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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
Am · C · D · G · F
Hurt Chords – Guitar
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Am · C · D · G · F
Hurt Chords – Ukulele
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Am · C · D · G · F
Hurt Chords – Piano
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Am · C · D · G · F
Hurt Chords – Banjo
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Am · C · D · G · F
Hurt Chords – Mandolin
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Am · C · D · G · F
Hurt Chords – Harmonica
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Range
Varies by singer
Chords
Am · C · D · G · F
Hurt Chords – Vocal
Johnny Cash’s deeply moving final masterpiece about pain, regret, and redemption. Beginner difficulty in the key of Am.
Dark Ballad (4/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑
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Tip: Play with stark simplicity. Johnny Cash’s version is bare and haunting — let each chord ring out in the silence. Less is everything in this song.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
Am – C
D – Am
Am – C
D – Am
Am – C
D – Am
Am – C
D – G
Chorus
Am – F
C – G
Am – F
C – G
Am – F
G
Am – F
G – Am
Verse 2
Am – C
D – Am
Am – C
D – Am
Am – C
D – Am
Am – C
D – G
Chorus
Am – F
C – G
Am – F
C – G
Am – F
G
Am – F
G – Am
Outro
Am – F
G – Am
Am – F
G – Am
Practice tip: The Am-C-D verse and Am-F-C-G chorus are simple but devastating. The power is in restraint — play as quietly and deliberately as possible. Let the silence between chords speak.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Hurt"?
You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: Am, C, D, G and F.
Is "Hurt" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Hurt" in?
It is in the key of C.
Who wrote "Hurt"?
It was written by Trent Reznor, and released in 2002.