Sympathy For The Devil

How to play Sympathy For The Devil by The Rolling Stones on guitar

This is a great song to learn because it has a strong, driving feel and a memorable groove that keeps you locked in. You get to focus on clean changes and steady timing, so it feels powerful without being overly fast.

Most of the chart uses open shapes, including E, D, Dm, and A, so it stays friendly under the fingers. The harder moves are A# and B, which ask for more control if they show up later. Watch the shift from D to Dm - that change is the one to keep smooth and even.

Start by looping the opening progression slowly until the shapes feel automatic. Then add the next changes only after you can move between D and Dm without hesitation. Once that feels solid, bring it up toward tempo and keep the rhythm steady all the way through.

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.