I Shall Be Released

by Bob Dylan • Lesson #466 • Jan 7, 2023

Hey there, friends! New lesson today teaching you how to play Bob Dylan’s classic I Shall Be Released, taught in the style of his “Studio Outtake” recording from 1971. This guitar lesson will be capo 2nd fret, using chord shapes in the Key of G. I’ll break things down using the simplest possible chords — including an easier (non-barred) version of B-minor. I’ll also show a few strumming options, as well as tabs for some of the distinctive licks and fills. All in all, such a classic song! I hope you enjoy.

0:00 Playthrough & Overview
2:08 Intro Riff
5:45 Chords
8:27 Strumming
13:33 Licks & Fills
17:47 Chord Progression: Add’l Variations
24:23 Vocal Melody

Licensed Song Sheet 3 pages

Follow along with my print-friendly guide for this song! It’s available for purchase at Musicnotes.com, the web’s leading provider of licensed sheet music.

On the fence? Here's a guide I made showing the purchase & print process, including answers to common questions about my song sheets.

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Lesson Discussion

Strumming Tutorials

There’s two strumming patterns I demonstrate in my video lesson. For a detailed tutorial on each pattern, click either thumbnail below:

Additional Techniques to Help with This Song

How to Strum Without a Pick

Recorded Versions of I Shall Be Released

Bob Dylan’s 1971 “Studio Outtakes” recording. This is what I based my lesson after.

The Band’s 1968 cover. Note, this is in the Key of E and features some small changes to the progression.

The live version heard in The Last Waltz featuring The Band, Dylan, many others.

Cover from Reina Del Cid. Key of A.

Cover from Olav Larsen:

There’s so many more! Have a look around YouTube, or Spotify, or wherever you get your music. Such an amazing song, and so great to hear the ways each artist makes it their own.

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I Shall Be Released

Licensed Song Sheet 3 pages

Lesson Discussion

Strumming Tutorials

Additional Techniques to Help with This Song

Recorded Versions of I Shall Be Released

Unlock My Secret Stash!

Browse Related Lessons

Enjoy My Lessons? Show Your Support!

Looking for More Song Lessons?

Featured Courses

Strumming & Rhythm

Fingerstyle & Travis Picking

Blues Starter Kit

Reading Music for Guitarists

Learning Lead Guitar

Beginner Chord Guide

Practical Music Theory

Using a Capo

Fun & Helpful Tools I've Made

Fret Monster

Capo Captain

Key Master

Blank Tabs

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Recent Lessons