Hard To Handle by Otis Redding | Lyrics & Guitar Chords

Hard To Handle was famously covered by the Black Crowes in the early 90s. Redding’s version held charting positions on the Pop and R&B charts. It appears on Redding’s 1968 album called The Immortal Otis Redding. 

You can learn to play the chords you need to play Hard To Handle by Otis Redding with the Uberchord app. This app features a guitar chord trainer and a strumming trainer. It listens to your guitar chords and gives you visual feedback in real-time in case you make a mistake.

Key of the Song:

The original key of Hard To Handle by Otis Redding is in Bb major.

Guitar Chords for Hard To Handle by Otis Redding

This is a great song for a beginner as it stays on a single chord for entire sections of the song. Be sure to use a capo or you won’t get the same sound. The intro riff is also a great riff for a beginner to learn. 

Video Lesson

Hard To Handle by Otis Redding – Lyrics with Chords

Capo 1st Fret  -Chords relative to capo-
 
[Intro]
 
 (Not relative to capo)
e|--------------------------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------------------------|
A|-----5-6--8---6p4-6p4-----------5-6--8---6p4-6p4--|
E|-6-6------------------6-----6-6-------------------|
 
 
[Verse]
 
A
Baby here I am, and I'm a man upon the scene
A
I have to give you what you want but you gotta come home with me
A
And I got a whole load of good old lovin', and I got some in store
A
When I get through throwin' it on you got to come back for some more
 
 
[Bridge]
 
E
Boys and things will come by the dozen
E
But that ain't nothing but drug-store lovin'
 
 
[Chorus]
 
E
Pretty little thing let me light your candle
 
'Cause mama I'm sure hard to handle
                 D   E     G D A
Now, yes around
 
 
[Verse 2]
 
A
Actions speak louder than words, and I'm a man with great experience
A
I know you got you another man but I can love you better than him
A
Take my hand and don't be afraid, I'm gonna prove every word I say
A
I'm advertising love for free, so won't you place your ad with me
 
 
[Bridge]
 
 
[Repeat Verse 1]
 
 
[Bridge]
 
 
Improv:
A
Give it to me
A
I got to have it
A
Gimme some good ol' lovin'
A
Some of your good lovin'
A
I'm a big old man
 
(Fade Out)