Ctap to play
Ftap to play
Gtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
C · F · G · Am
Imagine Chords – Guitar
Ctap to play
Ftap to play
Gtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
C · F · G · Am
Imagine Chords – Ukulele
Ctap to play
Ftap to play
Gtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
C · F · G · Am
Imagine Chords – Piano
Ctap to play
Ftap to play
Gtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
C · F · G · Am
Imagine Chords – Banjo
Ctap to play
Ftap to play
Gtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
C · F · G · Am
Imagine Chords – Mandolin
Ctap to play
Ftap to play
Gtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
C · F · G · Am
Imagine Chords – Harmonica
Ctap to play
Ftap to play
Gtap to play
Amtap to play
Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Range
Varies by singer
Chords
C · F · G · Am
Imagine Chords – Vocal
John Lennon’s vision of peace is one of the most important songs ever written. On piano, the gentle arpeggiated pattern and simple chords create a timeless musical experience.
Arpeggio Pattern (4/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑
1234
Tip: On piano, play broken chords (arpeggios) with your right hand while holding whole notes with your left. The sustain pedal keeps everything flowing together.
How to play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the four chords
You need C, F, G, and Am. The verse alternates C and F. The chorus adds G and Am.
2
Get the piano pattern
Right hand plays arpeggiated chords (broken chord, one note at a time). Left hand plays root notes. Use the sustain pedal generously.
3
Learn the verse
Verse: C-F, C-F, C-F, C-F. The same two-chord pattern repeated. Simple but deeply effective.
4
Build the chorus
The chorus opens up: F-G-C. Then Am-F-G-C. This is where the message hits hardest — “Imagine all the people.”
Chords & Structure
Full Song — Guitar Version
Verse 1
C – F (×4)
Chorus
F – G – C
Am – F – G – C
Verse 2
C – F (×4)
Chorus
F – G – C – Am (×3)
F – G – C
Practice tip: On piano, practice the C-F change with arpeggios until it feels like breathing. Those two chords carry the entire verse — make them beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Imagine"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: C, F, G and Am.
Is "Imagine" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Imagine" in?
It is in the key of C.
Who wrote "Imagine"?
It was written by John Lennon.