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Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
D · A · Em · G · Bm
Across the Universe Chords – Guitar
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Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
D · A · Em · G · Bm
Across the Universe Chords – Ukulele
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Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
D · A · Em · G · Bm
Across the Universe Chords – Piano
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Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
D · A · Em · G · Bm
Across the Universe Chords – Banjo
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Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
D · A · Em · G · Bm
Across the Universe Chords – Mandolin
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Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
D · A · Em · G · Bm
Across the Universe Chords – Harmonica
The Beatles’ transcendent song featuring John Lennon’s poetic stream-of-consciousness lyrics. Intermediate difficulty in the key of D.
Dreamy Folk (4/4 Time)
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Tip: Play with a flowing, meditative feel. Let each chord sustain and breathe. This song should feel like floating.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
D – Bm
F#m – Em – A
D – Bm
F#m – A7
Chorus
D – A – G
D – A
G – D
A – G
D – A
Verse 2
D – Bm
F#m – Em – A
D – Bm
F#m – A7
Chorus
D – A – G
D – A
G – D
A – G
D – A
Verse 3
D – Bm
F#m – Em – A
D – Bm
F#m – A7
Chorus
D – A – G
D – A
G – D
A – G
D – A
D – A – G – D
Practice tip: The verse progression (D-Bm-F#m-Em-A) flows beautifully. The F#m barre chord is the trickiest part — try using a capo on 2nd fret and playing C-Am-Em-Dm-G shapes instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Across the Universe"?
You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: D, A, Em, G and Bm.
Is "Across the Universe" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Across the Universe" in?
It is in the key of D.
Who wrote "Across the Universe"?
It was written by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and released in 1970.