Emtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Key
G Major
Difficulty
Easy
Capo
None
Chords
Em · G · A · C · D
Pink Floyd’s emotional masterpiece is a rite of passage for acoustic guitarists. The fingerpicked intro is iconic, and the song body uses five open chords in a memorable progression.
Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
123456
Tip: For the intro, use your thumb for bass notes and fingers for the higher strings. The key is letting notes ring into each other for that signature Pink Floyd sound.
How to play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the five chords
You need Em, G, A, C, and D. The verse uses Em-G-Em-G-Em-A-Em-A-G. The chorus uses C-D-Am-G.
2
Start with the intro riff
The acoustic intro is what makes this song. It uses G and C shapes with a fingerpicking pattern. Take it very slowly at first.
3
Get the verse rhythm
The verse has a gentle, swaying feel. Strum lightly and let the chords breathe. Each chord gets a full bar.
4
Build to the chorus
The chorus opens up with C and D. Strum a bit harder here and let the emotion build naturally.
5
Connect intro to verse
The hardest part is transitioning from the fingerpicked intro to strumming. Practice this transition separately until it feels seamless.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song — Guitar Version
Verse 1
Em G
So, so you think you can tell
Em G
Heaven from hell, blue skies from pain
Em A
Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail?
Em A
A smile from a veil? Do you think you can tell?
Verse 2
Em G
Did they get you to trade
Em G
Your heroes for ghosts? Hot ashes for trees?
Em A
Hot air for a cool breeze?
Em A
Cold comfort for change? Did you exchange
Chorus
G
A walk-on part in the war
C D
For a lead role in a cage?
Verse 3
Em G Em
How I wish, how I wish you were here
A G
We’re just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl
A G
Year after year
C D
Running over the same old ground
Am G
What have we found? The same old fears
Em G
Wish you were here
Practice tip: Learn the intro riff first — it is the soul of the song. Play it 50 times over a week until your fingers know it by heart. Then the rest of the song will fall into place.