Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G · C · D · Em
Cowpoke 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
Cowpoke 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
Cowpoke 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
Cowpoke 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
Cowpoke 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
Cowpoke Chords – Harmonica
Stan Jones’s classic cowboy ballad about a wandering ranch hand. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.
Western Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a slow, steady strum to mimic a horse’s trot.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
G – C
G – D
G – C
G – D – G
Chorus
C – G – D
C – G
C – G – D
G – D
Verse 2
G – C
G – D
G – C
G – D – G
Chorus
C – G – D
C – G
C – G – D
G – D
Verse 3
G – C
G – D
G – C
G – D – G
Chorus
C – G – D
C – G
C – G – D
G – D
Practice tip: Master the G to C and G to D transitions, as they are the most common changes in this song.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Cowpoke"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.
Is "Cowpoke" 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 "Cowpoke" in?
It is in the key of G.
Who wrote "Cowpoke"?
It was written by Stan Jones, and released in 1952.