Premium
VIP
Beta Tester
Today you’ll learn how to play Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay, the Otis Redding classic from 1968. This one is a ton of fun to play on the guitar, even though you may not think of guitar when you listen to it. I’ll teach you to play it using only 7 chords (using only open chords, all of which major). I’ll show you a few ways to strum it, including both beginner-friendly and more advanced strums.
For those of you who are looking for a bit of a challenge, I’ll also teach you the subtle walk-up and walk-down heard during the verse of Redding’s album version — in addition to explaining the rhythm behind the pushed chord changes that give the song’s rhythm a bit of distinction. These may take a bit of practice to get comfortable with, but they sound great when used together. Let’s jump in!
Free Video Lesson
Timestamps:
- 0:00 Preview & Lesson Summary
- 1:30 Verse & Chorus Basics
- 4:50 Strumming Patterns
- 8:49 Bridge
- 12:45 Walk-Up & Walk-Down
- 16:52 Pushed Chord Changes
- 20:21 Full Playthrough
Song Sheet with Lyrics 3 pages
A printed arrangement with the lyrics, chords, and other guitar parts taught in my video lesson. Available for purchase through Musicnotes.com.
Have questions? Read this help page to learn how buying & printing works, with answers to many common questions about my song sheets.
Buy at Musicnotes.comBacking Track Available
I made two simple drum backing tracks for you to use while playing this song.
Normal Tempo
One is at 104 beats per minute, which is the tempo heard in Otis Redding’s album recording of this song. If you want to play at the exact same speed as him, use this one. This is what’s heard in my play-along cover at the end of my video lesson.
Slower Tempo
The other is slightly slower, paced at 96 beats per minute. If you find Redding’s version moves too fast for you, I recommend this track as it’ll give you a bit more time to make the chord changes (etc). Once you’re comfortable with with this tempo, I’d encourage you to try using the 104bpm track.
Listen to Otis Redding’s Recording
Played at 104 beats per minute. Key of G, standard tuning.
Additional Lessons To Help With This Song
Here’s instructional lessons I’ve made teaching concepts that are useful in this song.
Browse Related Lessons
Click any tag below to view other lessons I've made in that category:
Enjoy My Lessons? Show Your Support!
Most of the lessons on my website are 100% free. If you have the means, please show your support with a tip jar contribution. I put many hours into every lesson — but it only takes you a minute to make a donation. You have my thanks!
Looking for More Song Lessons?
Featured Courses
Fun & Helpful Tools I've Made
Coming soon is Jambox – which shows all the video jam tracks I've made. It's note quite ready for the spotlight, but check it out if you like!
Subscribe to my YouTube channel
Be sure to never miss a lesson by subscribing on YouTube. I put out 2-3 new videos every week. These include full song lessons, as well as covers, practice tips, behind-the-scenes updates. Thanks!
Recent Lessons
-
August 20, 2026
[Updated] Chord Changes & Learning New Chords
-
August 19, 2026
Practice Guide for "I Walk the Line" by Johnny Cash
-
August 14, 2026
Strum & Sing "Runaway" by Del Shannon
-
August 7, 2026
Practice Guide for "Brown Eyed Girl"
-
July 31, 2026
"Ohio" by Crosby Stills Nash & Young
-
July 17, 2026
Travis Picking Essentials: 10 New Pages of PDF Guides!
-
July 16, 2026
[Updated] How I Learned to Travis Pick with John Prine ft. Clay Pigeons
-
July 3, 2026
"Ramble On" by Led Zeppelin (full song lesson)
-
June 21, 2026
Dad-Inspired Songs for Father's Day
