Ctap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Atap to play
Etap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
C · G · D · A · E
Hey Joe Chords – Guitar
Ctap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Atap to play
Etap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
C · G · D · A · E
Hey Joe Chords – Ukulele
Ctap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Atap to play
Etap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
C · G · D · A · E
Hey Joe Chords – Piano
Ctap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Atap to play
Etap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
C · G · D · A · E
Hey Joe Chords – Banjo
Ctap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Atap to play
Etap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
C · G · D · A · E
Hey Joe Chords – Mandolin
Ctap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Atap to play
Etap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
C · G · D · A · E
Hey Joe Chords – Harmonica
Jimi Hendrix’s bluesy rock classic about a man on the run. Beginner difficulty in the key of E.
Blues-Rock (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Play with a bluesy swagger. Use heavy, confident downstrokes and let the E string ring as a bass drone. The groove should feel loose but powerful.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
E – A – E (×2)
C – G
D – A
C – G
D – A – E
A – E
Verse 2
E – A
E
E – A
E
C – G
D – A
C – G
D – A – E
A – E
Verse 3
E – A
E
E – A
E
C – G
D – A
C – G
D – A – E
A – E
Outro
E
A – E (×3)
E – A – E
Practice tip: The C-G-D-A descending progression in the middle of each verse is the signature move. Practice this walk-down pattern until it feels natural. The E sections are just one chord — focus on the groove.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Hey Joe"?
You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: C, G, D, A and E.
Is "Hey Joe" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Hey Joe" in?
It is in the key of E.
Who wrote "Hey Joe"?
It was written by Billy Roberts, and released in 1966.