E5tap to play
F5tap to play
G5tap to play
A5tap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
E5 · F5 · G5 · A5
Enter Sandman Chords – Guitar
E5tap to play
F5tap to play
G5tap to play
A5tap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
E5 · F5 · G5 · A5
Enter Sandman Chords – Ukulele
E5tap to play
F5tap to play
G5tap to play
A5tap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
E5 · F5 · G5 · A5
Enter Sandman Chords – Piano
E5tap to play
F5tap to play
G5tap to play
A5tap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
E5 · F5 · G5 · A5
Enter Sandman Chords – Banjo
E5tap to play
F5tap to play
G5tap to play
A5tap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
E5 · F5 · G5 · A5
Enter Sandman Chords – Mandolin
E5tap to play
F5tap to play
G5tap to play
A5tap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
E5 · F5 · G5 · A5
Enter Sandman Chords – Harmonica
Metallica’s most famous riff launched a million air guitar performances. The intro is pure power chord magic.
Chords used: E5, F5, G5, A5 · Key: E · Difficulty: Intermediate
Heavy Palm Mute (4/4 Time)
↓↓↓↓
1234
Tip: The intro riff uses the open low E string with a chromatic climb. Heavy palm muting is essential for the chugging sound.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
E5 (×2)
F5 – G5 – F5 – E5
G5 – F5 – E5
Chorus
E5 – F5 – E5
E5
G5 – F5 – E5
How to Play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the chords
This song uses 4 chords in the key of E: E5 F5 G5 A5. 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: Loop the two hardest chord changes slowly before adding any strumming — clean, in-time changes matter more than speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Enter Sandman"?
You need 4 intermediate-friendly chords: E5, F5, G5 and A5.
Is "Enter Sandman" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 4 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Enter Sandman" in?
It is in the key of E.
Who wrote "Enter Sandman"?
It was written by Metallica.