Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
Paint It Black The Rolling Stones

 Original Version
The Rolling Stones’ original features a driving rhythm and a dark, hypnotic feel, built around a minor key and a memorable riff. The song is famous for its energetic tempo and dynamic shifts, which you can bring out even with basic chords on acoustic guitar.


Chord Shapes & Transitions

Chords Used:
Dm, Dsus2, Dsus4, A, Asus4, A7, C, F

The verses alternate between Dm and its sus variations (Dsus2, Dsus4). These chords are easy to switch between, as only one finger moves at a time. Practice moving smoothly among Dm, Dsus2, and Dsus4 to capture the song’s signature riff-like sound.

The A, Asus4, and A7 shapes are also simple transitions. For Asus4, just add your pinky to the B string, third fret.


Strumming Pattern

Start with a steady down-up strumming pattern, emphasizing the downbeats:

Down, Down-Up, Down, Down-Up

Use short, percussive strums to imitate the rhythmic drive of the original. Try muting slightly with the palm for a punchier feel during verses.


Tips for Beginners

Keep your fretting fingers close to the fret for clean notes, especially when switching between Dm and its sus forms. Practice chord transitions slowly, then build up speed as you get comfortable. For F, use a simplified version (just the top four strings) if barre chords are challenging.

EADGBEXX Dm
EADGBE Dsus2
EADGBEXX Dsus4
EADGBEX A
EADGBEXX Asus4
EADGBE C
EADGBE F
EADGBEX A7
Intro
Dm Dsus2 Dm Dsus4 Dm Dsus2 Dm A Asus4 A
Verse 1
IDsus2 seeDm yourDsus4 redDm doorDsus2 andDm I wantA itAsus4 paintedA black
Dm NoDsus2 colDm orsDsus4 anDm yDsus2 moreDm I wantA themAsus4 to turnA black
Chorus
Dm IC see theF girls walkC by dressedDm in their summer clothes
IC have toF turn myC head unDm til my darknessA goesA7
Verse 2
Dm IDsus2 seeDm theDsus4 lineDm ofDsus2 carsDm and they'reA allAsus4 paintedA black
Dm WithDsus2 flowDm ersDsus4 andDm myDsus2 loveDm both nevA erAsus4 to comeA back
Chorus
Dm IC see peopleF turn theirC heads andDm quickly look away
Like aC newbornF babyC it justDm happens everyA dayA7
Bridge
Dm MaybeC then I'llF fade aC way andDm not have to face the facts
Dm It's notC easyF facingC up whenDm your whole world isA blackA7
Outro
Dm Dsus2 Dm Dsus4 Dm Dsus2 Dm A Asus4 A