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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
D · A · Bm · G · Em
Overkill Chords – Guitar
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
D · A · Bm · G · Em
Overkill Chords – Ukulele
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
D · A · Bm · G · Em
Overkill Chords – Piano
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
D · A · Bm · G · Em
Overkill Chords – Banjo
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
D · A · Bm · G · Em
Overkill Chords – Mandolin
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
D · A · Bm · G · Em
Overkill Chords – Harmonica
A classic 80s new wave song by Men at Work about nighttime anxiety. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.
Steady Rock (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of E, but these chords are for open position playing in D.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
D
G
D
G
A
G
A
G
Chorus
D
G – A (×2)
Verse 2
D
G
D
G
A
G
A
G
Chorus
D
G – A (×2)
Bridge
A – G (×3)
D
Verse 3
D
G
D
G
A
G
A
D
Chorus
D
G – A (×2)
Chorus
D
G – A (×2)
Outro
D – A (×3)
D
Practice tip: The D to G transition is the most common in this song; practice switching between these two chords cleanly without slowing down the strum pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Overkill"?
You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: D, A, Bm, G and Em.
Is "Overkill" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Overkill" in?
It is in the key of D.
Who wrote "Overkill"?
It was written by Colin Hay, and released in 1983.