Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Powderfinger Chords – Guitar
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Powderfinger Chords – Ukulele
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Powderfinger Chords – Piano
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Powderfinger Chords – Banjo
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Powderfinger Chords – Mandolin
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Powderfinger Chords – Harmonica
Neil Young’s haunting narrative about a young man facing an impossible situation. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.
Folk Rock Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret and play the chord shapes as written for the original key, or play without a capo for the key of D.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
D – G – D
G – A – D
G – D
G – A – D
Verse 2
D – G – D
G – A – D
G – D – G
A – D
Chorus
G – D – A – D
G – D
A – D – G
D – A
D – A – D
Verse 3
D – G – D
G – A – D
G – D
G – A
Chorus
G – D – A – D
G – D
A – D – G
D – A
D – A – D
Bridge
D – G – D
G – A – D
G – D – G – A
D – G – A – D
Verse 4 / Outro
D – G – D
G – A – D
G – D
G – A
D – G
A – D – G – A
D – G – D
G – A – D
Practice tip: The song’s power comes from its steady, rolling rhythm; practice the D, G, and A chord changes until you can make them without stopping your strumming hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Powderfinger"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: D, G, A and Em.
Is "Powderfinger" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Powderfinger" in?
It is in the key of D.
Who wrote "Powderfinger"?
It was written by Neil Young, and released in 1979.