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Hey Joe
The story behind the song
"Hey Joe" tells a dramatic story of a man on the run, escaping to Mexico after shooting his unfaithful wife. The lyrics unfold as a tense conversation between Joe and a friend, who questions him about his desperate flight and the cold, empty bed that awaits him. Johnny Hallyday, the iconic French rock and roll singer, brought this powerful narrative to his audience, making it part of his vast catalog of songs. At its heart, it's a tale of passion, betrayal, and the desperate consequences of a broken heart.
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Hey Joe
by Johnny Hallyday
Chords in this song · guitar
About Hey Joe Chords by Johnny Hallyday
Learn how to play Hey Joe by Johnny Hallyday with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Hey Joe chords”, “Hey Joe guitar chords”, or “Johnny Hallyday Hey Joe 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 Hey Joe chords and for experienced players who want accurate Hey Joe lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include C, G, D, A, E, E7.
FAQ — Hey Joe by Johnny Hallyday
How do I play "Hey Joe" by Johnny Hallyday on guitar?
Open the free chords for "Hey Joe" by Johnny Hallyday 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 chords for "Hey Joe" by Johnny Hallyday free?
Yes. The chords for "Hey Joe" by Johnny Hallyday are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.
Can I transpose "Hey Joe" to a different key?
Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Hey Joe" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.
Can I see chord diagrams for "Hey Joe"?
Yes. Tap any chord in "Hey Joe" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.
Is "Hey Joe" easy to play on guitar?
Many players learn "Hey Joe" by Johnny Hallyday with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Johnny Hallyday below.
What key is "Hey Joe" in?
The chords for "Hey Joe" show the original chord names (including C, G, D, A, E, E7). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.





















