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Key
A
Difficulty
Easy
Capo
None
Chords
A · E · F#m · D
Someone Like You Chords – Guitar
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Key
A
Difficulty
Easy
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
A · E · F#m · D
Someone Like You Chords – Ukulele
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Key
A
Difficulty
Easy
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
A · E · F#m · D
Someone Like You Chords – Piano
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Key
A
Difficulty
Easy
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
A · E · F#m · D
Someone Like You Chords – Banjo
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Key
A
Difficulty
Easy
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
A · E · F#m · D
Someone Like You Chords – Mandolin
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Key
A
Difficulty
Easy
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
A · E · F#m · D
Someone Like You Chords – Harmonica
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Key
A
Difficulty
Easy
Range
Varies by singer
Chords
A · E · F#m · D
Someone Like You Chords – Vocal
Adele’s heartbreak anthem showcases the power of a simple piano part paired with an incredible vocal. Four chords and an arpeggiated pattern create devastating emotional beauty.
Arpeggio Pattern (4/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑
1234
Tip: The right hand plays broken chords in a specific rolling pattern while the left hand plays octave bass notes. Keep the sustain pedal down and let everything blend.
How to play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the four chords
You need A, E, F#m, and D. The verse uses A-E-F#m-D. The chorus uses D-E-A-F#m-D-E.
2
Master the arpeggio pattern
Right hand rolls through the chord tones: root-3rd-5th-octave-5th-3rd. This creates the signature cascading sound.
3
Build the dynamics
Start the verse gently — almost bare. Let the pre-chorus build. The chorus should feel like an emotional dam breaking.
4
Feel the heartbreak
This song lives or dies on emotional delivery. Every chord change should feel like a wave of feeling washing over you.
Chords & Structure
Full Song — Guitar Version
Verse 1
A – E
F#m – D
A – E
F#m – D
Chorus
D – E – A – F#m (×2)
D – E – A
F#m – D
E – A – D
Practice tip: The arpeggio pattern in the right hand needs to become completely automatic before you attempt to sing. Practice the piano part for a full week before adding vocals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Someone Like You"?
You need 4 easy-friendly chords: A, E, F#m and D.
Is "Someone Like You" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated easy and uses only 4 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Someone Like You" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Someone Like You"?
It was written by Adele.