Jolene

How to play Jolene by Dolly Parton on guitar

Jolene is a great song to learn because the part is simple, memorable, and it has a steady, urgent feel that keeps you focused. At this tempo, you can really hear the chord changes and work on clean transitions without feeling rushed.

With the capo on fret 3, the chart uses a mix of open shapes and barre shapes. The open shapes are easier to grab, while F#, G#, F#m, C#m, C#, and B will ask more of your fretting hand. The change to watch first is the opening move from F# to G# to G and back to F# - it sets the pattern for the rest of the song.

Start by looping that opening progression slowly until the shapes feel automatic. Then add the other changes one at a time, keeping your strumming even and relaxed. Once you can switch cleanly, bring it up to tempo and play through the full song without stopping.

Use the play-along above to follow each chord change in time with the music, or learn the shapes first with the chord diagrams below.