Song Tabs
Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
EADGBE Em
EADGBEXX D
EADGBEX A
A Horse With No Name America

 The original version of "A Horse With No Name" by America is known for its distinctive, mellow folk-rock sound and minimalistic arrangement. The song's signature lies in its simplicity, making it an excellent choice for beginner guitarists.

Chords and Structure

This song primarily uses just two chords: Em and D in the verses and chorus, with A added in the chorus refrains and outro. These are all open chords and easy to finger. Practice switching smoothly between Em, D, and A to keep the rhythm steady.

Strumming Pattern

A relaxed, flowing strumming pattern works best. Try a simple "down-down-up-up-down-up" pattern for each chord, but don't worry about being too precise. Focus on keeping your strumming hand moving in time with the song.

Tips for Beginners

  • Em and D are both easy open chords; A is also straightforward. Keep your fingers close to the frets and press firmly for clean sound.
  • Practice chord transitions slowly at first, then gradually speed up.
  • The song’s original feel is laid-back, so avoid strumming too hard.
  • Listen to the original track to catch the gentle swing and relaxed pace.
  • Mute unused strings with your palm or fingers to prevent unwanted noise.

With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to play and sing along to this classic tune with ease!

EADGBE Em
EADGBEXX D
EADGBEX A
Intro
Em D Em D
Em D Em D
Verse 1
On theEm first part of theD journey, I wasEm looking at all theD life.
There wereEm plants and birds andD rocks and things there wasEm sand and hills andD rings.
TheEm first thing I met was aD fly with a buzz and theEm sky, with noD clouds,
TheEm heat was hot and theD ground was dry but theEm air was full ofD sound.
 Chorus
I'veEm been through the desert on aD horse with no name it feltEm good to be out of theD rain.
In theEm desert, you can't reD member your name 'cause thereEm ain't no one for toD give you no pain.
Em La la la-A la la la la la laEm la, laA la.
Em La la la-A la la la la la laEm la, laA la.
 Verse 2
AfterEm two days in theD desert sun myEm skin began to turnD red.
And afterEm three days in theD desert fun I wasEm looking at a riverD bed.
And theEm story it told of aD river that flowed made meEm sad to think it wasD dead.
 Chorus
You see I'veEm been through the desert on aD horse with no name it feltEm good to be out of theD rain.
In theEm desert, you can't reD member your name 'cause thereEm ain't no one for toD give you no pain.
LaEm la la la-A la la la la la laEm la, laA la.
LaEm la la la-A la la la la la laEm la, laA la.
 Instrumental
Em A Em A
Em D Em A
Verse 3
AfterEm nine days I let theD horse run free 'cause theEm desert had turned toD sea.
There wereEm plants and birds andD rocks and things there wasEm sand and hills andD rings.
TheEm ocean is a desert with itsD life under ground and aEm perfect disguise aD bove.
Under theEm cities, lies aD heart made of ground but theEm humans will give noD love.
 Chorus
You see I'veEm been through the desert on aD horse with no name it feltEm good to be out of theD rain.
In theEm desert, you can't reD member your name 'cause thereEm ain't no one for toD give you no pain.
 Outro
LaEm la la la-A la la la la la laEm la, laA la.
LaEm La la la-A la la la la la laEm la, laA la.
LaEm la la la-A la la la la la laEm la, laA la.
LaEm la la la-A la la la la la laEm la, laA la.
Em La la la-A la la la la la laEm la, laA la.
LaEm la la la-A la la la la la laEm la, laA la.
Em La la la-A la la la la la laEm la, laA la.
LaEm la la la-A la la la la la laEm la, laA la.