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ICONIC CLASSIC

All Along the Watchtower

From John Wesley Harding (1967)

Key: C# Minor Tempo: 112 BPM Difficulty: Beginner Capo: 4th fret (Am shape)

Featured Performance

Original Studio Recording

The Story Behind the Song

Recorded during Dylan retreat in Nashville following his 1966 motorcycle accident, the song features cryptic biblical imagery with a conversation between a joker and a thief.

Jimi Hendrix electric cover in 1968 so impressed Dylan that he adopted elements of the Hendrix arrangement for his own live performances. Dylan once said: It overwhelmed me, really... He had such talent, he could find things inside a song.

Guitar Chords

Chords used:

Am G F E

Playing Tips:

  • • Key of C# Minor, use capo on 4th fret (Am shape)
  • • Tempo: 112 BPM - practice with a metronome
  • • Difficulty: Beginner

More Performances

Quick Facts

Written:
Late 1967
Recorded:
November 6, 1967
Released:
1967
Length:
2:31
Producer:
Bob Johnston

Official Lyrics

Read the complete lyrics on Bob Dylan's official website.

View Lyrics →

Notable Covers

  • Jimi Hendrix 1968
  • U2 1988
  • Dave Matthews Band 1996
  • Eddie Vedder 2012

Recognition

  • • Hendrix version in Grammy Hall of Fame
  • • Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs (#47)