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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
C · Am · F · G
Between the Bars Chords – Guitar
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
C · Am · F · G
Between the Bars Chords – Ukulele
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
C · Am · F · G
Between the Bars Chords – Piano
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
C · Am · F · G
Between the Bars Chords – Banjo
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
C · Am · F · G
Between the Bars Chords – Mandolin
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
C · Am · F · G
Between the Bars Chords – Harmonica
Elliott Smith’s melancholic ballad about addiction and lost potential. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.
Folk Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a gentle, steady strum to match the song’s somber mood.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
C – Am
F – G
C – Am
F – G
Chorus
C – Am
F – G
C – Am
F – G
Verse 2
C – Am
F – G
C
Chorus
C – Am
F – G
C – Am
F – G
Bridge
F – C (×2)
F
Chorus
C – Am
F – G
C – Am
F – G
Practice tip: The chords C, Am, F, and G are the only ones used; practice switching between them slowly until the changes feel natural.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Between the Bars"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: C, Am, F and G.
Is "Between the Bars" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Between the Bars" in?
It is in the key of C.
Who wrote "Between the Bars"?
It was written by Elliott Smith, and released in 1997.