Tom Dooley guitar chords
Two chords, one steady strum. If you have never finished a song before, start here.
At a glance
- Key D
- Time 4/4
- Level Easy
- Chords D, A7
Why this song is worth learning
A two-chord ballad in D and one of the easiest complete songs to learn. The slow move between D and A7 gives you a steady strum to build on before you add more chords.
The chords, as shapes
| Chord | Frets (low E to high e) |
|---|---|
| D | x x 0 2 3 2 |
| A7 | x 0 2 0 2 0 |
x means do not play that string, 0 means play it open. Tap any shape on the page to hear it.
Play along
Press play. The track counts you in, clicks the beat and lights up the chord you should be holding. Drop the tempo while you are learning and raise it once you can get through without stopping.
Chord order
| Verse | D | D | A7 | A7 | A7 | A7 | D | D |
|---|---|
| Chorus | D | D | A7 | A7 | A7 | A7 | D | D |
Each group is one bar. Count 4 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
D DU D DU
D is a down-strum and U is an up-strum. If the pattern feels like too much at first, play one down-strum per bar until the chord changes are comfortable, then add the rest.
How to learn it
- Learn D and A7, and make sure both ring cleanly.
- Play D DU D DU on D, then on A7.
- Practise the change from D to A7, which is the only chord move in the song.
- Play at 100 beats per minute and keep the rhythm even.
Tips that matter
- Change on the beat. Move to A7 on beat one of the bar, then hold it.
- Keep your hand loose. A relaxed hand makes the two-chord switch quicker.
Questions about Tom Dooley
What chords are in Tom Dooley?
D and A7, all in the key of D major.
What time signature is Tom Dooley in?
4/4, with four beats per bar. It is rated Easy.
How fast should I practise it?
The play-along is set to 100 beats per minute. Start slower while you learn the changes, then raise the tempo in small steps once you can play through without stopping.
Is Tom Dooley free to learn and share?
Yes. Traditional American ballad from the 1860s; words and tune are long out of copyright. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.