A Day in the Life Chords

Gtap to play
Bmtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
G · Bm · Em · C · D

A Day in the Life Chords – Guitar

Gtap to play
Bmtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
G · Bm · Em · C · D

A Day in the Life Chords – Ukulele

Gtap to play
Bmtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
G · Bm · Em · C · D

A Day in the Life Chords – Piano

Gtap to play
Bmtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G · Bm · Em · C · D

A Day in the Life Chords – Banjo

Gtap to play
Bmtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
G · Bm · Em · C · D

A Day in the Life Chords – Mandolin

Gtap to play
Bmtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
G · Bm · Em · C · D

A Day in the Life Chords – Harmonica

The Beatles’ epic psychedelic masterpiece from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Intermediate difficulty in the key of G.

Chords used: G, Bm, Em, C, D  ·  Key: G  ·  Difficulty: Intermediate

Arpeggiated Feel (4/4 Time)
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Tip: This song has distinct sections; focus on the slow, dreamlike tempo and the dramatic build-up before the orchestral crescendos.

Chords & Structure

Full Song

Verse 1

 
G – Em
Am – D7 – G
Em – Am
C – G
B7 – Em
 

Verse 2

 
G – Em
Am – D7 – G
Em – Am
C – G
B7 – Em
 

Chorus

 
G – C – G
Am – D7
G – C
G
Am – D7
 

Verse 3

 
G – Em – Am – D7 – G
 

Bridge

 
F – C
G
C
G
F – C
G
C
G
 

Chorus

 
G – C – G
Am – D7
G – C
G
Am – D7
 

Verse 4

 
G – Em – Am – D7 – G
 

Outro

 
E – E7 – A – Am – C – Cm – G
 

Practice tip: Master the slow, deliberate chord changes in the verses first, then work on the faster, more rhythmic strumming pattern for the bridge. The final E chord requires a full, ringing strum to emulate the famous piano chord.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "A Day in the Life"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: G, Bm, Em, C and D.

Is "A Day in the Life" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "A Day in the Life" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "A Day in the Life"?

It was written by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and released in 1967.