The ULTIMATE Under My Thumb Chords & Guitar Lesson

Here’s a controversial tune from the 1960s that’s even been linked to a fan’s death.

The band is The Rolling Stones, and you only need to know a handful of chords to play it.

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 “Under My Thumb” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Under My Thumb?

“Under My Thumb” was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, two members of the English rock band The Rolling Stones. 

It was recorded in March 1966 at RCA Studios in Hollywood and released later that year on the album Aftermath. One of the unique things about this track is its distinctive use of the marimba, played by Brian Jones. 

This was not a common sound to mix into rock and roll – especially during the 60s. Along with the marimba, Keith Richards played both acoustic and electric guitars. The track was produced by Andrew Loog Oldham.

Lyrically, “Under My Thumb” tells the story of a relationship in which the narrator feels he has flipped the script on a once-dominant partner. 

While some listeners viewed the song as a cheeky reversal of roles, it sparked some controversy. Feminists called it misogynistic, while defenders like Camille Paglia argued it was satirical. Jagger himself later said it was meant to be more of a joke or caricature rather than a serious statement. 

Despite the lyrics’ controversy, “Under My Thumb” has stayed a popular and influential tune in the Stones’ catalog.  

Although it wasn’t released as a single in the U.S. or U.K., it has been a concert staple for decades. Notably, it was performed at the Altamont Free Concert in 1969 when a tragic incident occurred: a fan named Meredith Hunter was killed by a member of the Hells Angels during the song. This event was captured in the documentary Gimme Shelter and has since become forever linked to the song’s legacy.

Though it has never officially topped the charts as a single, its inclusion on Aftermath and later compilations like Hot Rocks 1964–1971 etched its status as a fan favorite and a key part of the Stones’ evolving sound in the mid-1960s.

Now, you may be wondering…

What is the tuning for Under My Thumb?

The tuning for "Under My Thumb" as recorded by The Rolling Stones 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 “Under My Thumb”, let’s next talk about…

Under My Thumb Chords

To play “Under My Thumb”, as recorded by The Rolling Stones, you’ll need to know 5 main chords they are F#m, E, D, A, and B. Two of these shapes require the bar technique. The rest of the shapes can be played in open position. Let’s take a look at a few ways these chords can be played on the fretboard.

F#m is a bar chord using all 6 strings in 2nd position. I play it like this:

E is a great open sounding chord using all 6 strings as well, like this:

D is played from the 4th string down like so:

A is played from the 5th string down like this:

Finally, we have B, which is played as a bar chord in 2nd position 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:  

Is Under My Thumb hard to play on guitar?

I would say playing “Under My Thumb” on guitar is going to require a solid intermediate skill level. Although it does not have a lot of chords (just 5), there are a number of sections, strumming patterns, and bar chords that push it out of a beginner level. So, take your time with this one. 

What key is Under My Thumb in?

“Under My Thumb,” as recorded by The Rolling Stones, is in the key of F# minor. All of the chords fit into the diatonic scale of F# natural minor, except one. 

The F# natural minor scale is built from the notes F#, G#, A, B, C#, D, and E. There are three sharps in the key of F# minor. Here’s a quick look at how all these chords relate in the key:

F♯m

Notes: F♯, A, C♯

Function: This is the i chord in F♯ minor – the tonic or “home” chord. It’s the foundation of the key, giving it a darker, moody feel typical of minor tonalities.

E

Notes: E, G♯, B

Function: This is the VII chord in F♯ minor. It has a more modal, rock-oriented flavor. It often goes down to the VI chord or back up to the tonic.

D

Notes: D, F♯, A

Function: This is the VI chord in F♯ minor. It has a strong connection to the tonic and brings in a contrasting color to it. This chord is great for transitions and melodic emphasis.

A

Notes: A, C♯, E

Function: This is the III chord in F♯ minor. It shares two notes with the tonic (F♯m), making it a smooth and consonant choice. It’s often used to brighten the harmony briefly within a minor context. This is also the relative major chord.

B

Notes: B, D♯, F♯

Function: This is the IV chord in F♯ minor, but this version is borrowed from the parallel major F# major. It's the one chord that is not diatonic to the key. You see, in F# natural minor, the iv chord would be Bm (B, D, F♯). But here it is altered to a B major instead. This is a common substitute IV chord used in minor keys for millions of songs. 

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

What is the strumming pattern for Under My Thumb?

The main underlying groove for “Under My Thumb” is a driving 8th-note rock feel. In 4/4 time, 8th notes divide each beat into two equal parts, creating a driving, steady rhythm like this: 

1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &

The numbers (1, 2, 3, 4) represent the main beats in the measure, while the "&" represents the offbeats that add energy and momentum.

When counted out loud, it sounds like: 

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

This gives the song a strong and consistent forward motion. While there are many different variations, here’s an example of a “Under My Thumb” strumming pattern using a combination of 1/4 notes and 8th notes:

Under My Thumb Guitar Solo Lesson

Conclusion

Bottom line, whether the lyrics ruffle your feathers or not, most can’t disagree with the persuasive groove. It’s got an awesome feel, and it’s an edgy addition to any guitarist's song list.

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

Jon MacLennan