Amtap to play
Dmtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Gtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
Am · Dm · F · C · G
The Man Who Sold the World Chords – Guitar
Amtap to play
Dmtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Gtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Am · Dm · F · C · G
The Man Who Sold the World Chords – Ukulele
Amtap to play
Dmtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Gtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Am · Dm · F · C · G
The Man Who Sold the World Chords – Piano
Amtap to play
Dmtap to play
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Gtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Am · Dm · F · C · G
The Man Who Sold the World Chords – Banjo
Amtap to play
Dmtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Gtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Am · Dm · F · C · G
The Man Who Sold the World Chords – Mandolin
Amtap to play
Dmtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Gtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Am · Dm · F · C · G
The Man Who Sold the World Chords – Harmonica
David Bowie’s classic song about an encounter with a doppelgänger from a past life. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.
Rock Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret and play G, C, and D shapes to sound in the key of A, or play the A, D, and E chords as written.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
A – D
A – E
A – D
A – E
Chorus
D – A
E – A
D – A
E – A
Verse 2
A – D
A – E
A – D
A – E
Chorus
D – A
E – A
D – A
E – A
Bridge
D – A – E
A – D
A – E
A
Verse 3 (Outro)
A – D
A – E
A – D
A – E
Practice tip: The song has a hypnotic, repetitive quality, so focus on keeping a steady, even strumming pattern throughout all the verses and choruses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "The Man Who Sold the World"?
You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: Am, Dm, F, C and G.
Is "The Man Who Sold the World" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "The Man Who Sold the World" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "The Man Who Sold the World"?
It was written by David Bowie, and released in 1970.