Rock

A Whiter Shade of Pale Chords

Procol Harum Intermediate Key of C 6 Chords 2 min read Updated Jul 2026

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Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Capo

None

Chords

C · Am · F · Dm · G · Em

A Whiter Shade of Pale Chords – Guitar

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Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

C · Am · F · Dm · G · Em

A Whiter Shade of Pale Chords – Ukulele

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Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

C · Am · F · Dm · G · Em

A Whiter Shade of Pale Chords – Piano

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Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

C · Am · F · Dm · G · Em

A Whiter Shade of Pale Chords – Banjo

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Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

C · Am · F · Dm · G · Em

A Whiter Shade of Pale Chords – Mandolin

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Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

C · Am · F · Dm · G · Em

A Whiter Shade of Pale Chords – Harmonica

Procol Harum’s iconic psychedelic ballad with a Bach-inspired organ melody. Intermediate difficulty in the key of C.

Chords used: C, Am, F, Dm, G, Em · Key: C · Difficulty: Intermediate

Soulful Ballad (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

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Tip: Emphasize the descending bass line feel with your chord changes.

Chords & Structure

Full Song

Verse 1

C

Am

F – G

C

Am

F – G

C

Am – F

Chorus

F

G

C

Am – F

G

C

Am

F – G

Verse 2

C

Am

F – G

C

Am

F – G

C

Am – F

Chorus

F

G

C

Am – F

G

C

Am

F – G

Bridge

F

G

C

Am – F

G

C

Am

F – G

Chorus

F

G

C

Am – F

G

C

Am

F – G

Outro

C

Am

F – G

C

Am

F – G

C

Am – F

Practice tip: Work on the C to Am to F to G progression slowly to master the song’s melancholic, flowing feel before adding the strum pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "A Whiter Shade of Pale"?

You need 6 intermediate-friendly chords: C, Am, F, Dm, G and Em.

Is "A Whiter Shade of Pale" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 6 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "A Whiter Shade of Pale" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "A Whiter Shade of Pale"?

It was written by Gary Brooker, Keith Reid, and released in 1967.