Try A Little Tenderness

by Otis Redding
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Learn a simple version, phrase by phrase: the melody, then easy chords.

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Lyrics

She may be (Bm7)wea ry;

wom en do get (A7)wea ry,

(C)wear ing the same shab by (B7)dress.

And when she’s wea ry,

try a lit tle (A13)ten

der (F7)ness.

(Bm7)Oo, she may be wait ing,

just an tic i pat ing (C)things she may nev er pos (B)sess,

and while she’s with out them,

try a lit tle (A13)ten

der (D)ness.

It’s (Gmaj7)not just

sen ti (F#7)men tal;

she has her (Bm)grief and her (B)care,

but a (Em7)word

so soft and (D#dim)gen tle

makes it (Em7)eas i er

to (A7)bear.

You won’t re (Bm7)gret it;

wom en don’t for (A7)get it.

(C)Love is their whole hap pi (B7)ness,

and it’s all so eas y:

try a lit tle (A13)ten

der (D)ness.

It’s (Gmaj7)not just

sen ti (F#7)men tal;

she has her (Bm)grief and her (B)care,

but a (Em7)word

so soft and (D#dim)gen tle

makes it (Em7)eas i er

to (A7)bear.

You won’t re (Bm7)gret it;

wom en don’t for (A7)get it.

(C)Love is their whole hap pi (B7)ness,

and it’s all so eas y:

try a lit tle (A13)ten

der (D)ness.

It’s and it’s all so eas y:

just try a lit tle ten der (F#)ness.

You’ve got ta try.

You’ve got to (Em7)hold her.

You’ve got to (G)squeeze her.

You have to (F#)try, you’ve got to try and al ways (B)please her.

(B)You won’t re (Em7)gret it, you won’t re gret it.

Oh,

(CN.C.)try,

a lit tle ten der ten der ness.

Try A Little Tenderness — Simple Sheet Music

4 people have learned this song

"Try A Little Tenderness" 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 D, 70 BPM.

Tip: Start at 50% speed to get comfortable with the fingering, then work your way up to full tempo.

About “Try A Little Tenderness”

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "Try A Little Tenderness"?
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 "Try A Little Tenderness" by Otis Redding played in?
Try A Little Tenderness is arranged in the key of D on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "Try A Little Tenderness"?
The arrangement plays at 70 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Try A Little Tenderness" easy to play on piano?
Yes — this is one of our beginner-friendly arrangements with simplified chords and color-coded notes.
Can I download sheet music for "Try A Little Tenderness"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Try A Little Tenderness"?
"Try A Little Tenderness" was originally performed by Otis Redding. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What other songs by Otis Redding can I play here?
Try "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay", "THE DOCK OF THE BAY", "I'VE BEEN LOVING YOU TOO LONG". 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 "Try A Little Tenderness". Key of D, 70 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.