Jolene | TAB
There’s only one chord progression in Jolene. It moves from VI – I – V – VI, followed by V – VI. Since the song is best played with a capo, we’ll focus on it in the key of Am. That gives us this for the chorus:
||: Am C |2/4 G |4/4 Am11 |
| G | Am11 | Am11 :||
And this for the verse:
||: Am C | G Am |
| 1. G | Am (Am/E) | Am (Am/E) :||
| 2. G | Am11 | Am11 :||
The main difference between the two sections is the 2/4 bar. Also, the first verse uses a straight Am, while the other sections use a chord lick that functions as an Am11.
Before we look at full TAB for the verse and chorus, let’s break down that chord lick. You can play it fingerstyle, with a pick, or even without a capo (thinking in C#m). Here are three ways to approach it:
- The first riff is what the original guitarist plays—fast, fingerpicked, and capoed.
- The second is adapted for playing with a pick, still using an acoustic in the key of Am.
- The third is a stripped-back version for electric guitar, without a capo, ideal for band settings.
Personally, I think the best approach is to use a capo and a pick. So here’s TAB for the chorus played that way:
And here’s the verse using the same approach:
Take your time—practice slowly and accurately before trying to keep up with Dolly!
Jolene Backing Tracks + TAB | Related Pages
Jolene | Chords + Lyrics
You can learn to play Jolene by Dolly Parton using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| Am C |2/4 G |4/4 Am |
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene…
Five similar tunes | Chords + Lyrics
