Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Brain Damage Chords – Guitar
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Brain Damage Chords – Ukulele
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Brain Damage Chords – Piano
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Brain Damage Chords – Banjo
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Brain Damage Chords – Mandolin
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Brain Damage Chords – Harmonica
A surreal exploration of mental alienation from Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon”. Intermediate difficulty in the key of D.
Arpeggiated Rock (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Use a clean, slightly delayed strum to match the song’s dreamy, off-kilter feel.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
D – A (×2)
D – A – Bm – G
D – A – D
Verse 2
D – A (×2)
D – A – Bm – G
D – A – D
Chorus
G – D – A (×4)
Verse 3
D – A (×2)
D – A – Bm – G
D – A – D (×2)
Chorus
G – D – A (×4)
Bridge
Bm – G – A – D
Bm – G – A
Bm – G – A – D
G – D – A
Outro
G – D – A (×4)
Practice tip: Master the D-A-Bm-G progression in the verses before adding the vocal melody; the chord changes are syncopated against the lyrics for a disorienting effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Brain Damage"?
You need 4 intermediate-friendly chords: D, G, A and Em.
Is "Brain Damage" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 4 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Brain Damage" in?
It is in the key of D.
Who wrote "Brain Damage"?
It was written by Roger Waters, and released in 1973.