The Eagles’ “Tequila Sunrise” is a classic tune that’s instantly recognizable and surprisingly accessible for guitarists who are just starting out. If you’re looking for a beautiful song to add to your repertoire that isn’t too challenging, learning the guitar chords for “Tequila Sunrise” is a fantastic choice. This guide will break down the chords and strumming pattern, making it easy for you to play along.
Chords for Tequila Sunrise: Keeping It Simple
The main chord progression in “Tequila Sunrise” is quite straightforward, which is great news for beginners. You’ll be using a sequence of common chords that are foundational in guitar playing. The primary progression you’ll encounter throughout the song is:
G – G – D – D – Am – D7 – G – G
This 8-bar progression repeats frequently and forms the backbone of the verse and chorus. Let’s look at each of these chords:
- G Major (G): A fundamental open chord.
- D Major (D): Another essential open chord, often learned early on.
- A minor (Am): A minor chord that adds a touch of melancholy.
- D7 (D dominant 7th): Adds a slightly bluesy or jazzy flavor, leading nicely back to G.
You’ll also find a slight variation in the song, which uses these chords:
Em – C – Em – C – Em – Am – Am – D7
- E minor (Em): A common minor chord, easy to transition to and from G and Am.
- C Major (C): Another basic open chord, often the third or fourth chord beginners learn.
The bridge section introduces a few more chords and a slightly more complex progression:
Am – D – Bm – E – Am – B – Em7 – A
- B minor (Bm): This is a barre chord, which can be a bit trickier for absolute beginners. You can play it as a barre chord on the second fret (as mentioned in the original article – like an Am shape moved up), or simplify it to just focus on the verse and chorus chords initially.
- E Major (E): A standard open chord.
- B Major (B): Another barre chord, similar to Bm but major.
- Em7 (E minor 7th): A variation of Em, adding a 7th note for a richer sound.
- A Major (A): A common open chord.
For beginners, it’s perfectly fine to focus on mastering the G, D, Am, D7, Em, and C chords first. You can still play a simplified version of “Tequila Sunrise” that sounds great by concentrating on the main progressions and leaving out the bridge initially.
Here are chord diagrams for the main chords to help you visualize finger placement:
G D Am D7 Em C
e|--3---|---2---|---0---|---2---|---0---|---0---|
B|--0---|---3---|---1---|---1---|---0---|---1---|
G|--0---|---2---|---2---|---2---|---0---|---0---|
D|--0---|---0---|---2---|---0---|---2---|---2---|
A|--2---|---x---|---0---|---x---|---2---|---3---|
E|--3---|---x---|---x---|---x---|---0---|---x---|Easy Strumming Pattern for Tequila Sunrise
The strumming pattern for “Tequila Sunrise” is described as a slow D/du/udu pattern. Let’s break this down to make it crystal clear for beginners:
- D: Downstrum (strum downwards across the strings)
- u: Upstrum (strum upwards across the strings)
- /: Represents missing or skipping a strum.
So, the pattern is: Down – (miss) – down-up – (miss) – up-down-up
In terms of counts (assuming 4 beats per measure):
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
D / d u / u d u
The key here is to miss the downstrum on beat three. This creates a syncopated rhythm that is very common in pop and rock music. Practice this pattern slowly at first, focusing on getting the rhythm even and consistent. As you get comfortable, you can gradually increase the tempo. This “desert island” strum, as some call it, is incredibly versatile and will be useful in countless other songs.
Tequila Sunrise Chord Chart with Lyrics
Here are the lyrics to “Tequila Sunrise” with the chords placed above where they change. This will help you practice playing along with the song structure.
G D Am D7 G
It's another tequila sunrise
G D Am D7 G
Starin' slowly 'cross the sky, said goodbye
G D Am D7 G
He was just a hired hand
G D Am D7 G
Workin on the dreams he planned to try, the days go by
Em C Em C
Every night when the sun goes down
Em Am D7
Just another lonely boy in town
Am D7
And she's out runnin' round
G D Am D7 G
She wasn't just another woman
G D Am D7 G
And I couldn't keep from comin' on, it's been so long
G D Am D7 G
Oh and it's a hollow feelin'
G D Am D7 G
When it comes down to dealin' friends, it never ends
Am D Bm E
Take another shot of courage
Am B Em7 A
Wonder why the right words never come, you just get numb
G D Am D7 G
It's another tequila sunrise
G D Am D7 G
This old world still looks the same, another frameConclusion: Enjoy Playing Tequila Sunrise on Guitar
“Tequila Sunrise” is an excellent song for beginner guitarists to learn. The chord progressions are relatively simple, and the strumming pattern, once mastered, is a valuable skill to have. Start slowly, focus on clean chord changes and consistent strumming, and you’ll be playing this Eagles classic in no time. Enjoy the process and keep practicing!
