E5tap to play
D5tap to play
G5tap to play
Emtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
E5 · D5 · G5 · Em
Paranoid Chords – Guitar
E5tap to play
D5tap to play
G5tap to play
Emtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
E5 · D5 · G5 · Em
Paranoid Chords – Ukulele
E5tap to play
D5tap to play
G5tap to play
Emtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
E5 · D5 · G5 · Em
Paranoid Chords – Piano
E5tap to play
D5tap to play
G5tap to play
Emtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
E5 · D5 · G5 · Em
Paranoid Chords – Banjo
E5tap to play
D5tap to play
G5tap to play
Emtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
E5 · D5 · G5 · Em
Paranoid Chords – Mandolin
E5tap to play
D5tap to play
G5tap to play
Emtap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
E5 · D5 · G5 · Em
Paranoid Chords – Harmonica
Black Sabbath’s most accessible song with a fast power chord riff. A rite of passage for electric guitarists.
Chords used: E5, D5, G5, Em · Key: E · Difficulty: Intermediate
Fast Downstrokes (4/4 Time)
↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓
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Tip: Keep your picking hand moving in constant downstrokes. The tempo is fast — around 164 BPM. Build up speed gradually.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
E5 – D5 (×2)
Chorus
E5 – G5 – D5 (×2)
Em – D5
E5
How to Play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the chords
This song uses 4 chords in the key of E: E5 D5 G5 Em. 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.
Tip: Loop the two hardest chord changes slowly before adding any strumming — clean, in-time changes matter more than speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Paranoid"?
You need 4 intermediate-friendly chords: E5, D5, G5 and Em.
Is "Paranoid" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 4 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Paranoid" in?
It is in the key of E.
Who wrote "Paranoid"?
It was written by Black Sabbath.