Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
Am · G · F · C
Cruel Summer Chords – Guitar
Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Am · G · F · C
Cruel Summer Chords – Ukulele
Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Am · G · F · C
Cruel Summer Chords – Piano
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Gtap to play
Ftap to play
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Am · G · F · C
Cruel Summer Chords – Banjo
Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Am · G · F · C
Cruel Summer Chords – Mandolin
Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Am · G · F · C
Cruel Summer Chords – Harmonica
Taylor Swift’s synth-pop masterpiece that became a massive hit years after its release.
Driving Pop (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
Am – G
F – C
Am – G
F – C
Chorus
Am – G
F
C – Am
Bridge
Am – G
F
C
Am – G – F – C
How to Play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the chords
This song uses 4 chords in the key of A: Am G F C. Get each shape clean on its own first.
2
Practice the changes
Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.
3
Add the strumming
Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.
4
Play along
Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.
Tip: The F barre chord is the tricky one — use Fmaj7 (skip the low E and A strings) while you build finger strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Cruel Summer"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, G, F and C.
Is "Cruel Summer" 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 "Cruel Summer" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Cruel Summer"?
It was written by Taylor Swift, Jack Antonoff, St. Vincent, and released in 2019.