Rock

Wanted Dead or Alive Chords

Bon Jovi Beginner Key of D 4 Chords 3 min read Updated Jul 2026

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Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

D · A · G · F

Wanted Dead or Alive Chords – Guitar

Bon Jovi’s iconic rock anthem about the life of a touring musician. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.

Rock Ballad Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret and play the chords as shown to match the original recording’s key of E.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

D G

It’s all the same, only the names will change

D G

Everyday, it seems we’re wasting away

D G

Another place where the faces are so cold

A D

I’d drive all night just to get back home

Verse 2

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

A D

Sometimes I sleep, sometimes it’s not for days

A D

And the people I meet always go their separate ways

Chorus

G

Sometimes you tell the day

D

By the bottle that you drink

A

And times when you’re all alone

D

All you do is think

Verse 3

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

A D

I walk these streets, a loaded six-string on my back

A D

I play for keeps, ’cause I might not make it back

Chorus

G D

I’ve been everywhere, still I’m standing tall

A D

I’ve seen a million faces and I’ve rocked them all

Bridge

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

Chorus

G D

And I walk these streets, a loaded six-string on my back

A D

I play for keeps, ’cause I might not make it back

Outro

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

D G

I’m a cowboy, I got the night on my side

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

A D

And I’m wanted, dead or alive

Practice tip: The song’s feel comes from the steady, driving strum. Practice the D, G, and A chord changes slowly until they are automatic, then focus on keeping the strum pattern consistent throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Wanted Dead or Alive"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: D, A, G and F.

Is "Wanted Dead or Alive" 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 "Wanted Dead or Alive" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Wanted Dead or Alive"?

It was written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and released in 1986.

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Gtap to play

Ftap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

D · A · G · F

Wanted Dead or Alive Chords – Ukulele

Bon Jovi’s iconic rock anthem about the life of a touring musician. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.

Rock Ballad Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret and play the chords as shown to match the original recording’s key of E.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

D G

It’s all the same, only the names will change

D G

Everyday, it seems we’re wasting away

D G

Another place where the faces are so cold

A D

I’d drive all night just to get back home

Verse 2

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

A D

Sometimes I sleep, sometimes it’s not for days

A D

And the people I meet always go their separate ways

Chorus

G

Sometimes you tell the day

D

By the bottle that you drink

A

And times when you’re all alone

D

All you do is think

Verse 3

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

A D

I walk these streets, a loaded six-string on my back

A D

I play for keeps, ’cause I might not make it back

Chorus

G D

I’ve been everywhere, still I’m standing tall

A D

I’ve seen a million faces and I’ve rocked them all

Bridge

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

Chorus

G D

And I walk these streets, a loaded six-string on my back

A D

I play for keeps, ’cause I might not make it back

Outro

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

D G

I’m a cowboy, I got the night on my side

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

A D

And I’m wanted, dead or alive

Practice tip: The song’s feel comes from the steady, driving strum. Practice the D, G, and A chord changes slowly until they are automatic, then focus on keeping the strum pattern consistent throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Wanted Dead or Alive"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: D, A, G and F.

Is "Wanted Dead or Alive" 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 "Wanted Dead or Alive" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Wanted Dead or Alive"?

It was written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and released in 1986.

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Gtap to play

Ftap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

D · A · G · F

Wanted Dead or Alive Chords – Piano

Bon Jovi’s iconic rock anthem about the life of a touring musician. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.

Rock Ballad Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret and play the chords as shown to match the original recording’s key of E.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

D G

It’s all the same, only the names will change

D G

Everyday, it seems we’re wasting away

D G

Another place where the faces are so cold

A D

I’d drive all night just to get back home

Verse 2

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

A D

Sometimes I sleep, sometimes it’s not for days

A D

And the people I meet always go their separate ways

Chorus

G

Sometimes you tell the day

D

By the bottle that you drink

A

And times when you’re all alone

D

All you do is think

Verse 3

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

A D

I walk these streets, a loaded six-string on my back

A D

I play for keeps, ’cause I might not make it back

Chorus

G D

I’ve been everywhere, still I’m standing tall

A D

I’ve seen a million faces and I’ve rocked them all

Bridge

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

Chorus

G D

And I walk these streets, a loaded six-string on my back

A D

I play for keeps, ’cause I might not make it back

Outro

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

D G

I’m a cowboy, I got the night on my side

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

A D

And I’m wanted, dead or alive

Practice tip: The song’s feel comes from the steady, driving strum. Practice the D, G, and A chord changes slowly until they are automatic, then focus on keeping the strum pattern consistent throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Wanted Dead or Alive"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: D, A, G and F.

Is "Wanted Dead or Alive" 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 "Wanted Dead or Alive" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Wanted Dead or Alive"?

It was written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and released in 1986.

