Rock

Long Train Runnin’ Chords

Doobie Brothers Intermediate Key of G 4 Chords 2 min read Updated Jul 2026

Gmtap to play

Cmtap to play

Ftap to play

Bbtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Intermediate

Capo

None

Chords

Gm · Cm · F · Bb

Long Train Runnin’ Chords – Guitar

Gmtap to play

Cmtap to play

Ftap to play

Bbtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

Gm · Cm · F · Bb

Long Train Runnin’ Chords – Ukulele

Gmtap to play

Cmtap to play

Ftap to play

Bbtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Intermediate

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

Gm · Cm · F · Bb

Long Train Runnin’ Chords – Piano

Gmtap to play

Cmtap to play

Ftap to play

Bbtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

Gm · Cm · F · Bb

Long Train Runnin’ Chords – Banjo

Gmtap to play

Cmtap to play

Ftap to play

Bbtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

Gm · Cm · F · Bb

Long Train Runnin’ Chords – Mandolin

Gmtap to play

Cmtap to play

Ftap to play

Bbtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Intermediate

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

Gm · Cm · F · Bb

Long Train Runnin’ Chords – Harmonica

A classic rock song by The Doobie Brothers with a driving rhythm and bluesy feel. Intermediate difficulty in the key of G.

Chords used: Gm, Cm, F, Bb · Key: G · Difficulty: Intermediate

Driving Rock (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

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Tip: Mute the strings with your fretting hand during the intro riff to create a percussive, chugging sound.

Chords & Structure

Full Song

Intro Riff

G – C – G – C (×2)

Verse 1

G – C

G – C – G – C (×3)

Chorus

C

G

C

G

C

G

C

G

Verse 2

G – C – G

C – G – C – G – C

G – C – G – C (×2)

Chorus

C

G

C

G

C

G

C

G

Bridge

Am – C

G – C

Am – C

G – C – G – C

Verse 3

G – C

G – C – G – C (×3)

Chorus

C

G

C

G

C

G

C

G

Outro

G – C – G – C (×4)

G (×2)

G – C – G – C (×2)

Practice tip: Work on the G to C transition until it’s automatic, as it’s the core of the song’s groove. Use a metronome to lock in the steady, train-like rhythm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Long Train Runnin’"?

You need 4 intermediate-friendly chords: Gm, Cm, F and Bb.

Is "Long Train Runnin’" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Long Train Runnin’" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Long Train Runnin’"?

It was written by Tom Johnston, and released in 1973.