Bbtap to play
Gmtap to play
Ebtap to play
Ftap to play
Dmtap to play
Key
Bb
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
Bb · Gm · Eb · F · Dm
A Change Is Gonna Come Chords – Guitar
Bbtap to play
Gmtap to play
Ebtap to play
Ftap to play
Dmtap to play
Key
Bb
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Bb · Gm · Eb · F · Dm
A Change Is Gonna Come Chords – Ukulele
Bbtap to play
Gmtap to play
Ebtap to play
Ftap to play
Dmtap to play
Key
Bb
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Bb · Gm · Eb · F · Dm
A Change Is Gonna Come Chords – Piano
Bbtap to play
Gmtap to play
Ebtap to play
Ftap to play
Dmtap to play
Key
Bb
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Bb · Gm · Eb · F · Dm
A Change Is Gonna Come Chords – Banjo
Bbtap to play
Gmtap to play
Ebtap to play
Ftap to play
Dmtap to play
Key
Bb
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Bb · Gm · Eb · F · Dm
A Change Is Gonna Come Chords – Mandolin
Bbtap to play
Gmtap to play
Ebtap to play
Ftap to play
Dmtap to play
Key
Bb
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Bb · Gm · Eb · F · Dm
A Change Is Gonna Come Chords – Harmonica
Bbtap to play
Gmtap to play
Ebtap to play
Ftap to play
Dmtap to play
Key
Bb
Difficulty
Intermediate
Range
Varies by singer
Chords
Bb · Gm · Eb · F · Dm
A Change Is Gonna Come Chords – Vocal
Sam Cooke’s powerful civil rights anthem about hope and struggle. Intermediate difficulty in the key of Bb.
Soul Ballad (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a gentle, arpeggiated fingerpicking pattern for a more authentic sound, and let the vocals lead the emotional delivery.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
F – Bb – Eb
F – Bb – Eb – F
F – Bb – Eb
F – Bb – Eb – F
Verse 2
F – Bb – Eb
F – Bb – Eb – F
F – Bb – Eb
F – Bb – Eb – F
Bridge
Eb – F (×2)
Eb – Bb – Eb
F – Bb – Eb – F
Verse 3
F – Bb – Eb
F – Bb – Eb – F
F – Bb – Eb (×3)
F – Bb – Eb – F
Chorus
Eb – F (×2)
Practice tip: Master the Bb, Eb, and F chord shapes and the transitions between them; the emotional weight of the song comes from the vocal melody, so play the chords softly to support it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "A Change Is Gonna Come"?
You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: Bb, Gm, Eb, F and Dm.
Is "A Change Is Gonna Come" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of Bb, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "A Change Is Gonna Come" in?
It is in the key of Bb.
Who wrote "A Change Is Gonna Come"?
It was written by Sam Cooke, and released in 1964.