Bbtap to play
Ebtap to play
Ftap to play
Gmtap to play
Cmtap to play
Key
Bb
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
Bb · Eb · F · Gm · Cm
Star Spangled Banner Chords – Guitar
Bbtap to play
Ebtap to play
Ftap to play
Gmtap to play
Cmtap to play
Key
Bb
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Bb · Eb · F · Gm · Cm
Star Spangled Banner Chords – Ukulele
Bbtap to play
Ebtap to play
Ftap to play
Gmtap to play
Cmtap to play
Key
Bb
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Bb · Eb · F · Gm · Cm
Star Spangled Banner Chords – Piano
Bbtap to play
Ebtap to play
Ftap to play
Gmtap to play
Cmtap to play
Key
Bb
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Bb · Eb · F · Gm · Cm
Star Spangled Banner Chords – Banjo
Bbtap to play
Ebtap to play
Ftap to play
Gmtap to play
Cmtap to play
Key
Bb
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Bb · Eb · F · Gm · Cm
Star Spangled Banner Chords – Mandolin
Bbtap to play
Ebtap to play
Ftap to play
Gmtap to play
Cmtap to play
Key
Bb
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Bb · Eb · F · Gm · Cm
Star Spangled Banner Chords – Harmonica
The United States’ national anthem, a traditional song of American patriotism. Intermediate difficulty in the key of Bb.
Solemn Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Use a slow, steady tempo to emphasize the anthem’s grandeur.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
Bb – F – Eb – F
Bb – F – Eb – F – Bb
Eb – Bb – F – Bb – Eb
Bb – F – Bb – F
Bb – F – Eb – F (×2)
Bb – F – Eb – F – Bb
F – Bb – F – Bb
Verse 2
Bb – F – Eb – F – Bb
F – Eb – F – Bb
Eb – Bb – F – Bb (×2)
Bb – F – Eb – F (×2)
Bb – F – Eb – F – Bb – F
Bb – F – Bb – F
Verse 3
Bb – F – Eb – F (×3)
Bb – F – Eb – F – Bb
Eb – Bb – F – Bb (×2)
Bb – F – Eb – F – Bb
F – Bb – F – Bb
Verse 4
Bb – F – Eb – F (×5)
Bb – F – Eb
Bb – F – Eb – F – Bb
F – Bb – F – Bb
Practice tip: Master the chord progression slowly before adding the vocal melody, paying special attention to the Eb to F transitions which are crucial to the song’s harmonic tension.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Star Spangled Banner"?
You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: Bb, Eb, F, Gm and Cm.
Is "Star Spangled Banner" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of Bb, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Star Spangled Banner" in?
It is in the key of Bb.
Who wrote "Star Spangled Banner"?
It was written by Francis Scott Key, John Stafford Smith, and released in 1814.