The single “Dust in the Wind” was released by the rock band Kansas on their album “Point of no Return”, in 1977. Later, Kansas also released a live version of the song on their album entitled “Two for the Show”.
According to some sources, Kerry Livgren wrote the song after reading a book of Native American poetry. One of the lines that caught his eye while reading the poetry was:
“For all we are is Dust in the Wind”
Kerry was a little hesitant to show his band members the song, since it was not typical of their current sound. Fortunately, he ultimately did, and they went ahead and released it. It went on to become became their biggest hit, and arguably, their best-known song.
The song will not be too hard for the beginner who has spent some time learning Travis picking. For those that are not familiar with Travis picking, some practice will be required (don’t give up).
I have managed to find a backing track for the song, which is included at the end of this post, along with a PDF chord chart. Any time spent mastering this song, in my opinion, is time well spent. A great song to add to your repertoire – have fun!
AUTHOR NOTE: Some of my YT friends have been kind enough to request a tutorial video on this great song. I hope this helps, please contact me with any questions you may have. Thanks for watching!
Dust in the Wind Backing Track
Dust in the Wind Song Chord Sheet
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25 responses so far ↓
1 tonedr // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
really appreciate you giving this a look……hope all is good!
dale
2 h4xo7 // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
brilliant 10/10
3 tonedr // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
i’ll be looking forward to that video! You keep pickin and let me know if i can ever help!
your friend,
dale
4 tonedr // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
your kind feedback is sure appreciated and meand a lot! I’m glad the video can help some. If there is anything i can help with just get in touch and keep pickin!
dale
5 jrpendley // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
My boyfriend and I agree that this has been one of the best vids we’ve seen and is correct! We didn’t know there were switches and different variations during the song either. I’m brand new to playing the guitar but didn’t want to learn just chords and I thought I’d try this song out. Found out it wasn’t as easy as it sounds too! Thanks so much and keep up the good work!
6 nandrewhappy // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
Thanks so much Dale! thank goodness for the back and pause button…been learning the travis picking and just new to the guitar but loving it….your video is so helpful! gonna get this yet and when i do i will post a video response…may take me a few weeks but will do it…so thanks again so much
7 tonedr // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
hello…….really appreciate the kind feedback and thanks for checking out the video! Hope all is well,
dale
8 FreakinEviI // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
Thanks, Dale!… You’ve no idea through how many wrong patterns and useless videos I’ve searched and every time I played the tab it sounded more like plinking… You’ve got my standing ovation on that video. Thanks again!
9 tonedr // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
i’m very glad you watched….best of luck with the song!
dale
10 Billaboy31 // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
Thanks ! Haha you are right I watched like 10 times the part that you show the picking patern When I saw that if i play it fast it looks like the song
. Thanks a lot very helpfull !
11 tonedr // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
glad it may have helped and thanks for watching!
best,
dale
12 steelbullet3113 // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
it sounds way better than the tab…. thanks 4 the tips :]
13 tonedr // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
thanks for taking time to watch……all the best!
dale
14 gerrymaks // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
very nice of you to show us this lesson…
15 tonedr // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
hello Wayne! man it is great to hear from you!! Sure appreciate you giving this a watch. Hope you guys are doing well…..your friend,
dale
16 waynethompson7 // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
Hi Dale. I had already learned this song but my finger rotation never sounded quite right. Now, thanks to you, I’m re-learning it correctly. “Un-learning” my old wrong habit has proven to be the hardest part. Thanks for posting the lesson. You are an excellent teacher – in both music and life! Your friend, Wayne
17 tonedr // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
hey Denny……great to hear from you sir! You are kind to watch and your feedback means so much to me! Take care of yourself, talk soon,
dale
18 denman1953 // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
hiya Dale! man, you’re as good at teaching as you are at playing! I have always loved that song and learned it the first time I heard it, but don’t play it nearly as smooth as you. hope all is well in your neck of the woods and thanks again for the lesson, it’s VERY much appreciated.
take care.
your bud,
Denny
19 tonedr // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
sure appreciate you watching the video………i hope you are doing well these days! Great to hear from you, your friend,
dale
20 tonedr // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
Thanks Van, I appreciate your feedback sir…..glad it may have helped a bit. All the best!
dale
21 littlechick73 // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
Awesome lesson, Dale! Thank you so much for taking the time to make it! I’m definitely going to start working on it!
22 van1976 // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
I meant to comment on this one a couple days ago. I learned (was showed/taught) this one years ago from a friend, but I was missing some of the subtleties.Thanks for posting this “lesson”.
–Van
23 tonedr // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
thank you for taking time to give this a watch! Hope all is well,
dale
24 tonedr // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
hello Roy, sure appreciate the kind feedback! The guitar is a Collings C-10 and it has Martin 80/20 bronze on it. Hope you are doing great,
dale
25 PRIXIES // May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
thank you!!! thank you!!!!! thank you!!!!!!!!! and your family who let you give us from your time!!!!!
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