Rock

Space Oddity Chords

David Bowie Intermediate Key of C 5 Chords 2 min read Updated Jul 2026

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Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Capo

None

Chords

C · Em · Am · D · E

Space Oddity Chords – Guitar

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Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

C · Em · Am · D · E

Space Oddity Chords – Ukulele

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Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

C · Em · Am · D · E

Space Oddity Chords – Piano

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Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

C · Em · Am · D · E

Space Oddity Chords – Banjo

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Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

C · Em · Am · D · E

Space Oddity Chords – Mandolin

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Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

C · Em · Am · D · E

Space Oddity Chords – Harmonica

David Bowie’s groundbreaking sci-fi rock ballad about Major Tom. Intermediate difficulty in the key of C.

Chords used: C, Em, Am, D, E · Key: C · Difficulty: Intermediate

Slow Space Ballad (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑↓↑

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Tip: This song uses unusual chord changes. Take it slow and let each chord ring out. The mood is dreamy and spacious.

Chords & Structure

Full Song

Intro

Fmaj7 – Em (×2)

Am – Am/G – D

Verse 1

Fmaj7 – Em (×2)

Am – Am/G – D

Verse 2

C – E

F

Fm – C – F (×2)

Chorus

C – E

F – Fm

C – F – Fm

C – F – C

Bridge

Fmaj7 – Em – Fmaj7 – Em

Fmaj7 – Em

Bb – Am – G – F

Verse 3

C – E

F – Fm

C – F – Fm

C – F – C

Ground Control

C – E

F – Fm

C – F (×3)

Bridge

Fmaj7 – Em – Fmaj7

Em – Fmaj7

Em – Bb – Am – G

F – Em – A – C – D – E

Practice tip: The Fmaj7 is played like a C chord but with your index finger lifted off the B string. The Am/G is an Am with G bass note on the low E string (3rd fret).

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Space Oddity"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: C, Em, Am, D and E.

Is "Space Oddity" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Space Oddity" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "Space Oddity"?

It was written by David Bowie, and released in 1969.