G
G7
C
Cm
Em
A7
D7
D
Bm
Am
Am7
Desperado
Eagles
About the Song
Originally performed by the Eagles, "Desperado" is a gentle ballad built around expressive chord changes and a slow, flowing rhythm. The original features piano, but it’s easily and beautifully adapted to guitar.
Tips for Playing
Chords:
The song uses several open chords: G, G7, C, Cm, Em, A7, D7, Bm, Am, and Am7. Cm and Bm may feel tricky if you’re new to barre chords; you can substitute with simplified versions if needed.
Chord Transitions:
Practice moving between G, G7, C, and Cm, as these come in quick succession, especially in the intro and verses. G to G7 is just one finger movement, but C to Cm requires flattening your index finger for the barre. For G to Em, keep your ring finger anchored on the 3rd fret of the 1st string for smoother transitions.
Strumming Pattern:
A slow ballad strum works best. Try a pattern like:
Down – Down-Up – Up-Down-Up
Keep it gentle and even. For more emotion, accent the first down strum of each chord change.
General Tips:
Let the chords ring and avoid rushing. Listen to the original for dynamics; let softer sections breathe. Take time with chord changes, especially at the end of lines where the mood shifts.
With practice, “Desperado” becomes a rewarding piece for beginners to showcase expressive playing and chord mastery.
Intro
G G7 C Cm G Em A7 D7
Verse 1DesperG adoG7 , why don't youC come to yourCm senses?
You beenG out ridin'Em fences, forA7 so longD7 now.
Oh you're aG hard oneG7 . I know thatC you got yourCm reasons.
TheseG things that areEm pleasin' you, canA7 hurt youD7 someG how.D
Chorus 1Don't youEm draw the queen ofBm diamonds boy. She'llC beat you if she'sG able.
You know theEm queen of hearts isC always your bestG betD .
Now itEm seems to me someBm fine things have beenC laid upon yourG table.
But youEm only want theA7 ones that you can'tAm get.D7
Verse 2DesperG adoG7 , oh you ain'tC gettin' noCm younger.
YourG pain and yourEm hunger, they'reA7 drivin' youD7 home.
AndG freedom, ohG7 freedom, well that's justC some peopleCm talkin'.
YourG prison isEm walking through thisA7 world allD7 aG lone.D
Chorus 2Don't yourEm feet get cold in theBm winter time? TheC sky won't snow and theG sun won't shine.
It'sEm hard to tell theC night time from theG dayD .
You'reEm losin' all yourBm highs and lows, ain't itC funny how theG feeling goes aAm wayD7 ?
Verse 3DesperG adoG7 , why don't youC come to yourCm senses?
ComeG down from yourEm fences,A7 open theD7 gate.
It may beG rainin'G7 , but there's aC rainbow aCm bove you.
You betterG let somebodyEm love you -C let somebody loveAm7 you betterG let somebodyEm love you
BeAm fore it'sD7 tooG late.G G7 C Cm G