A Hard Rains A Gonna Fall - Bob Dylan Chords
Chords: A, Fall, Bob, Dylan, From:, Dylan", Drop-D, E, Drop, D
More chords by Bob Dylan
Genre: folk, rock, blues
A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall – Bob Dylan
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Written by: Bob Dylan
From: "The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan" (1963)
Tabbed by: maguri
Tuning: Drop-D (D-A-D-G-B-e) + capo 2nd (= E-B-E-A-C#-f#) /
Standard (E-A-D-G-B-e)
or Standard with partial capo on strings 1-5 (E-B-E-A-C#-f#)
capo: 2nd fret
key: E
For chords in original key transpose these chords +2 to E.
These are the chords played on the studio version from “Freewheelin’”.
The key is E, but here I suggest using a Drop-D tuning with a capo 2nd fret.
Drop D is easy to do: Just tune down the 6th string (low E) down two steps
to D and leave the other strings as they are.
Tip: Partial capo
If you want that low root note on the D chord, like the one heard in Dylan’s
recording (which actually sounds as an E due to the capo), but without switching
to Drop D tuning:
Place a capo on the 2nd fret — but only on strings 1 through 5, leaving the
low E string open. Now, when you play a standard D voicing (0-0-0-2-3-2), you’ll
also get that low E root note. All other chord shapes can be played as usual.
To pull off this trick, you’ll need a capo that allows partial coverage —
meaning it only presses down on selected strings. Not all capos support this
setup. For example, a Shubb capo is perfect for this, as it allows selective
string clamping. On the other hand, traditional full-capos (like those that
clamp all six strings) won't allow you to isolate specific strings. There are,
however, many different kinds of partial capos available, allowing you to
experiment and unlock new sounds.
What makes Dylan's usage of Drop D tuning interesting is the continuous drone
in the verses. I made a quick demo recording, so you can hear what this
tab sounds like: https://soundcloud.com/maguri/a-hard-rains-a-gonna-fall
For novice players:
(1) Use Standard Tuning with the voicings suggested below.
(2) Additionally one could just leave out the notes after the slashes - instead
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