Other arrangements of I Shot The Sheriff
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(Gm)I shot the sher iff,
but I did not shoot the (Gm)dep u ty.
I shot the sher iff,
but I did n’t shoot the (Gm)dep u ty.
of fense.
Sher iff a John round in my (Gm)home ed town,
they’re (Ebmaj7)try ing to (Dm7)track me down.
They (Dm7)ev ’ry time to bring me in guilt y a seed, for the (Ebmaj7)kill ing of a (Dm7)dep u (Gm)ty,
for the (Ebmaj7)life of a (Dm7)dep u (Gm)ty.
But I say:
(Gm)I shot the sher iff,
but I swear it was in (Gm)self de fense.
I shot the sher iff,
and they say it is a (Gm)cap i tal of fense.
Sher iff a John Brown al ways (Gm)hat ed me;
for (Ebmaj7)what, ing to (Dm7)I don’t know.
And (Dm7)ev ’ry time to bring that I plant y a seed, he said, (Ebmaj7)“Kill ing it be (Dm7)fore it (Gm)grows.”
He said, (Ebmaj7)“Kill it be (Dm7)fore it (Gm)grows.”
But I say:
(Gm)I shot the sher iff,
but I swear it was in (Gm)self de fense.
I shot the sher iff,
but I swear it was in (Gm)self de fense.
Free dom came my get the one bet (Gm)ter of me,
and I start ed out of (Gm)town, yeah.
All of a (Dm7)sud den I see (Gm)Sher iff John Brown
but one day the bot tom me will (Gm)down, out.
so I (Dm7)shot, Yes, one day the I shot him (Gm)down.
out.
But I (CN.C.)say:
(Gm)I shot the sher iff,
but I did not shoot the (Gm)dep u ty.
I shot the sher iff,
but I did n’t shoot the (Gm)dep u ty.
Free Re flex es get the one bet (Gm)ter of me,
and what is to be must (Gm)be.
yeah.
Ev er y (Dm7)day the buck et (Gm)goes to the well,
but one day the bot tom me will (Gm)drop out.
so I (Dm7)shot, Yes, one day the bot tom will (Gm)drop out.
But I (CN.C.)say:
(Gm)I shot the sher iff,
but I did n’t shoot the (Gm)dep u ty.
I shot the sher iff,
but I did not shoot no (Gm)dep u ty.
I Shot The Sheriff — Simple Sheet Music
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"I Shot The Sheriff" in simplified sheet music format — the bridge between beginner modes and real sheet music. Color-coded notes with lyrics scrolling horizontally. Perfect for learning to read music. Key of Eb, 95 BPM.
Tip: Use the speed control to practice at 70% tempo first. Focus on tricky chord transitions before attempting the full arrangement.
Try other practice modes:
About “I Shot The Sheriff”
- How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "I Shot The Sheriff"?
- Simplified Arrangement keeps the melody and chords on a simplified staff with lyrics, color-coded for easy recognition. It's a learner-bridge between Beginner mode and the classic engraved Sheet Music — same song, less visual density.
- What key is "I Shot The Sheriff" by Eric Clapton played in?
- I Shot The Sheriff is arranged in the key of Eb on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
- What's the tempo (BPM) of "I Shot The Sheriff"?
- The arrangement plays at 95 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
- Is "I Shot The Sheriff" easy to play on piano?
- This is a medium-difficulty arrangement. Most players can learn it within a few practice sessions using the speed control.
- Can I download sheet music for "I Shot The Sheriff"?
- Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
- Who composed "I Shot The Sheriff"?
- "I Shot The Sheriff" was originally performed by Eric Clapton. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
- What chords are used in "I Shot The Sheriff"?
- This arrangement uses 5 chords: C, Cm, Dm7, Ebmaj7, Gm.
- What other songs by Eric Clapton can I play here?
- Try "RUNNING ON FAITH", "BELIEVE IN LIFE", "MY FATHER'S EYES". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
- Is Simple Sheet good for learning to read sheet music?
- Yes! Simple Sheet bridges the gap between beginner color-coded modes and traditional notation. Notes are displayed on a simplified staff with colors, lyrics, and chords — helping you build music reading skills gradually while still enjoying "I Shot The Sheriff". Key of Eb, 95 BPM.
- What's the difference between Simple Sheet and Lead Sheet?
- Simple Sheet shows a more streamlined, horizontally scrolling view with color-coded notes on a staff and lyrics below — like a simplified version of real sheet music. Lead Sheet shows melody with chord symbols above and full lyrics. Simple Sheet is the next step toward reading traditional notation.


