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Gtap to play
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
C · G · Am · F · Em · Dm
Open Arms Chords – Guitar
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
C · G · Am · F · Em · Dm
Open Arms Chords – Ukulele
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
C · G · Am · F · Em · Dm
Open Arms Chords – Piano
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
C · G · Am · F · Em · Dm
Open Arms Chords – Banjo
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
C · G · Am · F · Em · Dm
Open Arms Chords – Mandolin
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
C · G · Am · F · Em · Dm
Open Arms Chords – Harmonica
Journey’s classic power ballad about longing and reconciliation. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.
Ballad Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a gentle, steady strum to match the song’s emotional feel.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
C – G
F – C
F – G
C – G
Verse 2
C – G
F – C
F – G
C – G
Chorus
F – G
C – Am
F
G – C
Am
F – G
C – G – C
Verse 3
C – G
F – C
Chorus
F – G
C – Am
F
G – C
Am
F – G
C – G – C
Bridge
F – G
C – Am
F – G
C – G
Chorus
F – G
C – Am
F
G – C
Am
F – G
C – G – C
Practice tip: Master the C, G, F, and Am chord shapes first, then focus on the smooth transition from G to C, which is used frequently throughout the song.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Open Arms"?
You need 6 beginner-friendly chords: C, G, Am, F, Em and Dm.
Is "Open Arms" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 6 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Open Arms" in?
It is in the key of C.
Who wrote "Open Arms"?
It was written by Steve Perry, Jonathan Cain, and released in 1981.