Chords + Lyrics | Crossroads
Intro
| A7 | A7 | A9 | A9 |
| D7 | D7 | A7 | A9 |
| E7 | D7 | A7 | A7 E7 |
Verse 1
| A5 (A6) | D5 (D6) | A7 | A7 |
I went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knee.
| D5 (D6) | D5 (D6) | A7 | A7 |
Down to the crossroads, fell down on my knee.
| E5 (E6) | D5 (D6) | A7 | A7 |
Asked the Lord above for mercy, take me if you please.
Verse 2
I went down to the crossroad, tried to flag a ride.
Down to the crossroad, tried to flag a ride.
Nobody seemed to know me, everybody passed me by.
Verse 3
Well, I’m going down to Rosedale, take my rider by my side.
Going down to Rosedale, take my rider by my side,
We can still buy our house, baby, on the riverside.
Solo 1
| A7 | D7 | A7 | A7 |
| D7 | D7 | A7 | A7 |
| E7 | D7 | A7 | A7 E |
| A7 | A7 | A7 | A7 |
| D7 | D7 | A7 | A7 |
| E7 | D7/F# | A7 | A7 |
Verse 4 (verse 3)
Going down to Rosedale, take my rider by my side.
Going down to Rosedale, take my rider by my side.
We can still buy our house, baby, on the riverside.
Solo 2
||: A7 | A7 | A7 | A7 |
| D7 | D7 | A7 | A7 |
| E7 | D7 | A7 | A7 :|| x3
Verse 5
You can run, you can run, tell my friend boy Willie Brown.
Run, you can run, tell my friend boy Willie Brown,
| E5 (E6) | D7 N.C | A7 | A7 |
and I’m standing at the crossroad, believe I’m sinking down.
Crossroads Chords: Play It Like Clapton
Crossroads follows a standard 12-bar blues in the key of A, built around dominant 7th chords that define its punchy, driving feel.
This approach is typical of many blues standards, but Eric Clapton gives it extra character through subtle variations and rhythmic intensity. In the intro and solo sections, the progression sticks closely to the classic form, with extensions like A9 adding colour and movement:
Intro + Solo
| A7 | A7 | A9 | A9 |
| D7 | D7 | A7 | A9 |
| E7 | D7 | A7 | A7 E7 |
Many blues songs either follow this format strictly or introduce the “honky-tonk” movement between the 5 and 6 chords. Clapton blends both ideas seamlessly in the verse.
Verse
As the chords begin, he uses that honky-tonk motion for two bars with a quick change, before shifting into the signature dominant 7th riff. This fusion creates a progression that feels both rooted in tradition and uniquely expressive:
| A5 (A6) | D5 (D6) | A7 | A7 |
| D5 (D6) | D5 (D6) | A7 | A7 |
| E7 | D7 | A7 | A7 |
To truly capture the feel of Crossroads, TAB is essential, as much of Clapton’s style lies in phrasing, articulation, and timing rather than just chord shapes. Here’s a link to the TAB lesson: Crossroads – Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Solos
As great as the chords are, most players are drawn to the solo. In his work with Cream, particularly their version of Crossroads originally by Robert Johnson, Clapton’s improvisation became iconic.
While it’s tempting to simplify this as just mixing major and minor pentatonics, the phrasing reveals more deliberate shape-based thinking.
Clapton visualises positions—often in familiar E and Em shapes—giving his playing a clear framework. To play like him, the goal isn’t replication, but developing that same sense of fluidity, passion, and spontaneity.
In terms of note choices, I can clearly see he uses:
- A minor pentatonic
- Add the 3rd
- Add the 6th
- A major pentatonic
- Add the 4th
- F# minor pentatonic
Looking at the transcription, it’s clear when he’s “thinking” A major pentatonic in an E shape, and when he shifts to F# minor pentatonic in an Em shape.
It’s equally clear when he’s working from an A minor pentatonic in an Em shape, adding the 3rd and 6th.
The framework is so well defined that to say he’s simply mixing A minor and A major pentatonic oversimplifies Eric Clapton’s playing.
Having absorbed, rather than memorised the TAB in the course, keep this chord chart in your back pocket for the gig.
Crossroads Chord Chart | PDF + iReal Pro Download
At its core, this is a blues progression with a quick change to chord IV in bar 2 during the verse but not the solos.
At times, you play dom7, other times a 5 – 6 honky-tonk-style move.
Specifying exactly when these variations occur is important as this is what sets Crossroads apart from your average 12 bar blues.
If you’d like to download my chart, here’s the PDF: Crossroads chord chart PDF.
If you prefer the iReal Pro format, you can get the file here: Crossroads chord chart iReal Pro.
Using the app, you can change the layout and key, though you won’t be able to play the open A chord riff if you mess with the key signature.
Crossroads TAB | Course Preview
In the course, we study a note for note transcription of the intro, verse comping and the first solo before we start pondering how to play like Clapton, not just copy him.
As a preview, here are the first four bars of the intro, notice how each bar is unique:
- Bar 1 holds the first open A string and plays a quarter note on beat 1
- Bar 2 feels like the main riff
- Bar 3 has a 9 chord as we play an open B string
- Bar 4 doesn’t have the 3rd again as bar 3 did
Is Eric Clapton the greatest British guitarist of all time?
Probably the most famous British electric guitarist, Eric Clapton is undoubtedly one of the all-time greats. Emerging in the early 1960s, he quickly built a reputation for his precise phrasing, expressive tone, and deep understanding of the blues.
At a time when British musicians were discovering American blues traditions, Clapton stood out for his ability to channel that influence into something both authentic and distinctly his own. His playing was never just technical—it carried emotion, space, and a vocal-like quality that made every note feel deliberate and meaningful.
He first gained recognition with his phenomenal playing in bands like The Yardbirds and John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, where his style began to crystallise. During this period, his use of sustain, overdrive, and fluid phrasing set a new standard for electric guitarists, earning him the nickname “God” among London’s underground music scene.
However, it was with Cream that Clapton reached a global audience. As part of this power trio, he expanded his sound further, blending blues with rock and psychedelia, and embracing extended improvisation in live performances.
Their version of Crossroads, originally by Robert Johnson, became a defining moment—not just for Clapton, but for rock guitar as a whole. His fiery solo showcased speed, control, and emotional intensity, capturing the raw spirit of the blues while pushing it into a louder, more modern context.
From that point on, Clapton’s influence spread far beyond Britain, shaping generations of guitarists and securing his place as one of music’s most enduring figures.
Crossroads Chords: Continue Learning
Want to master this song? Check out the full TAB lesson here: Crossroads (Cream) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Alternatively, here are five similar tunes you might enjoy:
