Saved

John Wesley Harding

Chords
4.569 votes
Get the app
App StoreGoogle Play
15
Original
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
The best way to play this song:
Intro | F| F||
FJohn Wesley Harding
Was a frieBbnd to Cthe pFoor,
He trav'led with a gun in ev'ry hGmand.Bb  C  
FAll along this countryside,
He oBbpened a Cmany a dooFr,
But he was never known
To hBburt an hC7onest maFn.
F'Twas down in Chaynee CounBbty,
A tCime they talFk about,
With his lady by his side
He took a stand.Gm  Bb  C  
And soon tFhe situation there
Was all but stBbraightenCed out,F  
For he was always known
BbTo lend a C7helpinFg hand.
FAll across the telegraph
His name it Bbdid resoCund,F  
But no charge held against him
Could Gmthey Bbprove.C  
And there was Fno man around
BbWho could Ctrack or cFhain him down,
He was never known
To mBbake a fooC7lish moFve.
Any rates or comments are greatly appreciated!
All chords in this song (5)

The story behind the song

This song sprang from an initial idea to write a long ballad about an old cowboy outlaw. Though the artist got tired partway through, he liked the melody and didn't want to waste it, so he finished it quickly. The protagonist is based on a real-life late-19th-century outlaw, chosen because his name fit the song's tempo. At its heart, it plays like a quick sketch of a legendary figure, capturing a moment rather than a full epic.

AI-written from these sources:John Wesley Harding (song) — Wikipedia ↗Bob Dylan — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

🎸 Tips from players

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

About John Wesley Harding Chords by Bob Dylan

Learn how to play John Wesley Harding by Bob Dylan with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “John Wesley Harding chords”, “John Wesley Harding guitar chords”, or “Bob Dylan John Wesley Harding 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 John Wesley Harding chords and for experienced players who want accurate John Wesley Harding lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include F, Bb, C, Gm, C7, A.

FAQ — John Wesley Harding by Bob Dylan

How do I play "John Wesley Harding" by Bob Dylan on guitar?

Open the free chords for "John Wesley Harding" by Bob Dylan 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 "John Wesley Harding" by Bob Dylan free?

Yes. The chords for "John Wesley Harding" by Bob Dylan are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "John Wesley Harding" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "John Wesley Harding"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "John Wesley Harding" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "John Wesley Harding" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "John Wesley Harding" by Bob Dylan with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Bob Dylan below.

What key is "John Wesley Harding" in?

The chords for "John Wesley Harding" show the original chord names (including F, Bb, C, Gm, C7, A). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.