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Horse with No Name Ukulele Lesson & Chords
These chord shapes match how the song was originally played — small variations that create the mesmeric “horse-trotting” rhythm of the original America recording.
Horse with No Name ukulele chords (Key, Shapes & Rhythm)
Next Steps — start playing now
✔ Watch the Demo Video
✔ Follow the Lyric & Chord Sheet
✔ Play along with the Backing Track
⚠️ Important: To recreate that mesmeric 'Horse Trotting Riff' simply play it in the right key and use the Chef's Kiss, Pinky Muting and Thumb Muting techniques to get that America sound.
Once you've got this, you can try Feeling Groovy ukulele lesson
The chords are easy — but very few players make it sound like the record
— Play it Like the Record
Dm - Em11 - G6sus4
Chords (Ukulele - Key Dm)
The 1972 hit by America. Acoustic rock, 2-chords and a mesmeric 'horse trotting' riff.
Key: Dm
Dropped from Em on the original track to get the right groove on the bass strings
Techniques:
Chef's Kiss Strumming
Pinky Muting
Thumb Muting
Ukulele Chords:
Dm Em11 (with G6sus4)
Goal: Recreate the original Horse with No Name riff
Q: What key is Horse with No Name in on ukulele?
A: D Minor (original record is in Em)
Q: What chords are used in Horse with No Name on ukulele?
A: Dm - Em11 - G6sus4 These are the easiest chords in the entire songbook. The feel comes from using the correct techniques to get that rhythm and feel
Q: Why doesn't Horse with No Name sound right on my Ukulele?
A: To really sound like the original record, your ukulele setup is critical — including a Low G string and a tenor ukulele.
👉 See the Getting Started guide to set up your ukulele for this playing style.
Horse with No Name FAQ
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