D5tap to play
Bb5tap to play
F5tap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
D5 · Bb5 · F5
Killing in the Name Chords – Guitar
D5tap to play
Bb5tap to play
F5tap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
D5 · Bb5 · F5
Killing in the Name Chords – Ukulele
D5tap to play
Bb5tap to play
F5tap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
D5 · Bb5 · F5
Killing in the Name Chords – Piano
D5tap to play
Bb5tap to play
F5tap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
D5 · Bb5 · F5
Killing in the Name Chords – Banjo
D5tap to play
Bb5tap to play
F5tap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
D5 · Bb5 · F5
Killing in the Name Chords – Mandolin
D5tap to play
Bb5tap to play
F5tap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
D5 · Bb5 · F5
Killing in the Name Chords – Harmonica
Drop-D power chord mayhem from Rage Against the Machine. The riff is iconic and surprisingly accessible.
Chords used: D5, Bb5, F5 · Key: D · Difficulty: Intermediate · More 3-chord songs →
Drop D Riff (4/4 Time)
↓↓↓↓
1234
Tip: Tune your low E string down to D (Drop D tuning). Power chords become one-finger shapes on the bottom two strings.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse
D5 (×3)
Bb5 – F5
Chorus
D5 (×2)
D5 – Bb5
F5 – D5
How to Play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the chords
This song uses 3 chords in the key of D: D5 Bb5 F5. Get each shape clean on its own first.
2
Practice the changes
Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.
3
Add the strumming
Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.
4
Play along
Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Killing in the Name"?
You need 3 intermediate-friendly chords: D5, Bb5 and F5.
Is "Killing in the Name" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 3 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Killing in the Name" in?
It is in the key of D.
Who wrote "Killing in the Name"?
It was written by Rage Against the Machine.