Mexicali Blues

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[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
A G B Em
EADGBe EADGBe EADGBe EADGBe
xx222x 355433 224442 x22xxx
[Verse 1]
A C B Em
Layin' back in an old saloon with a peso in my hand
A D
Watchin' flies and children on the street
A C B Em
And I catch a glimpse of black-eyed girls who giggle when I smile
A D
There's a little boy who wants to shine my feet
G B Em
And it's three days ride from Bakersfield and I don't know why I came
A D
I guess I came to keep from payin' dues
G B Em
But instead I've got a bottle and a girl at just fourteen
A
And a damn good case of the Mexicali Blues, yeah
[Chorus]
D
Is there anything a man don't stand to lose
A
When the devil wants to take 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]
A C B Em
She said her name was Billie Jean; she was fresh in town
A D
I didn't know a stage line ran from hell
A C B Em
She had raven hair, a ruffled dress, a necklace made of gold
A D
All the french perfume you'd care to smell
G B Em
She took me up into her room and whispered in my ear
A D
Go on my friend do anything you choose.
G B Em
Now I'm paying for those happy hours I spent there in her arms
A D
With a lifetime case of the Mexicali Blues, yeah.
[Chorus]
D
Is there anything a man don't stand to lose
A
When the devil wants to take 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]
A C B Em
Then a man rode into town; some thought he was the law
A D
Billie Jean was waiting when he came
A C B Em
She told me he would take her if I didn't use my gun
A D
And I'd have no one but myself to blame
G B Em
I went down to those dusty streets; blood was on my mind
A D
I guess that stranger hadn't heard the news.
G B Em
"Cuz I shot first and killed him. Lord he didn't even draw.
A D
And he made me trade the gallows for the Mexicali Blues.
[Chorus]
D
Is there anything a man don't stand to lose
A
When he lets a woman hold 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.

Mexicali Blues tab and lyrics

Free tab for Mexicali Blues by Grateful Dead. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

[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).
 xxx232   xxx233    xxx23x   32xxx3
 xx222x   355433   224442   x22xxx
[Verse 1]
[Chorus]
Cherish well your thoughts, keep a tight grip on your booze
[Verse 2]
[Chorus]
Cherish well your thoughts, keep a tight grip on your booze
[Verse 3]
[Chorus]
You just might find yourself out there on horseback in the dark

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.

Frequently asked questions about Mexicali Blues

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?

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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.