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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
D · A · G · Em
Running on Empty Chords – Guitar
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
D · A · G · Em
Running on Empty Chords – Ukulele
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
D · A · G · Em
Running on Empty Chords – Piano
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
D · A · G · Em
Running on Empty Chords – Banjo
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
D · A · G · Em
Running on Empty Chords – Mandolin
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
D · A · G · Em
Running on Empty Chords – Harmonica
Jackson Browne’s classic road song about life on tour. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.
Driving Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Keep a steady, rolling rhythm to mimic the feeling of a moving vehicle.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
D – G
D – A
G – A – D – G
D – A
Chorus
D – G
D – A
D – G
A – D
Verse 2
D – G
D – A
G – A – D – G
D – A
Chorus
D – G
D – A
D – G
A – D
Verse 3
D – G
D – A
G – A
D – G
A – D
Chorus
D – G
D – A
D – G
A – D
Verse 4
D – G
D – A
G – A – D – G
D – A
Chorus
D – G
D – A
D – G
A – D
Outro
D – G
D – A
D – G
A – D
D – G
D – A
D – G
A – D
Practice tip: Master the D, G, and A chords individually before trying to play the whole song, as these three chords make up the entire progression.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Running on Empty"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: D, A, G and Em.
Is "Running on Empty" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Running on Empty" in?
It is in the key of D.
Who wrote "Running on Empty"?
It was written by Jackson Browne, and released in 1977.