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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
Em · D · Am · G · C
Cortez the Killer Chords – Guitar
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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Em · D · Am · G · C
Cortez the Killer Chords – Ukulele
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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Em · D · Am · G · C
Cortez the Killer Chords – Piano
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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Em · D · Am · G · C
Cortez the Killer Chords – Banjo
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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Em · D · Am · G · C
Cortez the Killer Chords – Mandolin
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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Em · D · Am · G · C
Cortez the Killer Chords – Harmonica
Neil Young’s epic, sprawling tale of the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs. Intermediate difficulty in the key of E.
Slow Rock (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: This song relies heavily on feel and sustain; let the chords ring out and use a slow, deliberate strumming pattern.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Intro/Verse 1
E
C#m
A
E (×2)
C#m
A
E
Verse 2
E
C#m
A
E (×2)
C#m
A
E (×2)
Verse 3
E
C#m
A
E (×2)
C#m
A
E
Chorus
A
E
A
E
Verse 4
E
C#m
A
E
Chorus
A
E
A
E
Outro Solo
E – C#m – A – E
Practice tip: Master the E, C#m, and A chord shapes first, then focus on the slow, hypnotic timing and the long pauses between lyrical phrases that define this song’s mood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Cortez the Killer"?
You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: Em, D, Am, G and C.
Is "Cortez the Killer" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Cortez the Killer" in?
It is in the key of E.
Who wrote "Cortez the Killer"?
It was written by Neil Young, and released in 1975.