Copperhead Road Chords – Guitar
Copperhead Road Chords – Ukulele
Copperhead Road Chords – Piano
Copperhead Road Chords – Banjo
Copperhead Road Chords – Mandolin
Copperhead Road Chords – Harmonica
Steve Earle’s hard-driving country-rock anthem about moonshining in the Appalachian mountains. Intermediate difficulty in the key of D.
Chords used: D, G, A · Key: D · Difficulty: Beginner · More 3-chord songs →
Tip: Use an open D tuning or standard tuning with heavy downstrokes. This song has a relentless, driving energy — channel that Appalachian grit.
Full Song
Verse 1
Verse 2
Chorus
Verse 3
Chorus
Verse 4
Chorus
Outro
Practice tip: The verses are mostly D with the G-A turnaround at the end. The distinctive guitar riff uses an open D string drone. Practice the D to G to A transition to capture the song’s explosive energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Copperhead Road"?
You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: D, G and A.
Is "Copperhead Road" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Copperhead Road" in?
It is in the key of D.
Who wrote "Copperhead Road"?
It was written by Steve Earle, and released in 1988.