Theory / Song Breakdowns

Song Breakdowns

The theory behind the songs you actually want to play — what key each one is in, the chord progression, and why it works. Then play it in the interactive tool.

Every breakdown teaches the theory, not a copy of the song: the key (and how to find it), the chord progression with Roman numerals, and what makes it tick. Public-domain songs include the full melody in the tool; copyrighted songs are analysed — never lyrics, tabs or recordings.

Pop

Ed Sheeran · A♭ major (played in G shapes with a capo)

John Legend · A♭ major / F minor (played in G–Em shapes)

Can't Help Falling in Love

Elvis Presley · C major

Traditional · C major

Rock

Oasis · F♯ minor / A major (with a capo on fret 2)

The Beatles · C major

Wish You Were Here

Pink Floyd · G major

Sweet Home Alabama

Lynyrd Skynyrd · D major (Mixolydian rock)

The Cranberries · E minor

Seven Nation Army

The White Stripes · E minor

Metal

Metallica · E minor

Folk & Country

Leonard Cohen · C major

Old Crow Medicine Show / Darius Rucker · G major (or A with a capo)

Knockin' on Heaven's Door

Bob Dylan · G major

House of the Rising Sun

Traditional · A minor

Traditional (16th century) · A minor

Traditional hymn (John Newton) · G major

New to chords? Start with your first guitar chords and how chord progressions work. Not sure what key a song is in? Use the key finder.

// See it, hear it

Reading only gets you so far — open the interactive fretboard and watch these ideas light up on guitar and piano.