Take It Easy Guitar Chords and Lyrics | Eagles
Learn to play Take It Easy by Eagles with easy guitar chords, a beginner-friendly strumming pattern, and helpful song information. This classic country-rock song is a great choice for guitar players who want to practice open chords, smooth chord transitions, and a relaxed rhythm.
Originally released in 1972, “Take It Easy” was the Eagles' debut single and the opening track of their self-titled debut album. The song was co-written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey, with Glenn Frey singing lead vocals.
Take It Easy Song Information
- Song Title: Take It Easy
- Artist: Eagles
- Songwriters: Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey
- Album: Eagles
- Release Year: 1972
- Genre: Country Rock, Folk Rock
- Original Key: G Major
- Guitar Tuning: Standard Tuning (E A D G B E)
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Main Chords: G, C, D, Em, Am
- Recommended Capo: No capo for the basic G-major arrangement
Strumming Pattern
Start with this simple practice pattern:
D – D U – U D U
- D = Downstroke
- U = Upstroke
Practice slowly and keep your strumming hand relaxed. You can also begin with steady downstrokes until the chord changes feel comfortable.
Take It Easy Lyrics with Guitar Chords
[Intro]
[G] [Am7/G] [D7sus4/G] x2
[G]
[Verse 1]
[G]Well, I'm a-runnin' down the road tryin' to loosen my load
I got seven women on [D]my [C]mind
[G]Four that wanna own me, [D]two that wanna stone me
[C]One says she's a friend of [G]mine
[Chorus]
[Em]Take it easy, [C]take it [G]easy
[Am]Don't let the sound of your own [C]wheels drive you [Em]crazy
[C]Lighten up while you still [G]can
[C]Don't even try to under[G]stand
[Am]Just find a place to make your [C]stand, and take it [G]easy
[Verse 2]
[G]Well, I'm a-standin' on a corner in Winslow, Arizona
[D]Such a fine sight to [C]see
[G]It's a girl, my Lord, in a [D]flat-bed Ford
[C]Slowin' down to take a look at [G]me
[Chorus]
[Em]Come on, [D]ba-by, don't say [C]maybe
[G]I gotta [Am]know if your sweet [C]love is gonna save me [Em]
[C]We may lose and we may [G]win, though we may never be here again [C] [G]
[Am]So open up, I'm climbin' [C]in, so take it [G]easy
[Solo]
| [G] | [G] | [G] [D] | [C] |
| [G] | [D] | [C] | [G] |
| [Em] | [D] | [C] | [G] |
| [Am] | [C] | [Em] | [Em] [D] |
[Verse 3]
[G]Well, I'm a-runnin' down the road tryin' to loosen my load
Got a world of trouble on [D] [Am]my mind
[G]Lookin' for a lover who [D]won't blow my cover, [C]she's so hard to [G]find
[Chorus]
[Em]Take it easy, [C]take it [G]easy
[Am]Don't let the sound of your own [C]wheels make you [Em]crazy
[C]Come on [G]baby, don't say [C]maybe [G]
[Am]I gotta know if your sweet [C]love is gonna save [G]me
[Outro]
[C]Ooh ooh ooh, ooh ooh ooh
[G]Ooh ooh ooh, ooh ooh ooh
[C]Ooh ooh ooh, ooh ooh ooh
[G]Ooh ooh ooh, ooh ooh ooh
[C]Ooh ooh ooh, ooh ooh ooh
Oh, we got it [G]e - [G7]e - [C]asy
We oughta take it [G]e - [G7]e - [C]asy
How to Play Take It Easy on Guitar
- Tune your guitar to standard tuning.
- Practice G, C, D, Em, and Am individually.
- Begin with the verse progression and change chords slowly.
- Add the strumming pattern once you can change chords smoothly.
- Listen to the original recording to capture its country-rock groove.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who originally performed Take It Easy?
The Eagles released the original hit version, featuring Glenn Frey on lead vocals.
2. Who wrote Take It Easy?
The song was co-written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey.
3. What key is Take It Easy played in?
A common guitar arrangement uses G major with no capo.
4. Is Take It Easy suitable for beginners?
Yes. A simplified arrangement with open chords is suitable for beginner guitarists.
5. What guitar tuning is used?
Standard tuning: E A D G B E.
6. Which chords should I learn first?
Start with G, C, D, and Em, then add Am and any additional chord variations used in your arrangement.