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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
D · G · A · Bm
Better Man Chords – Guitar
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
D · G · A · Bm
Better Man Chords – Ukulele
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
D · G · A · Bm
Better Man Chords – Piano
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
D · G · A · Bm
Better Man Chords – Banjo
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
D · G · A · Bm
Better Man Chords – Mandolin
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
D · G · A · Bm
Better Man Chords – Harmonica
Pearl Jam’s powerful ballad about a woman trapped in a loveless relationship. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.
Ballad Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret and play the chord shapes below to match the original recording’s key of E.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
D – G – D
G – D – A (×2)
D – G – D
G – D – A
G – D – A – D – G – D
Chorus
G – D (×4)
Verse 2
D – G – D
G
D – A
G – D – A
D – G – D
G – D – A
G – D – A – D – G – D
Chorus
G – D (×4)
Bridge
A – G
A – G – A
Verse 3 / Outro
D – G (×8)
Practice tip: The song uses only four chords (D, G, A). Practice switching between D and G smoothly, as it’s the most common transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Better Man"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: D, G, A and Bm.
Is "Better Man" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Better Man" in?
It is in the key of D.
Who wrote "Better Man"?
It was written by Eddie Vedder, and released in 1994.