Country, Folk

The Way Things Go Chords

Zach Bryan Beginner Key of G 4 Chords 2 min read Updated Jul 2026

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

G · C · D · Em

The Way Things Go Chords – Guitar

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

G · C · D · Em

The Way Things Go Chords – Ukulele

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

G · C · D · Em

The Way Things Go Chords – Piano

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

G · C · D · Em

The Way Things Go Chords – Banjo

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

G · C · D · Em

The Way Things Go Chords – Mandolin

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

G · C · D · Em

The Way Things Go Chords – Harmonica

A reflective folk song by Zach Bryan about accepting life’s unpredictable journey. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Chords used: G, C, D, Em · Key: G · Difficulty: Beginner

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of A, while still using these G-based chord shapes.

Chords & Structure

Full Song

Verse 1

G – C – G

D – C – G

G – C – G

D – C – G

Chorus

C – G

D – C – G

C – G – D

C – G

D – C – G

C – G – D

Verse 2

G – C – G

D – C – G

G – C – G

D – C – G

Chorus

C – G

D – C – G

C – G – D

C – G

D – C – G

C – G – D

Bridge

Em – C – G

D – C – G

Em – C – G

D – C – G

Verse 3

G – C – G

D – C – G

G – C – G

D – C – G

Chorus

C – G

D – C – G

C – G – D

C – G

D – C – G

C – G – D

Outro

C – G – D (×2)

G

Practice tip: The chord progression G, C, D, and Em repeats throughout. Practice switching between G and C, as it’s the most common transition in the song.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "The Way Things Go"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.

Is "The Way Things Go" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "The Way Things Go" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "The Way Things Go"?

It was written by Zach Bryan, and released in 2024.