Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Bmtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
D · G · A · Em · Bm
Rocky Mountain High Chords – Guitar
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Bmtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
D · G · A · Em · Bm
Rocky Mountain High Chords – Ukulele
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Bmtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
D · G · A · Em · Bm
Rocky Mountain High Chords – Piano
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Bmtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
D · G · A · Em · Bm
Rocky Mountain High Chords – Banjo
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Bmtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
D · G · A · Em · Bm
Rocky Mountain High Chords – Mandolin
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Bmtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
D · G · A · Em · Bm
Rocky Mountain High Chords – Harmonica
John Denver’s classic folk anthem about finding inspiration in the Colorado wilderness. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.
Folk Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of E, while still playing the D chord shapes shown.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
D – A
G – D
D – A
G – D
Verse 2
D – A
G – D
D – A
G – D
Chorus
G – A
D – A
G – A
D – A
G – D – A
Verse 3
D – A
G – D
D – A
G – D
Verse 4
D – A
G – D
D – A
G – D
Chorus
G – A
D – A
G – A
D – A
G – D – A
Bridge
D – A
G – D
D – A
G – D
Chorus
G – A
D – A
G – A
D – A
G – D – A
Outro
D – A
G – D
D – A
G – D
Practice tip: The D to A transition is central to this song; practice switching between these two chords cleanly without breaking your strumming rhythm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Rocky Mountain High"?
You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: D, G, A, Em and Bm.
Is "Rocky Mountain High" 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 "Rocky Mountain High" in?
It is in the key of D.
Who wrote "Rocky Mountain High"?
It was written by John Denver, Mike Taylor, and released in 1972.