Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
Satisfaction (I Can't Get No) The Rolling Stones

 The original version of this song is famous for its driving riff and energetic, straightforward rock sound. Translating it to an acoustic or rhythm guitar part works well and is accessible for beginners.


Chords and Transitions

You need just four chords: E major, D major, A major, and B7. All are open chords, well-suited for beginners. Practice switching between E and D smoothly, as this transition is frequent. When moving to A and B7, keep your fingers close to the frets to minimize buzzing.


Strumming Pattern

A simple and effective strumming pattern: down, down, up, up, down, up (DDU UDU) works well throughout the song. For the intro and main riff, play sharp, assertive downstrokes to mimic the original's punchy feel.


Tips for Beginners

  • Mute the strings lightly with your palm (palm muting) during the intro and verses for a tighter, more rhythmic sound.
  • Practice the E–D–E–D change repeatedly, as it’s the core of the song.
  • For the B7 chord, ensure all fingers are arched to avoid muting strings unintentionally.
  • Keep your strumming hand relaxed for a natural groove—don’t rush the tempo.

This song’s repetitive structure and simple chords make it ideal for building confidence with chord changes and rhythm.

EADGBE E
EADGBEXX D
EADGBEX A
EADGBEX B7
Intro
E D E D E D E D E
Chorus
I can't get noA satisfaction,E I can't get noA satisfaction,
'Cause IE try, and IB7 try, and IE try, and IA try.
I can'tE get no,D I can'tE get no.D
Verse 1
When I'mE drivin' in myD car, and theE man come on theD radio.
He'sE tellin' me more andD more, about someE useless inforD mation,
Supposed toE fire my imaginD ation. I can'tE get no,D ah no noE no.
Hey heyE hey.D That's what IE say.D E
Chorus
I can't get noA satisfaction,E I can't get noA satisfaction,
'Cause IE try, and IB7 try, and IE try, and IA try.
I can'tE get no,D I can'tE get no.D
Verse 2
When I'mE watchin' my T.D V., and aE man comes on andD tells me,
HowE white my shirts canD be,
But heE can't be a man 'cause heD doesn't smoke, theE same cigarettes asD me.
I can'tE get no,D ah no noE no.
Hey heyE hey.D That's what IE say.D E
Chorus
I can't get noA satisfaction.E I can't get noA girl reaction,
'Cause IE try, and IB7 try, and IE try, and IA try.
I can'tE get no,D I can'tE get noD .
Verse 3
When I'mE ridin' 'round theD world.
And I'mE doin' this and I'mD signin' that and I'mE tryin' to make someD girl,
Who tells me, ahE baby better come backD maybe next week,
Can't youE see I'm on, aD losing streak? I can'tE get no,D ah no noE no.
Hey heyE hey.D That's what IE say.D
Outro
I can'tE get no,D I can'tE get no,D I can'tE get no,D
SatisE faction.D No satisE faction.D No satisE faction.D
No satisE faction.D I can'tE get no.D E