Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
G · D · Em · Am · C
American Pie Chords – Guitar
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
G · D · Em · Am · C
American Pie Chords – Ukulele
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
G · D · Em · Am · C
American Pie Chords – Piano
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G · D · Em · Am · C
American Pie Chords – Banjo
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
G · D · Em · Am · C
American Pie Chords – Mandolin
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
G · D · Em · Am · C
American Pie Chords – Harmonica
Don McLean’s epic, 8-minute rock and roll odyssey. One of the most iconic songs in American music history.
Folk-Rock Anthem (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
123456
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
G – D – Em – Am
C – Em – D
G – D – Em
Am – C
Em – C – D
Chorus
G – C – G – D (×3)
Em – A
C – D
How to Play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the chords
This song uses 5 chords in the key of G: G D Em Am C. Get each shape clean on its own first.
2
Practice the changes
Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.
3
Add the strumming
Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.
4
Play along
Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.
Tip: Loop the two hardest chord changes slowly before adding any strumming — clean, in-time changes matter more than speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "American Pie"?
You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: G, D, Em, Am and C.
Is "American Pie" 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 "American Pie" in?
It is in the key of G.
Who wrote "American Pie"?
It was written by Don McLean, and released in 1971.