Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Pancho and Lefty Chords – Guitar
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Pancho and Lefty Chords – Ukulele
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Pancho and Lefty Chords – Piano
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Pancho and Lefty Chords – Banjo
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Pancho and Lefty Chords – Mandolin
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Pancho and Lefty Chords – Harmonica
Townes Van Zandt’s outlaw country masterpiece. Intermediate difficulty in the key of D.
Country Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: This is a storytelling song. Keep the strum gentle during the verses and let the lyrics do the work.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
D
G – D
D
G – D
A
G – D
D – G
A – D
Chorus
D – G – D – A
D – G – A – D
Verse 2
D
G – D
D
G – D
A
G – D
D – G
A – D
Chorus
D – G – D – A
D – G – A – D
Verse 3
D
G – D
D
G – D
A
G – D
D – G
A – D
Chorus
D – G – D – A
D – G – A – D
Verse 4
D
G – D
D
G – D
A
G – D
D – G
A – D
Chorus
D – G – D – A
D – G – A – D
Verse 5
D
G – D
D – G
A – D
Practice tip: Willie Nelson’s version popularized this song. Try adding a walking bass line between D and G for an authentic country feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Pancho and Lefty"?
You need 4 intermediate-friendly chords: D, G, A and Em.
Is "Pancho and Lefty" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 4 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Pancho and Lefty" in?
It is in the key of D.
Who wrote "Pancho and Lefty"?
It was written by Townes Van Zandt, and released in 1972.