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Gtap to play

Ftap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

D · A · G · F

Wanted Dead or Alive Chords – Banjo

Bon Jovi’s iconic rock anthem about the life of a touring musician. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.

Rock Ballad Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret and play the chords as shown to match the original recording’s key of E.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

D G

It’s all the same, only the names will change

D G

Everyday, it seems we’re wasting away

D G

Another place where the faces are so cold

A D

I’d drive all night just to get back home

Verse 2

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

A D

Sometimes I sleep, sometimes it’s not for days

A D

And the people I meet always go their separate ways

Chorus

G

Sometimes you tell the day

D

By the bottle that you drink

A

And times when you’re all alone

D

All you do is think

Verse 3

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

A D

I walk these streets, a loaded six-string on my back

A D

I play for keeps, ’cause I might not make it back

Chorus

G D

I’ve been everywhere, still I’m standing tall

A D

I’ve seen a million faces and I’ve rocked them all

Bridge

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

Chorus

G D

And I walk these streets, a loaded six-string on my back

A D

I play for keeps, ’cause I might not make it back

Outro

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

D G

I’m a cowboy, I got the night on my side

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

A D

And I’m wanted, dead or alive

Practice tip: The song’s feel comes from the steady, driving strum. Practice the D, G, and A chord changes slowly until they are automatic, then focus on keeping the strum pattern consistent throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Wanted Dead or Alive"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: D, A, G and F.

Is "Wanted Dead or Alive" 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 "Wanted Dead or Alive" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Wanted Dead or Alive"?

It was written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and released in 1986.

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Gtap to play

Ftap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

D · A · G · F

Wanted Dead or Alive Chords – Mandolin

Bon Jovi’s iconic rock anthem about the life of a touring musician. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.

Rock Ballad Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret and play the chords as shown to match the original recording’s key of E.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

D G

It’s all the same, only the names will change

D G

Everyday, it seems we’re wasting away

D G

Another place where the faces are so cold

A D

I’d drive all night just to get back home

Verse 2

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

A D

Sometimes I sleep, sometimes it’s not for days

A D

And the people I meet always go their separate ways

Chorus

G

Sometimes you tell the day

D

By the bottle that you drink

A

And times when you’re all alone

D

All you do is think

Verse 3

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

A D

I walk these streets, a loaded six-string on my back

A D

I play for keeps, ’cause I might not make it back

Chorus

G D

I’ve been everywhere, still I’m standing tall

A D

I’ve seen a million faces and I’ve rocked them all

Bridge

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

Chorus

G D

And I walk these streets, a loaded six-string on my back

A D

I play for keeps, ’cause I might not make it back

Outro

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

D G

I’m a cowboy, I got the night on my side

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

A D

And I’m wanted, dead or alive

Practice tip: The song’s feel comes from the steady, driving strum. Practice the D, G, and A chord changes slowly until they are automatic, then focus on keeping the strum pattern consistent throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Wanted Dead or Alive"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: D, A, G and F.

Is "Wanted Dead or Alive" 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 "Wanted Dead or Alive" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Wanted Dead or Alive"?

It was written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and released in 1986.

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Gtap to play

Ftap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

D · A · G · F

Wanted Dead or Alive Chords – Harmonica

Bon Jovi’s iconic rock anthem about the life of a touring musician. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.

Rock Ballad Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret and play the chords as shown to match the original recording’s key of E.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

D G

It’s all the same, only the names will change

D G

Everyday, it seems we’re wasting away

D G

Another place where the faces are so cold

A D

I’d drive all night just to get back home

Verse 2

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

A D

Sometimes I sleep, sometimes it’s not for days

A D

And the people I meet always go their separate ways

Chorus

G

Sometimes you tell the day

D

By the bottle that you drink

A

And times when you’re all alone

D

All you do is think

Verse 3

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

A D

I walk these streets, a loaded six-string on my back

A D

I play for keeps, ’cause I might not make it back

Chorus

G D

I’ve been everywhere, still I’m standing tall

A D

I’ve seen a million faces and I’ve rocked them all

Bridge

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

Chorus

G D

And I walk these streets, a loaded six-string on my back

A D

I play for keeps, ’cause I might not make it back

Outro

D G

I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

D G

I’m a cowboy, I got the night on my side

D G

I’m wanted, dead or alive

D G

Wanted, dead or alive

A D

And I’m wanted, dead or alive

Practice tip: The song’s feel comes from the steady, driving strum. Practice the D, G, and A chord changes slowly until they are automatic, then focus on keeping the strum pattern consistent throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Wanted Dead or Alive"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: D, A, G and F.

Is "Wanted Dead or Alive" 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 "Wanted Dead or Alive" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Wanted Dead or Alive"?

It was written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and released in 1986.