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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
Am · C · G · D
Helplessly Hoping Chords – Guitar
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Am · C · G · D
Helplessly Hoping Chords – Ukulele
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Am · C · G · D
Helplessly Hoping Chords – Piano
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Am · C · G · D
Helplessly Hoping Chords – Banjo
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Am · C · G · D
Helplessly Hoping Chords – Mandolin
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Ctap to play
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Dtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Am · C · G · D
Helplessly Hoping Chords – Harmonica
Crosby, Stills & Nash’s gorgeous three-part harmony folk masterpiece. Intermediate difficulty in the key of Am.
Folk Fingerpicking (4/4 Time)
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Tip: Fingerpick this song for the best effect. The arpeggiated chords create a shimmering, delicate texture that’s lost with strumming. Keep it gentle and precise.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
Am – C
G – Am
Am – C
G – Am
C – G
F – Am – G
Verse 2
Am – C
G – Am
Am – C
G – Am
C – G
F – Am – G
Verse 3
Am – C
G
Am
C – G
Chorus
Am – C
G – Am
Am – C
G – Am
C – G
F – Am – G – Am
Practice tip: The Am-C-G pattern with the F chord creates beautiful harmonic movement. Try a Travis picking pattern: thumb alternates bass notes while fingers pick melody on the treble strings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Helplessly Hoping"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, C, G and D.
Is "Helplessly Hoping" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Helplessly Hoping" in?
It is in the key of G.
Who wrote "Helplessly Hoping"?
It was written by Stephen Stills, and released in 1969.