Verse 4

A D A

You boys pack it up, it’s time to go home

E A

We got church in the mornin’, it’s comin’ up dawn

D A

Don’t make me say it again or I’m gone

E A

You can stay here forever, but you’re gonna walk home

Chorus

Black Diamond Strings

Drinkin’ 1 W. Harper

Playin’ Black Diamond Strings

Black Diamond Strings

Are like white flour and grits

You play Black Diamond Strings

E A

‘Cause it’s all you can get

About Black Diamond Strings Chords by Guy Clark

Learn how to play Black Diamond Strings by Guy Clark with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Black Diamond Strings chords”, “Black Diamond Strings guitar chords”, or “Guy Clark Black Diamond Strings 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 Black Diamond Strings chords and for experienced players who want accurate Black Diamond Strings lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include B, D, A, E, C.

FAQ — Black Diamond Strings by Guy Clark

How do I play "Black Diamond Strings" by Guy Clark on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Black Diamond Strings" by Guy Clark 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 "Black Diamond Strings" by Guy Clark free?

Yes. The chords for "Black Diamond Strings" by Guy Clark are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Black Diamond Strings" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Black Diamond Strings" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Black Diamond Strings"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Black Diamond Strings" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Black Diamond Strings" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Black Diamond Strings" by Guy Clark with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Guy Clark below.

What key is "Black Diamond Strings" in?

The chords for "Black Diamond Strings" show the original chord names (including B, D, A, E, C). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.