Consolidation of All Beginner Chords and Common keys. This lesson is from the Andy Guitar Beginner Guitar Course.
The Musical Key refers to the chords in the song and in this lesson we look at the most common chord changes likely to occur in that key.
Below is listed some common chord progressions in a Key and songs that you can play using them.
Key of E (Level 1 consolidation)
E, D, and A
Songs: For what It’s Worth, I Can’t Explain, Back In Black (Not the full song of course, just note that the main riff uses E5, D5 then A5 chords, making it in the key of E)
Key of A (Level 2 consolidation)
A, D, and E in this order is the very common ' 1 - 4 - 5 ' of that Key
Songs: Wild Thing and Chasing Cars
Key of G
G Am C D Em
Songs: Live Forever and Brown Eyed Girl (The longer chord progression and harder strumming patterns can give beginners trouble. Don't be hard on yourself with these songs, they are harder and no need to nail them before moving up a level. Just note that these are two great song examples in the key of G major because of the chords used.)
Key of D
Still struggling? need a shortcut?
An easy way to figure out what Key a song is in is by noticing that the chord progression will more than likely start and finish on the chord which that song's Key is in or that particular chord will be played the most and for the longest time. Check out the video below to see this in action.
Do also try a Chord/Key Decoder. It demonstrates the Key and the chords in that Key very clearly.
