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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
C · Am · G · F · Em
The Boxer Chords – Guitar
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
C · Am · G · F · Em
The Boxer Chords – Ukulele
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
C · Am · G · F · Em
The Boxer Chords – Piano
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
C · Am · G · F · Em
The Boxer Chords – Banjo
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
C · Am · G · F · Em
The Boxer Chords – Mandolin
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
C · Am · G · F · Em
The Boxer Chords – Harmonica
Simon & Garfunkel’s folk-rock ballad about a young man’s struggle and resilience. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.
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 D, but these chords are written for open position playing in C.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
C
G – Am
F – C
G – Am
F
C
G – Am
F – C
Verse 2
C
G – Am – F
C – G
Am – F
C
G
Am
F – C
G
Am
Chorus
F – C (×3)
Verse 3
C
G – Am
F
C – G – Am
F
C – G
Am
Chorus
F – C (×3)
Verse 4
C
G – Am
F
C – G
Am
F
C
Bridge
F – C
G – Am
F – C
G – Am
F – C
G – Am
F – C
G – Am
Chorus
F – C (×3)
Practice tip: The “Lie la lie” section uses just two chords (F and C). Practice switching between them cleanly before adding the strum pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "The Boxer"?
You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: C, Am, G, F and Em.
Is "The Boxer" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "The Boxer" in?
It is in the key of C.
Who wrote "The Boxer"?
It was written by Paul Simon, and released in 1969.