Folk,Pop

50 Ways to Leave Your Lover Chords

Paul Simon Intermediate Key of Em 6 Chords 2 min read

Emtap to play

D6tap to play

Cmaj7tap to play

B7tap to play

Am7tap to play

Gtap to play

Key

Em Major

Difficulty

Intermediate

Capo

None

Chords

Em · D6 · Cmaj7 · B7 · Am7 · G

50 Ways to Leave Your Lover Chords – Guitar

Paul Simon’s wry, clever hit with its iconic drum intro and conversational verses. The chord progression is more sophisticated than most pop songs.

Fingerpicking Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: The verse is fingerpicked with a descending bass line. Practice the bass note movement separately before combining with the upper strings.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the verse chords

The verse uses Em, D6, Cmaj7, and B7. The descending bass line (E, D, C, B) gives the verse its sophisticated feel.

2

Master the fingerpicking

The verse pattern walks down the bass notes while the treble strings maintain a gentle pattern. Take it slow.

3

Chorus is simpler

The catchy chorus uses G, Am7, and simpler strumming. This is where the song opens up rhythmically.

4

Connect verse and chorus

The contrast between the fingerpicked verse and strummed chorus is what makes this song work. Practice the transitions.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em D6

The problem is all inside your head, she said to me

Cmaj7 B7

The answer is easy if you take it logically

Em D6

I’d like to help you in your struggle to be free

Cmaj7 B7

There must be fifty ways to leave your lover

Chorus

G

Just slip out the back, Jack

Am7

Make a new plan, Stan

G

You don’t need to be coy, Roy

Am7

Just get yourself free

G

Hop on the bus, Gus

Am7

You don’t need to discuss much

G

Just drop off the key, Lee

Am7

And get yourself free

Practice tip: Master the Em-D6-Cmaj7-B7 descending pattern first. Once that’s smooth, the rest of the song falls into place.

Emtap to play

D6tap to play

Cmaj7tap to play

B7tap to play

Am7tap to play

Gtap to play

Key

Em Major

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

Em · D6 · Cmaj7 · B7 · Am7 · G

50 Ways to Leave Your Lover Chords – Ukulele

Paul Simon’s wry, clever hit with its iconic drum intro and conversational verses. The chord progression is more sophisticated than most pop songs.

Fingerpicking Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: The verse is fingerpicked with a descending bass line. Practice the bass note movement separately before combining with the upper strings.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the verse chords

The verse uses Em, D6, Cmaj7, and B7. The descending bass line (E, D, C, B) gives the verse its sophisticated feel.

2

Master the fingerpicking

The verse pattern walks down the bass notes while the treble strings maintain a gentle pattern. Take it slow.

3

Chorus is simpler

The catchy chorus uses G, Am7, and simpler strumming. This is where the song opens up rhythmically.

4

Connect verse and chorus

The contrast between the fingerpicked verse and strummed chorus is what makes this song work. Practice the transitions.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em D6

The problem is all inside your head, she said to me

Cmaj7 B7

The answer is easy if you take it logically

Em D6

I’d like to help you in your struggle to be free

Cmaj7 B7

There must be fifty ways to leave your lover

Chorus

G

Just slip out the back, Jack

Am7

Make a new plan, Stan

G

You don’t need to be coy, Roy

Am7

Just get yourself free

G

Hop on the bus, Gus

Am7

You don’t need to discuss much

G

Just drop off the key, Lee

Am7

And get yourself free

Practice tip: Master the Em-D6-Cmaj7-B7 descending pattern first. Once that’s smooth, the rest of the song falls into place.

Emtap to play

D6tap to play

Cmaj7tap to play

B7tap to play

Am7tap to play

Gtap to play

Key

Em Major

Difficulty

Intermediate

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

Em · D6 · Cmaj7 · B7 · Am7 · G

50 Ways to Leave Your Lover Chords – Piano

Paul Simon’s wry, clever hit with its iconic drum intro and conversational verses. The chord progression is more sophisticated than most pop songs.

Fingerpicking Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: The verse is fingerpicked with a descending bass line. Practice the bass note movement separately before combining with the upper strings.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the verse chords

The verse uses Em, D6, Cmaj7, and B7. The descending bass line (E, D, C, B) gives the verse its sophisticated feel.

2

Master the fingerpicking

The verse pattern walks down the bass notes while the treble strings maintain a gentle pattern. Take it slow.

3

Chorus is simpler

The catchy chorus uses G, Am7, and simpler strumming. This is where the song opens up rhythmically.

