Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Dtap to play
Bmtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
G · C · Em · Am · D · Bm
Desperado Chords – Guitar
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Dtap to play
Bmtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
G · C · Em · Am · D · Bm
Desperado Chords – Ukulele
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Dtap to play
Bmtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
G · C · Em · Am · D · Bm
Desperado Chords – Piano
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Dtap to play
Bmtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G · C · Em · Am · D · Bm
Desperado Chords – Banjo
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Dtap to play
Bmtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
G · C · Em · Am · D · Bm
Desperado Chords – Mandolin
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Dtap to play
Bmtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
G · C · Em · Am · D · Bm
Desperado Chords – Harmonica
Eagles’ timeless ballad about freedom and loneliness. Intermediate difficulty in the key of G.
Ballad Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑↓↑
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Tip: Play this slowly and let each chord sustain. The song is a conversation — let it breathe between phrases.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
G – G – C
Em – Bm – C – G
G – C – Bm
C – G – Am – D
Chorus
Em – Bm
C – G
Em – Bm – C – D
Em – Bm
C – G
Em – Am – D
Verse 2
G – G – C
Em – Bm – C – G
G – C – Bm
C – G – Am – D
Chorus
Em – Bm
C – G
Em – Bm – C – D
Em – Bm
C – G – Am – D
Verse 3
G – G – C
Em – Bm – C – G
G – C – Bm
C – G – Am (×2)
C – D – G
C – G
Practice tip: The Bm chord is the hardest part. If you can’t barre it yet, try using Bm7 (x20202) as a substitute — it sounds very close.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Desperado"?
You need 6 intermediate-friendly chords: G, C, Em, Am, D and Bm.
Is "Desperado" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 6 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Desperado" in?
It is in the key of G.
Who wrote "Desperado"?
It was written by Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and released in 1973.