Pop

7 Years Chords

Lukas Graham Beginner Key of Em 4 Chords 3 min read Updated Jul 2026

Emtap to play

Gtap to play

Cmaj7tap to play

Dtap to play

Key

Em

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

Em · G · Cmaj7 · D

7 Years Chords – Guitar

Lukas Graham’s autobiographical coming-of-age ballad traces life from childhood to old age. The piano-driven track builds emotionally through each life stage.

Flowing Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: On piano, use a gentle arpeggiated pattern in the verses and switch to full chords in the chorus. Let the dynamics mirror the lyrics’ emotional journey.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need Em, G, Cmaj7, and D. On piano, Cmaj7 adds beautiful color — just a C chord with a B note.

2

Verse progression

The verse follows Em-G-Cmaj7-D. Play it slowly and let the chords ring. The song is more spoken/sung, so the instrumental backing should be understated.

3

Chorus

Same progression with more intensity. Build the dynamics as the lyrics build.

4

Emotional arc

Each verse covers a different age. Match your playing intensity to the emotional weight — start gentle, build through the song.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em G

Once I was seven years old, my mama told me

Cmaj7 D

Go make yourself some friends or you’ll be lonely

Em G

Once I was seven years old

Verse 2

Em G

It was a big big world, but we thought we were bigger

Cmaj7 D

Pushing each other to the limits, we were learning quicker

Em G

By eleven smoking herb and drinking burning liquor

Cmaj7 D

Never rich so we were out to make that steady figure

Chorus

Em G

Once I was eleven years old, my daddy told me

Cmaj7 D

Go get yourself a wife or you’ll be lonely

Em G

Once I was eleven years old

Practice tip: The Cmaj7 chord gives this song its character. On guitar, it’s almost like a C chord but leave the high E string open. On piano, add the B note to your C major chord.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "7 Years"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Em, G, Cmaj7 and D.

Is "7 Years" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of Em, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "7 Years" in?

It is in the key of Em.

Who wrote "7 Years"?

It was written by Lukas Forchhammer, Stefan Forrest, Morten Ristorp, Morten Pilegaard, and released in 2015.

Emtap to play

Gtap to play

Cmaj7tap to play

Dtap to play

Key

Em

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

Em · G · Cmaj7 · D

7 Years Chords – Ukulele

Lukas Graham’s autobiographical coming-of-age ballad traces life from childhood to old age. The piano-driven track builds emotionally through each life stage.

Flowing Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: On piano, use a gentle arpeggiated pattern in the verses and switch to full chords in the chorus. Let the dynamics mirror the lyrics’ emotional journey.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need Em, G, Cmaj7, and D. On piano, Cmaj7 adds beautiful color — just a C chord with a B note.

2

Verse progression

The verse follows Em-G-Cmaj7-D. Play it slowly and let the chords ring. The song is more spoken/sung, so the instrumental backing should be understated.

3

Chorus

Same progression with more intensity. Build the dynamics as the lyrics build.

4

Emotional arc

Each verse covers a different age. Match your playing intensity to the emotional weight — start gentle, build through the song.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em G

Once I was seven years old, my mama told me

Cmaj7 D

Go make yourself some friends or you’ll be lonely

Em G

Once I was seven years old

Verse 2

Em G

It was a big big world, but we thought we were bigger

Cmaj7 D

Pushing each other to the limits, we were learning quicker

Em G

By eleven smoking herb and drinking burning liquor

Cmaj7 D

Never rich so we were out to make that steady figure

Chorus

Em G

Once I was eleven years old, my daddy told me

Cmaj7 D

Go get yourself a wife or you’ll be lonely

Em G

Once I was eleven years old

Practice tip: The Cmaj7 chord gives this song its character. On guitar, it’s almost like a C chord but leave the high E string open. On piano, add the B note to your C major chord.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "7 Years"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Em, G, Cmaj7 and D.

Is "7 Years" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of Em, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "7 Years" in?

It is in the key of Em.

Who wrote "7 Years"?

