Rock

I Won’t Back Down Chords

Tom Petty Beginner Key of E 4 Chords 2 min read Updated Jul 2026

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Key

E

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

Em · D · G · C

I Won’t Back Down Chords – Guitar

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Key

E

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

Em · D · G · C

I Won’t Back Down Chords – Ukulele

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Key

E

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

Em · D · G · C

I Won’t Back Down Chords – Piano

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Key

E

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

Em · D · G · C

I Won’t Back Down Chords – Banjo

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Key

E

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

Em · D · G · C

I Won’t Back Down Chords – Mandolin

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Key

E

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

Em · D · G · C

I Won’t Back Down Chords – Harmonica

Tom Petty’s defiant anthem of resilience from his first solo album. Beginner difficulty in the key of E.

Chords used: Em, D, G, C · Key: E · Difficulty: Beginner

Driving Rock (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

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Tip: Use a capo on the 4th fret and play the C, G, Am, F shapes listed to match the original recording’s key of E.

Chords & Structure

Full Song

Verse 1

C – G

Am – F

C – G

Am – F

Chorus

C – G

Am – F

C – G

Am – F

C – G

Verse 2

C – G

Am – F

C – G

Am – F

C – G

Am – F

C – G

Am – F

Chorus

C – G

Am – F

C – G

Am – F

C – G

Bridge

Am – F (×4)

Chorus

C – G

Am – F

C – G

Am – F

C – G

Outro

C – G

Am – F

Practice tip: Master the four-chord progression (C, G, Am, F) before adding the strum pattern, then focus on the steady, unwavering rhythm that drives the song’s message home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "I Won’t Back Down"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Em, D, G and C.

Is "I Won’t Back Down" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "I Won’t Back Down" in?

It is in the key of E.

Who wrote "I Won’t Back Down"?

It was written by Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, and released in 1989.