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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
A · E · Bm · D
Boys Don’t Cry Chords – Guitar
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
A · E · Bm · D
Boys Don’t Cry Chords – Ukulele
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
A · E · Bm · D
Boys Don’t Cry Chords – Piano
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
A · E · Bm · D
Boys Don’t Cry Chords – Banjo
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
A · E · Bm · D
Boys Don’t Cry Chords – Mandolin
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
A · E · Bm · D
Boys Don’t Cry Chords – Harmonica
The Cure’s iconic post-punk anthem about suppressed emotion and regret. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.
Downstroke Rock (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a light, jangly strum to match the song’s original feel.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
A
E
A
E
Chorus
A
E
A
E
D – A (×2)
Verse 2
A
E
A
E
Chorus
A
E
A
E
D – A (×2)
Bridge
A
E
A
E
D – A
Verse 3
A
E
A
E
Chorus
A
E
A
E
D – A (×2)
Practice tip: Master the simple A, E, and D chord changes before adding the strum pattern for a clean performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Boys Don’t Cry"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: A, E, Bm and D.
Is "Boys Don’t Cry" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Boys Don’t Cry" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Boys Don’t Cry"?
It was written by Robert Smith, Lol Tolhurst, Michael Dempsey, and released in 1979.