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ROCK MASTERPIECE

Like a Rolling Stone

From Highway 61 Revisited (1965)

Key: C Major Tempo: 96 BPM Difficulty: Intermediate Capo: None

Featured Performance

Official Audio

The Story Behind the Song

Often called the greatest rock song ever recorded, "Like a Rolling Stone" began as 20 pages of stream-of-consciousness writing. Dylan transformed it into a six-minute single that defied radio conventions.

The song's organ riff, played by Al Kooper (who wasn't even supposed to be there), became one of rock's most recognizable sounds. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it #1 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Guitar Chords

Chords used:

C Dm Em F G

Playing Tips:

  • • Key of C Major, no capo needed
  • • Tempo: 96 BPM - practice with a metronome
  • • Difficulty: Intermediate

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Quick Facts

Written:
June 1965
Recorded:
June 15-16, 1965
Released:
1965
Length:
6:13
Producer:
Tom Wilson / Bob Johnston

Official Lyrics

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

View Lyrics →

Notable Covers

  • Jimi Hendrix 1967
  • The Rolling Stones 1995
  • Green Day 2005
  • David Bowie 1990

Recognition

  • • Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs (#1)
  • • Grammy Hall of Fame (1998)

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