Preview of the intermediate acoustic guitar tab arrangement for “Don't Have To Tell You Why” by Bruce Cockburn.
The progression
Structure & dynamics
What's in the mix
Salt, Sun and Time (1974)
Bruce Cockburn
Bruce Cockburn is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Ottawa who has been recording since the early 1970s. His music moves across folk, rock, jazz, and world music, and his lyrics frequently address spiritual themes, environmental concerns, and political injustice. He has long been one of Canada's most respected guitarists, and his catalog stretches across more than two dozen studio albums.
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Good to know
What key is "Don't Have To Tell You Why" in?
"Don't Have To Tell You Why" by Bruce Cockburn is in A♭ major.
What is the tempo of "Don't Have To Tell You Why"?
"Don't Have To Tell You Why" plays at around 73 BPM in 2/4 time.
What chords are in "Don't Have To Tell You Why"?
The core progression is A♭sus2, E♭min9, A♭, C♯m7, F♯, and A♭7, built around the A♭ major tonal center.
What instruments play on "Don't Have To Tell You Why"?
The recording features acoustic guitar, electric bass, light drums, and subtle electric piano.
Can I get "Don't Have To Tell You Why" acoustic guitar tabs?
Yes. This is the intermediate acoustic guitar tabs arrangement of "Don't Have To Tell You Why" by Bruce Cockburn, transcribed by Songscription.
Is "Don't Have To Tell You Why" acoustic guitar tabs easy to play?
"Don't Have To Tell You Why" acoustic guitar tabs comes in beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, so there is an easy version to start with. At 73 BPM in A♭ major with 11 chords to navigate, the part sits at a comfortable intermediate level. You can switch levels on this page before you save it.
Is there an easy, beginner version of "Don't Have To Tell You Why" acoustic guitar tabs?
Yes. The beginner acoustic guitar tabs for "Don't Have To Tell You Why" simplifies the busiest passages and rhythms while keeping the melody, so it is the easiest way to start. The intermediate and advanced arrangements are one tap away when you want more of the original.
What album is "Don't Have To Tell You Why" on?
"Don't Have To Tell You Why" appears on Salt, Sun and Time (1974).
How does Songscription turn a song into sheet music?
Give it a recording, a YouTube link or an audio file, and its AI transcribes that performance into notation for the instrument and level you choose.
Can I get sheet music for a live or cover version?
Yes. The score is generated from whatever recording you pick, so a live take, a remix, or a cover each match that exact performance.
What instruments and formats are available?
Piano, guitar, violin, trumpet, sax, bass, drums, vocals and more, as standard sheet music, a piano roll, or guitar tabs.
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You can try it free, with no credit card needed.
Can I download the sheet music as a PDF?
Yes. You get a downloadable PDF, plus in-app playback and the option to transpose or adjust the arrangement before you print.
How accurate is the transcription?
It is produced by AI trained on millions of bars of music, and you can play it back and fine-tune any details before you download.
Is this transcription licensed?
Yes. We have licensed this track from its publisher, so we are permitted to transcribe it and provide the sheet music to you.
Transcribed from licensed catalogs by AI trained on millions of bars of music.
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