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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
Dm · Am · C · F · G
El Paso Chords – Guitar
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Dm · Am · C · F · G
El Paso Chords – Ukulele
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Dm · Am · C · F · G
El Paso Chords – Piano
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Dm · Am · C · F · G
El Paso Chords – Banjo
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Dm · Am · C · F · G
El Paso Chords – Mandolin
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Dm · Am · C · F · G
El Paso Chords – Harmonica
Marty Robbins’ classic western ballad about a cowboy’s fatal love in the border town of El Paso. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.
Western Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a steady, moderate tempo to tell the story.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
D – G
D – A
D – G
D – A – D
Verse 2
D – G
D – A
D – G
D – A – D
Verse 3
D – G
D – A
D – G
D – A – D
Verse 4
D – G
D – A
D – G
D – A – D
Chorus
G – D
A – D
G – D
A – D
Verse 5
D – G
D – A
D – G
D – A – D
Verse 6
D – G
D – A
D – G
D – A – D
Chorus
G – D
A – D
G – D
A – D
Verse 7
D – G
D – A
D – G
D – A
Verse 8
D – G
D – A
D – G
D – A – D
Verse 9
D – G
D – A
D – G
D – A – D
Chorus
G – D
A – D
G – D
A – D
Verse 10
D – G
D – A
D – G
D – A – D
Verse 11
D – G
D – A
Practice tip: Focus on the D to G and D to A transitions, as they are the most common changes in this song. Practice the story-telling rhythm slowly before speeding up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "El Paso"?
You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: Dm, Am, C, F and G.
Is "El Paso" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "El Paso" in?
It is in the key of D.
Who wrote "El Paso"?
It was written by Marty Robbins, and released in 1959.