It was written by Lukas Forchhammer, Stefan Forrest, Morten Ristorp, Morten Pilegaard, and released in 2015.

Emtap to play

Gtap to play

Cmaj7tap to play

Dtap to play

Key

Em

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

Em · G · Cmaj7 · D

7 Years Chords – Piano

Lukas Graham’s autobiographical coming-of-age ballad traces life from childhood to old age. The piano-driven track builds emotionally through each life stage.

Flowing Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: On piano, use a gentle arpeggiated pattern in the verses and switch to full chords in the chorus. Let the dynamics mirror the lyrics’ emotional journey.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need Em, G, Cmaj7, and D. On piano, Cmaj7 adds beautiful color — just a C chord with a B note.

2

Verse progression

The verse follows Em-G-Cmaj7-D. Play it slowly and let the chords ring. The song is more spoken/sung, so the instrumental backing should be understated.

3

Chorus

Same progression with more intensity. Build the dynamics as the lyrics build.

4

Emotional arc

Each verse covers a different age. Match your playing intensity to the emotional weight — start gentle, build through the song.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em G

Once I was seven years old, my mama told me

Cmaj7 D

Go make yourself some friends or you’ll be lonely

Em G

Once I was seven years old

Verse 2

Em G

It was a big big world, but we thought we were bigger

Cmaj7 D

Pushing each other to the limits, we were learning quicker

Em G

By eleven smoking herb and drinking burning liquor

Cmaj7 D

Never rich so we were out to make that steady figure

Chorus

Em G

Once I was eleven years old, my daddy told me

Cmaj7 D

Go get yourself a wife or you’ll be lonely

Em G

Once I was eleven years old

Practice tip: The Cmaj7 chord gives this song its character. On guitar, it’s almost like a C chord but leave the high E string open. On piano, add the B note to your C major chord.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "7 Years"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Em, G, Cmaj7 and D.

Is "7 Years" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of Em, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "7 Years" in?

It is in the key of Em.

Who wrote "7 Years"?

It was written by Lukas Forchhammer, Stefan Forrest, Morten Ristorp, Morten Pilegaard, and released in 2015.

Emtap to play

Gtap to play

Cmaj7tap to play

Dtap to play

Key

Em

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

Em · G · Cmaj7 · D

7 Years Chords – Banjo

Lukas Graham’s autobiographical coming-of-age ballad traces life from childhood to old age. The piano-driven track builds emotionally through each life stage.

Flowing Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: On piano, use a gentle arpeggiated pattern in the verses and switch to full chords in the chorus. Let the dynamics mirror the lyrics’ emotional journey.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need Em, G, Cmaj7, and D. On piano, Cmaj7 adds beautiful color — just a C chord with a B note.

2

Verse progression

The verse follows Em-G-Cmaj7-D. Play it slowly and let the chords ring. The song is more spoken/sung, so the instrumental backing should be understated.

3

Chorus

Same progression with more intensity. Build the dynamics as the lyrics build.

4

Emotional arc

Each verse covers a different age. Match your playing intensity to the emotional weight — start gentle, build through the song.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em G

Once I was seven years old, my mama told me

Cmaj7 D

Go make yourself some friends or you’ll be lonely

Em G

Once I was seven years old

Verse 2

Em G

It was a big big world, but we thought we were bigger

Cmaj7 D

Pushing each other to the limits, we were learning quicker

Em G

By eleven smoking herb and drinking burning liquor

Cmaj7 D

Never rich so we were out to make that steady figure

Chorus

Em G

Once I was eleven years old, my daddy told me

Cmaj7 D

Go get yourself a wife or you’ll be lonely

Em G

Once I was eleven years old

Practice tip: The Cmaj7 chord gives this song its character. On guitar, it’s almost like a C chord but leave the high E string open. On piano, add the B note to your C major chord.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "7 Years"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Em, G, Cmaj7 and D.

Is "7 Years" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of Em, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "7 Years" in?

It is in the key of Em.

Who wrote "7 Years"?

It was written by Lukas Forchhammer, Stefan Forrest, Morten Ristorp, Morten Pilegaard, and released in 2015.

