Hello! Below you'll find my "Desperado" chords & lyrics chart as well as a tutorial video on how to play the piano accompaniment.
This classic song by Eagles is perfect for learning on the piano. It's important to note: while each verse is essentially the same, there are differences in the details of chord voicings, etc. throughout. In the video I accurately teach the piano as played on the recording, but you can simplify it and play all three verses the same way if you'd like.
Enjoy!
Desperado Piano Tutorial
Here's a piano tutorial video for Desperado:
Desperado Chords & Lyrics
[Intro]
| G G7 | C Cm6 | G Em | A7 D |
| G G7 | C Cm6 | G Em | A7 D |
[Verse 1]
G G9 C Cm6
Desperado, why don't you come to your senses
G Em7 A7 D7
You've been out ridin' fences, for so long now
G G9sus4
Oh you're a hard one
C Cm6
I know that you've got your reasons
G/D B/D# Em7
These things that are pleasin' you
G/D B/D# Em7
These things that are pleasin' you
A7 D7 G D/F#
Can hurt you somehow
[Chorus 1]
Em7 Bm7
Don't you draw the queen of diamonds boy
C G G/F#
She'll beat you if she's able
Em7
You know the queen of hearts
Em7
You know the queen of hearts
C G D/F#
Is always your best bet
Em7 Bm7
Now it seems to me, some fine things
Now it seems to me, some fine things
C G
Have been laid upon your table
Em7 A7 C/D D7
But you only want the ones that you can't get
Have been laid upon your table
Em7 A7 C/D D7
But you only want the ones that you can't get
[Verse 2]
(D7) G G9sus4 C C*
Desperado, oh you ain't getting no younger
G D/F# Em7 A7 C/D
Your pain and your hunger, they're driving you home
G G9
And freedom, oh freedom
C C*
Well that's just some people talking
G B7/F# Em7
Your prison is walking through this
G B7/F# Em7
Your prison is walking through this
A7 D7 G* D/F#
World all alone
[Chorus 2]
Em7 Bm7
Don't your feet get cold in the winter time?
C G Bm/F#
The sky won't snow and the sun won't shine
Em7 C G
It's hard to tell the night time from the day
Em7 Bm7
You're losing all your highs and lows
C G Am7 C/D D7
Ain't it funny how the feeling goes away
It's hard to tell the night time from the day
Em7 Bm7
You're losing all your highs and lows
C G Am7 C/D D7
Ain't it funny how the feeling goes away
[Verse 3]
(D7) G G9* C Cm6
Desperado, why don't you come to your senses
G D/F# Em7 A7 D7
Come down from your fences, open the gate
G G9* C Cm6
It may be rainin', but there's a rainbow above you
G D/F# Em7 C G/B Am7
You better let somebody love you (let somebody love you)
G/D B/D# Em7
(You) better let somebody love you
Am7(4) (G)
Before it's too.... late
[Outro]
| G G7 | C Cm6 | G |
This document is the author's own work and represents his interpretation of this song. It's intended solely for private study, scholarship or research.
This chord chart is here only to support online learning. We recommend buying official transcripts from a licensed and reputable publisher.
Desperado Piano Tips
1. Take It Slow: It's counterintuitive, but the quickest way to get comfortable and sound great playing a song is to practice it very slowly at first. Steady rhythm and counting are crucial to sounding like a pro, so let yourself get used to feeling the beat at a slow, easy tempo. Once you can nail "Desperado" slowly, *gradually* speed it up. You'll sound much better than if you jumped in at full speed!
2. Use The Pedal Wisely: Utilize the sustain pedal to connect the chords smoothly, timing your lifts with the arrival of a new chord. For help with sustain pedal timing, check out this video.
3. Simplify if need be: "Desperado" still sounds great even if you simply hold out the chords and ignore most of the rhythm patterns and extra details in the tutorial video. Feel free to keep it simple, especially if you sing while playing. As you get comfortable, you can always add the fancy stuff later.
