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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
Em · Am · G · C · B
I’m Only Sleeping Chords – Guitar
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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Em · Am · G · C · B
I’m Only Sleeping Chords – Ukulele
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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Em · Am · G · C · B
I’m Only Sleeping Chords – Piano
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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Em · Am · G · C · B
I’m Only Sleeping Chords – Banjo
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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Em · Am · G · C · B
I’m Only Sleeping Chords – Mandolin
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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Em · Am · G · C · B
I’m Only Sleeping Chords – Harmonica
The Beatles’ dreamy and lethargic ode to staying in bed. Intermediate difficulty in the key of E.
Laid-Back Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑↑
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Tip: Use a relaxed, slightly dragging tempo to capture the song’s sleepy feel.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
E – C#m
A
E
C#m – A
Chorus
E – C#m
A – E
Verse 2
E – C#m
A
E – C#m
A – E
Chorus
E – C#m
A – E
Bridge
E – C#m
A
E – C#m
A
Verse 3
E – C#m
A
E
C#m – A
Chorus
E – C#m
A – E
Practice tip: Master the C#m to A transition, as it’s central to the verse and chorus; practice it slowly before incorporating the lazy strum pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "I’m Only Sleeping"?
You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: Em, Am, G, C and B.
Is "I’m Only Sleeping" 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 "I’m Only Sleeping" in?
It is in the key of E.
Who wrote "I’m Only Sleeping"?
It was written by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and released in 1966.