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Highway 51 Blues

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Bob Dylan
Song: Highway 51
Tuning: Open D (D A D f# a d)
Capo 2nd fret
Main Riff:
|-------------------------------|
|-0-----------------------------|
|-0-----------------------------|
|-0---------3---0-5---0-3--0-3--|
|-0---------3---0-5---0-3--0-3--|
|-0---------3---0-5---0-3--0-3--|
The main riff can be played throughout, but you can also play
it at the intro and use the chords on the verses
(though I recommend the riff on the E lines).
Also at the end of the riff you can repeat:
-0-5- instead of: -0-3- if it sounds better. Just play around with it.
-0-5- -0-3-
-0-5- -0-3-
EHighway 51 runs right by my baby's door
AHighway 51 runs right by my baby's Edoor
If I Bdon't get the girl I'm loving
Won't go down to Highway 51 no Emore.
Well, I know that highway like I know my hand
Yes, I know that highway like I know the back of my hand
Running from up Wisconsin
way down to no man's land.
Well, if I should die before my time should come
And if I should die before my time should come
Won't you bury my body
out on the Highway 51.
Highway 51 runs right by my baby's door
I said, Highway 51 runs right by my baby's door
If I don't get the girl I'm loving
Won't go down to Highway 51 no more.
The end of the verse riff is improvised on this theme:
|-------------------------|
|-------------------------|
|-------------------------|
|-3---0-------------------|
|---------3p0------0------|
|-------------3----0------|
You could also just play the main riff once at the end of the verse if you want.
E: 000000
A: 020120
B: x02100
All chords in this song (3)

The story behind the song

This song, appearing on Bob Dylan's 1962 debut album, is based on Tommy McClennan's version of "Highway 51." The lyrics and vocal phrasing are drawn from McClennan's recording, with Dylan also incorporating a repeating guitar figure from "Wake Up Little Susie" by The Everly Brothers. Highway 51 itself has a special place, stretching from New Orleans to Wisconsin. Playing this song channels a journey through the American landscape, echoing the rich tradition of blues and folk music.

AI-written from these sources:Highway 51 Blues — Wikipedia ↗Bob Dylan — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

🎸 Tips from players

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About Highway 51 Blues Chords by Bob Dylan

Learn how to play Highway 51 Blues by Bob Dylan with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Highway 51 Blues chords”, “Highway 51 Blues guitar chords”, or “Bob Dylan Highway 51 Blues 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 Highway 51 Blues chords and for experienced players who want accurate Highway 51 Blues lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include D, A, E, B.

FAQ — Highway 51 Blues by Bob Dylan

How do I play "Highway 51 Blues" by Bob Dylan on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Highway 51 Blues" 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 "Highway 51 Blues" by Bob Dylan free?

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Can I transpose "Highway 51 Blues" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Highway 51 Blues" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Highway 51 Blues"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Highway 51 Blues" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Highway 51 Blues" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Highway 51 Blues" 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 "Highway 51 Blues" in?

The chords for "Highway 51 Blues" show the original chord names (including D, A, E, B). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.