Emtap to play

Gtap to play

Cmaj7tap to play

Dtap to play

Key

Em

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

Em · G · Cmaj7 · D

7 Years Chords – Mandolin

Lukas Graham’s autobiographical coming-of-age ballad traces life from childhood to old age. The piano-driven track builds emotionally through each life stage.

Flowing Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: On piano, use a gentle arpeggiated pattern in the verses and switch to full chords in the chorus. Let the dynamics mirror the lyrics’ emotional journey.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need Em, G, Cmaj7, and D. On piano, Cmaj7 adds beautiful color — just a C chord with a B note.

2

Verse progression

The verse follows Em-G-Cmaj7-D. Play it slowly and let the chords ring. The song is more spoken/sung, so the instrumental backing should be understated.

3

Chorus

Same progression with more intensity. Build the dynamics as the lyrics build.

4

Emotional arc

Each verse covers a different age. Match your playing intensity to the emotional weight — start gentle, build through the song.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em G

Once I was seven years old, my mama told me

Cmaj7 D

Go make yourself some friends or you’ll be lonely

Em G

Once I was seven years old

Verse 2

Em G

It was a big big world, but we thought we were bigger

Cmaj7 D

Pushing each other to the limits, we were learning quicker

Em G

By eleven smoking herb and drinking burning liquor

Cmaj7 D

Never rich so we were out to make that steady figure

Chorus

Em G

Once I was eleven years old, my daddy told me

Cmaj7 D

Go get yourself a wife or you’ll be lonely

Em G

Once I was eleven years old

Practice tip: The Cmaj7 chord gives this song its character. On guitar, it’s almost like a C chord but leave the high E string open. On piano, add the B note to your C major chord.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "7 Years"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Em, G, Cmaj7 and D.

Is "7 Years" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of Em, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "7 Years" in?

It is in the key of Em.

Who wrote "7 Years"?

It was written by Lukas Forchhammer, Stefan Forrest, Morten Ristorp, Morten Pilegaard, and released in 2015.

Emtap to play

Gtap to play

Cmaj7tap to play

Dtap to play

Key

Em

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

Em · G · Cmaj7 · D

7 Years Chords – Harmonica

Lukas Graham’s autobiographical coming-of-age ballad traces life from childhood to old age. The piano-driven track builds emotionally through each life stage.

Flowing Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: On piano, use a gentle arpeggiated pattern in the verses and switch to full chords in the chorus. Let the dynamics mirror the lyrics’ emotional journey.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need Em, G, Cmaj7, and D. On piano, Cmaj7 adds beautiful color — just a C chord with a B note.

2

Verse progression

The verse follows Em-G-Cmaj7-D. Play it slowly and let the chords ring. The song is more spoken/sung, so the instrumental backing should be understated.

3

Chorus

Same progression with more intensity. Build the dynamics as the lyrics build.

4

Emotional arc

Each verse covers a different age. Match your playing intensity to the emotional weight — start gentle, build through the song.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em G

Once I was seven years old, my mama told me

Cmaj7 D

Go make yourself some friends or you’ll be lonely

Em G

Once I was seven years old

Verse 2

Em G

It was a big big world, but we thought we were bigger

Cmaj7 D

Pushing each other to the limits, we were learning quicker

Em G

By eleven smoking herb and drinking burning liquor

Cmaj7 D

Never rich so we were out to make that steady figure

Chorus

Em G

Once I was eleven years old, my daddy told me

Cmaj7 D

Go get yourself a wife or you’ll be lonely

Em G

Once I was eleven years old

Practice tip: The Cmaj7 chord gives this song its character. On guitar, it’s almost like a C chord but leave the high E string open. On piano, add the B note to your C major chord.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "7 Years"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Em, G, Cmaj7 and D.

Is "7 Years" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of Em, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "7 Years" in?

It is in the key of Em.

Who wrote "7 Years"?

It was written by Lukas Forchhammer, Stefan Forrest, Morten Ristorp, Morten Pilegaard, and released in 2015.

