Saved

Mexicali Blues

Chords
4.8129 votes
Get the app
App StoreGoogle Play
15
Original
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
[Notes]
I use a strum with a lot of alternating bass - usually 4th and 5th strings -
for the A and D chords. However, I find that the strumming patterns
vary greatly throughout the song. Play along with the record to get
the right feel.
I fake the trumpet intro with D chord forms using D, Dsus4 and D9.
The G-B-Em chord progression in some verses sounds best as single emphasized
strums synchronized to the words (e.g. some THOUGHT he WAS the LAW).
D   Dsus4   D9  G*
EADGBe EADGBe EADGBe EADGBe
xxx232 xxx233 xxx23x 32xxx3
EAADGBe EAGDGBe EABDGBe EAEmDGBe
xx222x 355433 224442 x22xxx
[Verse 1]
ALayin' back in an old saloon with a Cpeso Bin my Emhand
AWatchin' flies and children on the Dstreet
And I Acatch a glimpse of black-eyed girls who Cgiggle Bwhen I Emsmile
There's a Alittle boy who wants to shine my Dfeet
And it's Gthree days ride from BBakersfield and I Emdon't know why I came
I Aguess I came to keep from payin' Ddues
But Ginstead I've got a Bbottle and a Emgirl at just fourteen
And a Adamn good case of the Mexicali Blues, yeah
[Chorus]
DIs there anything a man don't stand to lose
When the devil wants to Atake it all away?
Cherish well your thoughts, keep a tight grip on your booze
G* A  
'Cuz thinkin' and drinkin' are all I have today.
[Verse 2]
AShe said her name was Billie Jean; Cshe was Bfresh in Emtown
I Adidn't know a stage line ran from Dhell
She had Araven hair, a ruffled dress, a Cnecklace Bmade of Emgold
AAll the french perfume you'd care to Dsmell
She Gtook me up inBto her room and Emwhispered in my ear
Go Aon my friend do anything you Dchoose.
Now I'm Gpaying for those Bhappy hours I Emspent there in her arms
With a Alifetime case of the Mexicali Blues, Dyeah.
[Chorus]
DIs there anything a man don't stand to lose
When the devil wants to Atake it all away?
Cherish well your thoughts, keep a tight grip on your booze
G* A  
'Cuz thinkin' and drinkin' are all I have today.
[Verse 3]
AThen a man rode into town; some Cthought he Bwas the Emlaw
ABillie Jean was waiting when he Dcame
She Atold me he would take her if I Cdidn't Buse my Emgun
And AI'd have no one but myself to Dblame
I Gwent down to those Bdusty streets; Emblood was on my mind
I Aguess that stranger hadn't heard the Dnews.
"Cuz GI shot first and Bkilled him. Lord he Emdidn't even draw.
And he Amade me trade the gallows for the Mexicali Blues.D  
[Chorus]
DIs there anything a man don't stand to lose
When he lets a woman Ahold him in her hand?
You just might find yourself out there on horseback in the dark
G* A  
Just ridin' and runnin' across those desert sands.
All chords in this song (8)

🎸 Tips from players

Got a tip for playing this song — capo position, easier chords, strumming? Be the first to share one.

About Mexicali Blues Tab by Grateful Dead

Learn how to play Mexicali Blues by Grateful Dead with free guitar tab, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Mexicali Blues chords”, “Mexicali Blues guitar chords”, or “Grateful Dead Mexicali Blues chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Mexicali Blues chords and for experienced players who want accurate Mexicali Blues lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include A, D, Dsus4, D9, G, B.

FAQ — Mexicali Blues by Grateful Dead

How do I play "Mexicali Blues" by Grateful Dead on guitar?

Open the free tab for "Mexicali Blues" by Grateful Dead on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the tab for "Mexicali Blues" by Grateful Dead free?

Yes. The tab for "Mexicali Blues" by Grateful Dead are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Mexicali Blues" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Mexicali Blues" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Mexicali Blues"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Mexicali Blues" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Mexicali Blues" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Mexicali Blues" by Grateful Dead with our free tab. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Grateful Dead below.

What key is "Mexicali Blues" in?

The tab for "Mexicali Blues" show the original chord names (including A, D, Dsus4, D9, G, B). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.