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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
E · Bm · D · A
Bittersweet Symphony Chords – Guitar
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
E · Bm · D · A
Bittersweet Symphony Chords – Ukulele
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
E · Bm · D · A
Bittersweet Symphony Chords – Piano
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
E · Bm · D · A
Bittersweet Symphony Chords – Banjo
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
E · Bm · D · A
Bittersweet Symphony Chords – Mandolin
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
E · Bm · D · A
Bittersweet Symphony Chords – Harmonica
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
E · Bm · D · A
Bittersweet Symphony Chords – Violin
The Verve’s iconic 1997 anthem about life’s contradictions. Beginner difficulty in the key of E.
Driving Rhythm (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 4th fret and play the chord shapes for C, G, Am, and F to match the original recording’s key of Ab.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
C – G – Am
F – C – G – Am
F – C
G – Am – F
Chorus
C – G – Am – F
C – G – Am
F – C – G
Am – F
Verse 2
C – G
Am – F
C – G – Am
F – C
G – Am – F
Chorus
C – G – Am – F
C – G – Am
F – C – G
Am – F
Bridge
C – G – Am
F – C – G
Am – F
C – G – Am – F
Chorus
C – G – Am – F
C – G – Am
F – C – G
Am – F
Outro
C – G – Am
F
C – G – Am
F
C – G – Am
F
C – G – Am
F
Practice tip: Master the four-chord progression (C, G, Am, F) separately before adding the lyrics, as it repeats throughout the entire song.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Bittersweet Symphony"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: E, Bm, D and A.
Is "Bittersweet Symphony" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Bittersweet Symphony" in?
It is in the key of E.
Who wrote "Bittersweet Symphony"?
It was written by Richard Ashcroft, and released in 1997.