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I Shall Be Released

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

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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

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.

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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

Song Sheet with Lyrics 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

Travis Picking Essentials

Practical Music Theory

Guitar for Beginners

Beginner Chord Guide

Blues Starter Kit

Reading Music for Guitarists

Fun & Helpful Tools I've Made

Fret Monster

JamBox

Key Master

Capo Captain

Blank Tabs

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Recent Lessons