4

Connect verse and chorus

The contrast between the fingerpicked verse and strummed chorus is what makes this song work. Practice the transitions.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em D6

The problem is all inside your head, she said to me

Cmaj7 B7

The answer is easy if you take it logically

Em D6

I’d like to help you in your struggle to be free

Cmaj7 B7

There must be fifty ways to leave your lover

Chorus

G

Just slip out the back, Jack

Am7

Make a new plan, Stan

G

You don’t need to be coy, Roy

Am7

Just get yourself free

G

Hop on the bus, Gus

Am7

You don’t need to discuss much

G

Just drop off the key, Lee

Am7

And get yourself free

Practice tip: Master the Em-D6-Cmaj7-B7 descending pattern first. Once that’s smooth, the rest of the song falls into place.

Emtap to play

D6tap to play

Cmaj7tap to play

B7tap to play

Am7tap to play

Gtap to play

Key

Em Major

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

Em · D6 · Cmaj7 · B7 · Am7 · G

50 Ways to Leave Your Lover Chords – Banjo

Paul Simon’s wry, clever hit with its iconic drum intro and conversational verses. The chord progression is more sophisticated than most pop songs.

Fingerpicking Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: The verse is fingerpicked with a descending bass line. Practice the bass note movement separately before combining with the upper strings.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the verse chords

The verse uses Em, D6, Cmaj7, and B7. The descending bass line (E, D, C, B) gives the verse its sophisticated feel.

2

Master the fingerpicking

The verse pattern walks down the bass notes while the treble strings maintain a gentle pattern. Take it slow.

3

Chorus is simpler

The catchy chorus uses G, Am7, and simpler strumming. This is where the song opens up rhythmically.

4

Connect verse and chorus

The contrast between the fingerpicked verse and strummed chorus is what makes this song work. Practice the transitions.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em D6

The problem is all inside your head, she said to me

Cmaj7 B7

The answer is easy if you take it logically

Em D6

I’d like to help you in your struggle to be free

Cmaj7 B7

There must be fifty ways to leave your lover

Chorus

G

Just slip out the back, Jack

Am7

Make a new plan, Stan

G

You don’t need to be coy, Roy

Am7

Just get yourself free

G

Hop on the bus, Gus

Am7

You don’t need to discuss much

G

Just drop off the key, Lee

Am7

And get yourself free

Practice tip: Master the Em-D6-Cmaj7-B7 descending pattern first. Once that’s smooth, the rest of the song falls into place.

Emtap to play

D6tap to play

Cmaj7tap to play

B7tap to play

Am7tap to play

Gtap to play

Key

Em Major

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

Em · D6 · Cmaj7 · B7 · Am7 · G

50 Ways to Leave Your Lover Chords – Mandolin

Paul Simon’s wry, clever hit with its iconic drum intro and conversational verses. The chord progression is more sophisticated than most pop songs.

Fingerpicking Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: The verse is fingerpicked with a descending bass line. Practice the bass note movement separately before combining with the upper strings.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the verse chords

The verse uses Em, D6, Cmaj7, and B7. The descending bass line (E, D, C, B) gives the verse its sophisticated feel.

2

Master the fingerpicking

The verse pattern walks down the bass notes while the treble strings maintain a gentle pattern. Take it slow.

3

Chorus is simpler

The catchy chorus uses G, Am7, and simpler strumming. This is where the song opens up rhythmically.

4

Connect verse and chorus

The contrast between the fingerpicked verse and strummed chorus is what makes this song work. Practice the transitions.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em D6

The problem is all inside your head, she said to me

Cmaj7 B7

The answer is easy if you take it logically

Em D6

I’d like to help you in your struggle to be free

Cmaj7 B7

There must be fifty ways to leave your lover

Chorus

G

Just slip out the back, Jack

Am7

Make a new plan, Stan

G

You don’t need to be coy, Roy

Am7

Just get yourself free

G

Hop on the bus, Gus

Am7

You don’t need to discuss much

G

Just drop off the key, Lee

Am7

And get yourself free

Practice tip: Master the Em-D6-Cmaj7-B7 descending pattern first. Once that’s smooth, the rest of the song falls into place.

Emtap to play

D6tap to play

Cmaj7tap to play

B7tap to play

Am7tap to play

Gtap to play

Key

Em Major

Difficulty

Intermediate

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

Em · D6 · Cmaj7 · B7 · Am7 · G

50 Ways to Leave Your Lover Chords – Harmonica

Paul Simon’s wry, clever hit with its iconic drum intro and conversational verses. The chord progression is more sophisticated than most pop songs.

