Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G · C · D · Em
A Pirate Looks at 40 Chords – Guitar
Gtap to play
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
G · C · D · Em
A Pirate Looks at 40 Chords – Ukulele
Gtap to play
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
G · C · D · Em
A Pirate Looks at 40 Chords – Piano
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G · C · D · Em
A Pirate Looks at 40 Chords – Banjo
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
G · C · D · Em
A Pirate Looks at 40 Chords – Mandolin
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
G · C · D · Em
A Pirate Looks at 40 Chords – Harmonica
Jimmy Buffett’s classic tale of a weathered sailor reflecting on a life spent outside the mainstream. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.
Calypso Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a relaxed, laid-back strum to match the storytelling feel.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
G – C
G – D – G
G – C
G – D – G
Verse 2
G – C
G – D
G – C
G – D
Chorus
C
G
C – G
Verse 3
G – C
G – D – G
G
G – C
G – D
Chorus
C
G
C – G
Bridge
C – G
D – G – C – G
C – G
D – G – C
Verse 4
G – C
G – D – G
G – C
G – D
Chorus
C
G
C – G
Practice tip: The chord progression G, C, D, G is the core of this song. Practice switching between these three chords smoothly before adding the lyrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "A Pirate Looks at 40"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.
Is "A Pirate Looks at 40" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "A Pirate Looks at 40" in?
It is in the key of G.
Who wrote "A Pirate Looks at 40"?
It was written by Jimmy Buffett, and released in 1974.