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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
Em · G · D · A · C
Hunger Strike Chords – Guitar
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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Em · G · D · A · C
Hunger Strike Chords – Ukulele
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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Em · G · D · A · C
Hunger Strike Chords – Piano
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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Em · G · D · A · C
Hunger Strike Chords – Banjo
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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Em · G · D · A · C
Hunger Strike Chords – Mandolin
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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Em · G · D · A · C
Hunger Strike Chords – Harmonica
Temple of the Dog’s powerful grunge duet featuring Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder. Intermediate difficulty in the key of Em.
Grunge Rock (4/4 Time)
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Tip: Play with raw intensity. This is one of grunge’s most powerful songs — alternate between quiet, restrained verses and explosive chorus sections.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
Em – D – C
D – Em
Em – D – C
D – Em
Chorus
Am – G
Em
D
Am – G
Em – D
Am – G
Em – D – Em
Verse 2
Em – D – C
D – Em
Em – D – C
D – Em
Chorus
Am – G
Em
D
Am – G
Em – D
Am – G
Em – D – Em
Bridge
Em – C
Am – Em
Em – C
Am – Em
Final Chorus
Am – G – Em – D (×3)
Am – G – Em
D – Em
Practice tip: The Em-D-C progression in the verse and Am-G-Em-D chorus are the main patterns. Practice the dynamic contrast between quiet verses and loud choruses — it’s what defines grunge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Hunger Strike"?
You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: Em, G, D, A and C.
Is "Hunger Strike" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Hunger Strike" in?
It is in the key of E.
Who wrote "Hunger Strike"?
It was written by Chris Cornell, Eddie Vedder, and released in 1991.