Rikki Don’t Lose That Number by Steely Dan | Lyrics with Guitar Chords

Steely Dan recorded Rikki Don’t Lose That Number in 1974. It became their biggest hit by reaching no. 4 on the Top 100 charts. The intro to the song was taken almost verbatim from the Horace Silver jazz classic called “Song For My Father.” The song is more than just a chart-topping hit—it’s a musical voyage blending rock and jazz in a seamless fashion. Guitarists and music enthusiasts can’t help but be drawn to the song’s intriguing start with the rhythmic ‘guìro,’ swiftly followed by a bass riff reminiscent of classic jazz tunes. This fusion of styles sets the stage for a track that’s both accessible and layered in its complexity. For those wielding the six-string, diving into this song provides a unique opportunity to explore intricate chord progressions, a staple of Steely Dan’s legacy. The band’s penchant for weaving cryptic tales only adds to the allure, with “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” serving as a prime example. It’s a reminder of the guitar’s versatility, and how it can transcend genres and decades. So, as you fine-tune your skills and search for inspiration, look no further than this timeless classic that effortlessly marries the worlds of rock and jazz.

You can learn the chords you need to play Rikki Don’t Lose That Number by Steely Dan with the Uberchord app. This app features a chord and strumming trainer and listens to your play to give you visual feedback in real-time in case you make a mistake.

Key of the Song:

The original key of Rikki Don’t Lose That Number by Steely Dan is in E major.

Guitar Chords for Rikki Don’t Lose That Number by Steely Dan

This is not a beginner song at all. You can play the verse progression, but the lead progression and progression after will be more challenging. It’s important to notice the subtle changes in the chord shape, like A and Amaj7. 

Video Lesson

Rikki Don’t Lose That Number by Steely Dan – Lyrics with Chords

[RUN]
 
e|-----------------|
B|---------3-------|
G|-----1-2---1-2---|
D|---1-----------2-|
A|-2---------------|
E|-----------------|
 
 
[Verse 1]
            E   D              A               E
                We hear you're leaving, that's OK.
                D                    A                    E C# B D
                I thought our little wild time had just begun.
                                    A                    E
                I guess you kind of scared yourself, you turn and run.
             F#m7                  A               RUN - (B D# G# A D G# A E)
                But if you have a change of heart,
 
[Chorus]
                E                                              G
                Rikki don't lose that number, you don't wanna call nobody else.
                A                  G            D
                Send it off in a letter to yourself.
                C                                      Em
                Rikki don't lose that number, it's the only one you own.
                           C                 D  A  N.C.             E
                You might use it if you feel better    when you get home.
 
[Verse 1]
                D        A                               E
                I have a friend in town, he's heard your name.
                D             A                    E C# B D
                We can go out driving on slow hand row.
                                A                   E
                We could stay inside and play games I don't know.
             F#m7                      A             RUN - (B D# G# A D G# A E)
                And you could have a change of heart,
 
[Chorus]
                E                                              G
                Rikki don't lose that number, you don't wanna call nobody else.
                A                  G            D
                Send it off in a letter to yourself.
                C                                      Em
                Rikki don't lose that number, it's the only one you own.
                           C                 D  A  N.C.             E
                You might use it if you feel better    when you get home.
 
[Lead]
                Dsus2  Asus2  E      E    Dsus2  Asus2  G6   G6
                Fmaj7  Gmaj7  Fmaj7  Em   Dsus2  Asus2  E    E
 
[Bridge]
              Amaj7                      G#m7
                You tell yourself you're not my kind,
              Amaj7                C#m7
                But you don't even know your mind.
              F#m7                   A              RUN - (B D# G# A D G# A E)
                And you could have a change of heart,
 
[Chorus]
                E                                              G
                Rikki don't lose that number, you don't wanna call nobody else.
                A                  G            D
                Send it off in a letter to yourself.
                C                                      Em
                Rikki don't lose that number, it's the only one you own.
                           C                 D  A  N.C.             E
                You might use it if you feel better    when you get home.
 
[Outro]
                Rikki don't lose that number, Rikki don't lose that number ...