Bmtap to play
Atap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
B
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
Bm · A · G · D · Em
Highwayman Chords – Guitar
Bmtap to play
Atap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
B
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Bm · A · G · D · Em
Highwayman Chords – Ukulele
Bmtap to play
Atap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
B
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Bm · A · G · D · Em
Highwayman Chords – Piano
Bmtap to play
Atap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
B
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Bm · A · G · D · Em
Highwayman Chords – Banjo
Bmtap to play
Atap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
B
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Bm · A · G · D · Em
Highwayman Chords – Mandolin
Bmtap to play
Atap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
B
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Bm · A · G · D · Em
Highwayman Chords – Harmonica
A classic narrative folk song performed by the supergroup The Highwaymen. Intermediate difficulty in the key of B.
Folk Ballad (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 4th fret and play with G shapes for easier chords, or play the B chords as written for a fuller sound.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
F# – B – E – F#
B – E
F# – B – E
F# – B – E – F#
B – E – F# – B
Chorus
E – F# – B – E
F# – B – E – F#
E – F# – B – E
F# – B – E – F#
Verse 2
F# – B – E – F#
B – E
F# – B – E (×2)
B – E – F# – B
Chorus
E – F# – B – E
F# – B – E – F#
E – F# – B – E
F# – B – E – F#
Verse 3
F# – B – E – F#
B – E
F# – B – E
F# – B – E – F#
B – E – F# – B
Chorus
E – F# – B – E
F# – B – E – F#
E – F# – B – E
F# – B – E – F#
Verse 4
F# – B – E
B – E – F# – B
F# – B – E – F#
B – E – F#
B – E – F# – B
Chorus
E – F# – B – E
F# – B – E – F#
E – F# – B – E
F# – B – E – F#
Bridge
F# – B – E – F# – B
E – F# – B (×2)
E
F# – B – E – F# – B – E
Chorus
E – F# – B – E
F# – B – E – F#
E – F# – B – E
F# – B – E – F#
Practice tip: The chord progression F# – B – E – F# is the core of the song. Practice transitioning smoothly between these barre chords, and focus on the descending bass line in the bridge for added expression.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Highwayman"?
You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: Bm, A, G, D and Em.
Is "Highwayman" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of B, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Highwayman" in?
It is in the key of B.
Who wrote "Highwayman"?
It was written by Jimmy Webb, and released in 1985.