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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
D · G · Em · A
Everybody Hurts Chords – Guitar
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
D · G · Em · A
Everybody Hurts Chords – Ukulele
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
D · G · Em · A
Everybody Hurts Chords – Piano
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
D · G · Em · A
Everybody Hurts Chords – Banjo
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
D · G · Em · A
Everybody Hurts Chords – Mandolin
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
D · G · Em · A
Everybody Hurts Chords – Harmonica
R.E.M.’s slow, achingly beautiful ballad about holding on during dark times. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.
Slow Ballad (4/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑
1234
Tip: Play this very slowly and gently. The song should feel like a comforting arm around someone’s shoulder. Let every chord ring and breathe.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
D
G – D
D
G – D
Chorus
Em – A (×2)
Em – A – D – G
Verse 2
D
G – D
D
G – D
Chorus
Em – A
D – G
Em – A (×3)
Bridge
[Em]Don’t throw your [A]hand
[Em]Oh [A]no
[Em]Don’t throw your [A]hand
If you [D]feel like you’re a[G]lone
No, no, no, you are not a[D]lone
[/verse]
Final Chorus
Em – A (×2)
Em – A – D – G
Em – A (×2)
Em – A – D
G – D (×2)
Em
A – D
G – D (×2)
Practice tip: The D-G verse and Em-A chorus patterns are very simple. The beauty of this song is in the slow, deliberate pace — don’t rush it. Let each chord sustain fully before changing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Everybody Hurts"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: D, G, Em and A.
Is "Everybody Hurts" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Everybody Hurts" in?
It is in the key of D.
Who wrote "Everybody Hurts"?
It was written by Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Michael Stipe, and released in 1992.