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FOLK-ROCK PIONEER

Mr. Tambourine Man

From Bringing It All Back Home (1965)

Key: D Major Tempo: 84 BPM Difficulty: Intermediate Capo: None

Featured Performance

Newport Folk Festival, 1964

The Story Behind the Song

Written in February 1964 after an all-night trip from New Orleans, the surrealist imagery marked Dylan's move away from protest songs toward more personal, poetic writing.

The Byrds' electric cover in 1965 launched the folk-rock genre, reaching #1 on the Billboard charts. Their jangly 12-string guitar sound influenced countless bands.

Guitar Chords

Chords used:

D G A Em

Playing Tips:

  • • Key of D Major, no capo needed
  • • Tempo: 84 BPM - practice with a metronome
  • • Difficulty: Intermediate

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Quick Facts

Written:
February 1964
Recorded:
January 15, 1965
Released:
1965
Length:
5:30
Producer:
Tom Wilson

Official Lyrics

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

View Lyrics →

Notable Covers

  • The Byrds 1965
  • William Shatner 1968
  • Melanie 1970
  • Ricky Nelson 1966

Recognition

  • • Grammy Hall of Fame (Byrds version)
  • • Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs (#106)

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