Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
Em · C · D · G
Living on a Prayer Chords – Guitar
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Em · C · D · G
Living on a Prayer Chords – Ukulele
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Em · C · D · G
Living on a Prayer Chords – Piano
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Em · C · D · G
Living on a Prayer Chords – Banjo
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Em · C · D · G
Living on a Prayer Chords – Mandolin
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Em · C · D · G
Living on a Prayer Chords – Harmonica
Bon Jovi’s iconic anthem about working-class resilience and love. Beginner difficulty in the key of E.
Driving Rock (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Use a capo on the 4th fret and play the chord shapes for C, G, Am, and F to match the original recording’s key of G#.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
E
B – C#m
A
B – E
Verse 2
E
B – C#m
A
B
Chorus
E
B
C#m
A – B – E
Verse 3
E
B – C#m
A
B – E
Chorus
E
B
C#m
A – B – E
Bridge
A
B
Chorus
E
B
C#m
A – B – E
Outro
E
B
C#m
A – B – E
E – B – C#m
A – B – E
Practice tip: Master the four core chords (E, B, C#m, A) before adding the strum pattern. The chorus is all about the powerful, shouted vocals, so play the chords with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Living on a Prayer"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Em, C, D and G.
Is "Living on a Prayer" 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 "Living on a Prayer" in?
It is in the key of E.
Who wrote "Living on a Prayer"?
It was written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Desmond Child, and released in 1986.