Fingerpicking Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: The verse is fingerpicked with a descending bass line. Practice the bass note movement separately before combining with the upper strings.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the verse chords

The verse uses Em, D6, Cmaj7, and B7. The descending bass line (E, D, C, B) gives the verse its sophisticated feel.

2

Master the fingerpicking

The verse pattern walks down the bass notes while the treble strings maintain a gentle pattern. Take it slow.

3

Chorus is simpler

The catchy chorus uses G, Am7, and simpler strumming. This is where the song opens up rhythmically.

4

Connect verse and chorus

The contrast between the fingerpicked verse and strummed chorus is what makes this song work. Practice the transitions.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em D6

The problem is all inside your head, she said to me

Cmaj7 B7

The answer is easy if you take it logically

Em D6

I’d like to help you in your struggle to be free

Cmaj7 B7

There must be fifty ways to leave your lover

Chorus

G

Just slip out the back, Jack

Am7

Make a new plan, Stan

G

You don’t need to be coy, Roy

Am7

Just get yourself free

G

Hop on the bus, Gus

Am7

You don’t need to discuss much

G

Just drop off the key, Lee

Am7

And get yourself free

Practice tip: Master the Em-D6-Cmaj7-B7 descending pattern first. Once that’s smooth, the rest of the song falls into place.

Emtap to play

D6tap to play

Cmaj7tap to play

B7tap to play

Am7tap to play

Gtap to play

Key

Em Major

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

Em · D6 · Cmaj7 · B7 · Am7 · G

50 Ways to Leave Your Lover Chords – Violin

Paul Simon’s wry, clever hit with its iconic drum intro and conversational verses. The chord progression is more sophisticated than most pop songs.

Fingerpicking Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: The verse is fingerpicked with a descending bass line. Practice the bass note movement separately before combining with the upper strings.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the verse chords

The verse uses Em, D6, Cmaj7, and B7. The descending bass line (E, D, C, B) gives the verse its sophisticated feel.

2

Master the fingerpicking

The verse pattern walks down the bass notes while the treble strings maintain a gentle pattern. Take it slow.

3

Chorus is simpler

The catchy chorus uses G, Am7, and simpler strumming. This is where the song opens up rhythmically.

4

Connect verse and chorus

The contrast between the fingerpicked verse and strummed chorus is what makes this song work. Practice the transitions.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em D6

The problem is all inside your head, she said to me

Cmaj7 B7

The answer is easy if you take it logically

Em D6

I’d like to help you in your struggle to be free

Cmaj7 B7

There must be fifty ways to leave your lover

Chorus

G

Just slip out the back, Jack

Am7

Make a new plan, Stan

G

You don’t need to be coy, Roy

Am7

Just get yourself free

G

Hop on the bus, Gus

Am7

You don’t need to discuss much

G

Just drop off the key, Lee

Am7

And get yourself free

Practice tip: Master the Em-D6-Cmaj7-B7 descending pattern first. Once that’s smooth, the rest of the song falls into place.

Emtap to play

D6tap to play

Cmaj7tap to play

B7tap to play

Am7tap to play

Gtap to play

Key

Em Major

Difficulty

Intermediate

Range

Varies by singer

Chords

Em · D6 · Cmaj7 · B7 · Am7 · G

50 Ways to Leave Your Lover Chords – Vocal

Paul Simon’s wry, clever hit with its iconic drum intro and conversational verses. The chord progression is more sophisticated than most pop songs.

Fingerpicking Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: The verse is fingerpicked with a descending bass line. Practice the bass note movement separately before combining with the upper strings.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the verse chords

The verse uses Em, D6, Cmaj7, and B7. The descending bass line (E, D, C, B) gives the verse its sophisticated feel.

2

Master the fingerpicking

The verse pattern walks down the bass notes while the treble strings maintain a gentle pattern. Take it slow.

3

Chorus is simpler

The catchy chorus uses G, Am7, and simpler strumming. This is where the song opens up rhythmically.

4

Connect verse and chorus

The contrast between the fingerpicked verse and strummed chorus is what makes this song work. Practice the transitions.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em D6

The problem is all inside your head, she said to me

Cmaj7 B7

The answer is easy if you take it logically

Em D6

I’d like to help you in your struggle to be free

Cmaj7 B7

There must be fifty ways to leave your lover

Chorus

G

Just slip out the back, Jack

Am7

Make a new plan, Stan

G

You don’t need to be coy, Roy

Am7

Just get yourself free

G

Hop on the bus, Gus

Am7

You don’t need to discuss much

G

Just drop off the key, Lee

Am7

And get yourself free

Practice tip: Master the Em-D6-Cmaj7-B7 descending pattern first. Once that’s smooth, the rest of the song falls into place.