The Weight Chords & Guitar Lesson (Easy + Intermediate Versions)

Here’s an incredible song that’s moved the world. 

It’s timeless…

And chock-full of feeling and soul.

Below, I’m going to share some insider tips on the guitar style behind it.

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “The Weight” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote The Weight?

“The Weight” was written by Robbie Robertson, the guitarist for The Band. A group that got its name from backing up many famous musicians like Ronnie Hawkins, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Neil Young, and more. 

“The Weight” is one of the most iconic songs in American rock history. It’s a storytelling tune blended with a rootsy Americana vibe. 

It was originally featured on The Band’s 1968 debut album Music from Big Pink. Although Robertson wrote the tune, it starts with vocals from Levon Helm, the group's drummer and only American member.

“The Weight” tells the story of a weary traveler who arrives in Nazareth, Pennsylvania – a subtle nod to the town where Martin guitars are made. 

While Music from Big Pink is often associated with the house in Woodstock, New York, known as "Big Pink," “The Weight” was actually recorded at A&R Studios in New York City in January 1968. The sessions were produced by John Simon and were done on a four-track recorder.

Upon its release, “The Weight” reached No. 63 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, No. 35 in Canada, and No. 21 in the UK. 

Over the years, “The Weight” has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films and documentaries, including one of my favorite versions, which is the Playing For Change 50th anniversary version:

The Playing For Change rendition of “The Weight” is an incredible collaboration that connected musicians from ten countries and across five continents. The production process involved recording each artist in their natural environment, allowing them to listen to the existing track and contribute their parts.

Now, you may be wondering…

What is the tuning for The Weight?

The tuning for "The Weight", as recorded by The Band, is standard tuning. Standard tuning is spelled: E, A, D, G, B, and E. 

Here are the strings:

• E (6th string, lowest pitch)
• A (5th string)
• D (4th string)
• G (3rd string)
• B (2nd string)
• E (1st string, highest pitch)

All right! 

Now that you know the tuning for “The Weight”, let’s next talk about…

The Weight Chords

To play “The Weight”, you’ll need to know 4 main chords they are A, C#m, D, and E. Let’s take a look at a few ways these chords can be played on the fretboard:

A can be played in the 5th position as a bar chord like this:

C#m shifts to the 4th position and can be played from the 5th string down like this:

D is another bar chord with a root on the 5th string and is played like this:

Finally, we have E, which simply shifts D up 2 frets like this:

If you’ve struggled to understand the fretboard for RHYTHM and LEAD guitar. and want to discover the easiest and fastest way. Then get your hands on my free Fretboard Guide PDF right here now:  

Note: these chords above are all played as bar chords. However, if a player has not yet learned how to play effortless bar chords, then see the easier version with a capo below.

Is The Weight hard to play on guitar?

I would say playing “The Weight” on guitar requires a solid intermediate skill level – especially if a player is using all bar chords. The trickiest parts are the 3/4 time signature change, the opening riff, and playing effortless bar chords. However, it’s important to note that Robbie Robertson blends all of these ideas into his own unique style. So, take your time with this one.

What key is The Weight in?

“The Weight,” as recorded by The Band, is in the key of A major. The primary scale for the tune is the A major scale, which uses the notes: A – B – C# – D – E – F# – G#.

There are 3 sharps in this key, and all the chords used in the song fit the diatonic scale. Here’s a quick look at how they all relate:

A

Notes: A, C#, E

Function: I chord — the tonic, home base in A major. Everything resolves here, and it feels stable and resolved.

C#m

Notes: C#, E, G#

Function: iii chord — the mediant. A minor chord that shares two notes with the tonic (C# and E), so it blends smoothly. This is the second chord used in the song and adds a nice emotional feel.

D

Notes: D, F#, A

Function: IV chord — the subdominant. Moves away from the tonic, often sets up the dominant (E) or returns to A. 

E

Notes: E, G#, B

Function: V chord — the dominant. Leads strongly back to A (I). It's G# (the leading tone) creates a sense of tension that wants to resolve upward to A.

So that’s the theory. Next, let’s look at…

What is the strumming pattern for The Weight?

For me, the main underlying groove for “The Weight” is a subtle 16th note feel. This is the funkiness that Levon Helm brought to the group. His swampy feel was unlike any other. So, in 4/4 time, sixteenth notes get one-quarter of a beat each. This means there are 16 sixteenth notes per measure, creating an even more subdivided rhythm like this:

1 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a

Each number (1, 2, 3, 4) still marks the main beats. The "e", "&", and "a" break each beat into four equal parts.

When counted out loud, it sounds like:

"One-ee-and-uh, Two-ee-and-uh, Three-ee-and-uh, Four-ee-and-uh." 

This kind of subdivision is great for fast runs, funk grooves, or building rhythmic precision.

However, I wouldn’t strum all 16th notes on guitar. That is going to most likely be too overwhelming. Instead, I would blend 8th notes with 16th notes in a 2 beat cycle like this:

The Weight Guitar Lesson (No Bar Chords)

Conclusion

To wrap it up, “The Weight” is a legendary song. It’s stood the test of time and continues to resonate with new listeners around the world. 

Keep practicing, and if you want to learn songs way faster, better understand the fretboard, and not waste years spinning your wheels with guitar, grab my free fretboard guide here right now: 

Jon MacLennan