Emtap to play
D6tap to play
Cmaj7tap to play
B7tap to play
Am7tap to play
Gtap to play
Key
Em
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
Em · D6 · Cmaj7 · B7 · Am7 · G
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover Chords – Guitar
Emtap to play
D6tap to play
Cmaj7tap to play
B7tap to play
Am7tap to play
Gtap to play
Key
Em
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Em · D6 · Cmaj7 · B7 · Am7 · G
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover Chords – Ukulele
Emtap to play
D6tap to play
Cmaj7tap to play
B7tap to play
Am7tap to play
Gtap to play
Key
Em
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Em · D6 · Cmaj7 · B7 · Am7 · G
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover Chords – Piano
Emtap to play
D6tap to play
Cmaj7tap to play
B7tap to play
Am7tap to play
Gtap to play
Key
Em
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Em · D6 · Cmaj7 · B7 · Am7 · G
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover Chords – Banjo
Emtap to play
D6tap to play
Cmaj7tap to play
B7tap to play
Am7tap to play
Gtap to play
Key
Em
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Em · D6 · Cmaj7 · B7 · Am7 · G
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover Chords – Mandolin
Emtap to play
D6tap to play
Cmaj7tap to play
B7tap to play
Am7tap to play
Gtap to play
Key
Em
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Em · D6 · Cmaj7 · B7 · Am7 · G
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover Chords – Harmonica
Emtap to play
D6tap to play
Cmaj7tap to play
B7tap to play
Am7tap to play
Gtap to play
Key
Em
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Em · D6 · Cmaj7 · B7 · Am7 · G
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover Chords – Violin
Emtap to play
D6tap to play
Cmaj7tap to play
B7tap to play
Am7tap to play
Gtap to play
Key
Em
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.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
Em – D6
Cmaj7 – B7
Em – D6
Cmaj7 – B7
Chorus
G
Am7
G
Am7
G
Am7
G
Am7
Practice tip: Master the Em-D6-Cmaj7-B7 descending pattern first. Once that’s smooth, the rest of the song falls into place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover"?
You need 6 intermediate-friendly chords: Em, D6, Cmaj7, B7, Am7 and G.
Is "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 6 chords in the key of Em, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" in?
It is in the key of Em.
Who wrote "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover"?
It was written by Paul Simon, and released in 1975.