Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G · C · D · Em
Blue Bayou Chords – Guitar
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
G · C · D · Em
Blue Bayou Chords – Ukulele
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
G · C · D · Em
Blue Bayou Chords – Piano
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G · C · D · Em
Blue Bayou 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
Blue Bayou 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
Blue Bayou Chords – Harmonica
Linda Ronstadt’s wistful ballad about longing for a peaceful home by the water. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.
Folk Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 3rd fret to match Linda Ronstadt’s original key of Bb, but play the G, C, D, and Em shapes as written.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
G – C – G
D – C – G
G – C – G – D
Chorus
G – C – G
D – C – G
Verse 2
G – C – G
D – C – G
G – C – G – D
Chorus
G – C – G
D – C – G
Bridge
Em – C – G
Em – C – D
Verse 3
G – C – G
D – C – G
G – C – G – D
Chorus
G – C – G
D – C – G
Outro Chorus
G – C – G
D – C – G
G – D – G
Practice tip: The chord progression G, C, D is the core of this song. Practice switching between these three chords smoothly before adding the Em in the bridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Blue Bayou"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.
Is "Blue Bayou" 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 "Blue Bayou" in?
It is in the key of G.
Who wrote "Blue Bayou"?
It was written by Roy Orbison, Joe Melson, and released in 1977.