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Folk · 1963 · Beginner

Blowin' in the Wind

by Bob Dylan
Key of G80 BPMBeginner

Chord Sheet

Key of G · Progression: I–IV–V

Chord Loop
G — C — D — ...
Key
G
Tempo
80 BPM
Chords
3
Genre
Folk

🎵 Practice Tips for Blowin' in the Wind

  • Start at 40 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • Loop just the G→C transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • Use our Metronome set to 80 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play Blowin' in the Wind by Bob Dylan

Blowin' in the Wind (1963) is a beginner-level folk song that uses 3 chords: G, C, D in the key of G. The chord progression is I–IV–V.

Chord Breakdown

  • G — major chord, bright and stable
  • C — major chord, bright and stable
  • D — major chord, bright and stable

About Blowin' in the Wind

"Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan (released 1963) is one of the most recognizable folk songs ever recorded. Its 3-chord structure demonstrates how a simple progression can create an emotionally powerful and memorable piece of music. The combination of G, C, D creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Blowin' in the Wind as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Blowin' in the Wind, start by getting comfortable with each chord individually before trying to switch between them. The goal is to make each chord change automatic — your fingers should know where to go without you having to think about it. Practice the chord loop slowly with a metronome, and you'll be playing the full song within a few weeks.

FAQ

Blowin' in the Wind by Bob Dylan — FAQ

What chords are in Blowin' in the Wind by Bob Dylan?
Blowin' in the Wind uses the chords G, C, D in the key of G. The progression follows a I–IV–V pattern. This is a beginner-level song.
What key is Blowin' in the Wind in?
Blowin' in the Wind by Bob Dylan is in the key of G. The primary chords are G, C, D.
What is the tempo of Blowin' in the Wind?
Blowin' in the Wind is played at approximately 80 BPM. This moderate tempo is comfortable for intermediate players. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 80 BPM.
What strumming pattern does Blowin' in the Wind use?
Blowin' in the Wind is typically in 4/4 time. A common strumming pattern is down-down-up-up-down-up (DDUUDU) or simplified all-down for beginners. Focus on getting chord changes smooth before adding strumming complexity.
How do I play G chord on guitar?
G is the main chord in Blowin' in the Wind. Place fingers on: 3rd fret 6th string (E), 2nd fret 5th string (A), 3rd fret 1st string (e).
Can I play Blowin' in the Wind on piano?
Yes! Blowin' in the Wind sounds great on piano. Play the chords G, C, D in root position or inversions. Left hand plays bass notes (root of each chord), right hand plays chord voicings. This is a beginner-level arrangement.
Is Blowin' in the Wind beginner-friendly?
Yes! Blowin' in the Wind is rated Beginner difficulty. It uses 3 main chords (G, C, D), all easy open or basic chords. One of the best songs for new players to learn.
What is the chord progression in Blowin' in the Wind?
The main progression in Blowin' in the Wind is G – C – D (Roman numeral: I–IV–V). This 3-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.
Can I transpose Blowin' in the Wind to a different key?
Yes! Blowin' in the Wind is in G. To make it easier, try transposing to G or D using a capo. A capo changes your effective key while keeping the same chord shapes. Use our Transpose Tool to convert all chord names automatically.
What genre is Blowin' in the Wind?
Blowin' in the Wind by Bob Dylan is a Folk song from 1963. Its 3-chord progression (G, C, D) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.