Emtap to play

Gtap to play

Cmaj7tap to play

Dtap to play

Key

Em

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

Em · G · Cmaj7 · D

7 Years Chords – Violin

Lukas Graham’s autobiographical coming-of-age ballad traces life from childhood to old age. The piano-driven track builds emotionally through each life stage.

Flowing Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: On piano, use a gentle arpeggiated pattern in the verses and switch to full chords in the chorus. Let the dynamics mirror the lyrics’ emotional journey.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need Em, G, Cmaj7, and D. On piano, Cmaj7 adds beautiful color — just a C chord with a B note.

2

Verse progression

The verse follows Em-G-Cmaj7-D. Play it slowly and let the chords ring. The song is more spoken/sung, so the instrumental backing should be understated.

3

Chorus

Same progression with more intensity. Build the dynamics as the lyrics build.

4

Emotional arc

Each verse covers a different age. Match your playing intensity to the emotional weight — start gentle, build through the song.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em G

Once I was seven years old, my mama told me

Cmaj7 D

Go make yourself some friends or you’ll be lonely

Em G

Once I was seven years old

Verse 2

Em G

It was a big big world, but we thought we were bigger

Cmaj7 D

Pushing each other to the limits, we were learning quicker

Em G

By eleven smoking herb and drinking burning liquor

Cmaj7 D

Never rich so we were out to make that steady figure

Chorus

Em G

Once I was eleven years old, my daddy told me

Cmaj7 D

Go get yourself a wife or you’ll be lonely

Em G

Once I was eleven years old

Practice tip: The Cmaj7 chord gives this song its character. On guitar, it’s almost like a C chord but leave the high E string open. On piano, add the B note to your C major chord.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "7 Years"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Em, G, Cmaj7 and D.

Is "7 Years" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of Em, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "7 Years" in?

It is in the key of Em.

Who wrote "7 Years"?

It was written by Lukas Forchhammer, Stefan Forrest, Morten Ristorp, Morten Pilegaard, and released in 2015.

Emtap to play

Gtap to play

Cmaj7tap to play

Dtap to play

Key

Em

Difficulty

Beginner

Range

Varies by singer

Chords

Em · G · Cmaj7 · D

7 Years Chords – Vocal

Lukas Graham’s autobiographical coming-of-age ballad traces life from childhood to old age. The piano-driven track builds emotionally through each life stage.

Flowing Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: On piano, use a gentle arpeggiated pattern in the verses and switch to full chords in the chorus. Let the dynamics mirror the lyrics’ emotional journey.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need Em, G, Cmaj7, and D. On piano, Cmaj7 adds beautiful color — just a C chord with a B note.

2

Verse progression

The verse follows Em-G-Cmaj7-D. Play it slowly and let the chords ring. The song is more spoken/sung, so the instrumental backing should be understated.

3

Chorus

Same progression with more intensity. Build the dynamics as the lyrics build.

4

Emotional arc

Each verse covers a different age. Match your playing intensity to the emotional weight — start gentle, build through the song.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em G

Once I was seven years old, my mama told me

Cmaj7 D

Go make yourself some friends or you’ll be lonely

Em G

Once I was seven years old

Verse 2

Em G

It was a big big world, but we thought we were bigger

Cmaj7 D

Pushing each other to the limits, we were learning quicker

Em G

By eleven smoking herb and drinking burning liquor

Cmaj7 D

Never rich so we were out to make that steady figure

Chorus

Em G

Once I was eleven years old, my daddy told me

Cmaj7 D

Go get yourself a wife or you’ll be lonely

Em G

Once I was eleven years old

Practice tip: The Cmaj7 chord gives this song its character. On guitar, it’s almost like a C chord but leave the high E string open. On piano, add the B note to your C major chord.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "7 Years"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Em, G, Cmaj7 and D.

Is "7 Years" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of Em, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "7 Years" in?

It is in the key of Em.

Who wrote "7 Years"?

It was written by Lukas Forchhammer, Stefan Forrest, Morten Ristorp, Morten Pilegaard, and released in 2015.