Rock, Pop

We Can Work It Out Chords

The Beatles Beginner Key of D 5 Chords 3 min read Updated Jul 2026

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Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

D · C · G · Bm · Em

We Can Work It Out Chords – Guitar

The Beatles’ classic 1965 single about resolving relationship conflicts. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.

Folk Rock (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of E, while still playing the D-shape chords shown.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

D G

Try to see it my way,

D A D

Do I have to keep on talking till I can’t go on?

D G

While you see it your way,

D A D

Run the risk of knowing that our love may soon be gone.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Verse 2

D G

Think of what you’re saying,

D A D

You can get it wrong and still you think that it’s alright.

D G

Think of what I’m saying,

D A D

We can work it out and get it straight, or say goodnight.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Bridge

Bm G A

Life is very short, and there’s no time

D G

For fussing and fighting, my friend.

A D

I have always thought that it’s a crime,

G A

So I will ask you once a-gain.

Verse 3

D G

Try to see it my way,

D A D

Only time will tell if I am right or I am wrong.

D G

While you see it your way,

D A D

There’s a chance that we might fall apart be-fore too long.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Bridge

Bm G A

Life is very short, and there’s no time

D G

For fussing and fighting, my friend.

A D

I have always thought that it’s a crime,

G A

So I will ask you once a-gain.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Practice tip: The bridge uses a Bm chord; practice switching from D to Bm by moving your index finger down to the 2nd fret of the A string.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "We Can Work It Out"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: D, C, G, Bm and Em.

Is "We Can Work It Out" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "We Can Work It Out" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "We Can Work It Out"?

It was written by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and released in 1965.

Dtap to play

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Bmtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

D · C · G · Bm · Em

We Can Work It Out Chords – Ukulele

The Beatles’ classic 1965 single about resolving relationship conflicts. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.

Folk Rock (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of E, while still playing the D-shape chords shown.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

D G

Try to see it my way,

D A D

Do I have to keep on talking till I can’t go on?

D G

While you see it your way,

D A D

Run the risk of knowing that our love may soon be gone.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Verse 2

D G

Think of what you’re saying,

D A D

You can get it wrong and still you think that it’s alright.

D G

Think of what I’m saying,

D A D

We can work it out and get it straight, or say goodnight.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Bridge

Bm G A

Life is very short, and there’s no time

D G

For fussing and fighting, my friend.

A D

I have always thought that it’s a crime,

G A

So I will ask you once a-gain.

Verse 3

D G

Try to see it my way,

D A D

Only time will tell if I am right or I am wrong.

D G

While you see it your way,

D A D

There’s a chance that we might fall apart be-fore too long.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Bridge

Bm G A

Life is very short, and there’s no time

D G

For fussing and fighting, my friend.

A D

I have always thought that it’s a crime,

G A

So I will ask you once a-gain.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Practice tip: The bridge uses a Bm chord; practice switching from D to Bm by moving your index finger down to the 2nd fret of the A string.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "We Can Work It Out"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: D, C, G, Bm and Em.

Is "We Can Work It Out" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "We Can Work It Out" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "We Can Work It Out"?

It was written by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and released in 1965.

Dtap to play

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Bmtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

D · C · G · Bm · Em

We Can Work It Out Chords – Piano

The Beatles’ classic 1965 single about resolving relationship conflicts. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.

Folk Rock (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of E, while still playing the D-shape chords shown.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

D G

Try to see it my way,

D A D

Do I have to keep on talking till I can’t go on?

D G

While you see it your way,

D A D

Run the risk of knowing that our love may soon be gone.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Verse 2

D G

Think of what you’re saying,

D A D

You can get it wrong and still you think that it’s alright.

D G

Think of what I’m saying,

D A D

We can work it out and get it straight, or say goodnight.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Bridge

Bm G A

Life is very short, and there’s no time

D G

For fussing and fighting, my friend.

A D

I have always thought that it’s a crime,

G A

So I will ask you once a-gain.

Verse 3

D G

Try to see it my way,

D A D

Only time will tell if I am right or I am wrong.

D G

While you see it your way,

D A D

There’s a chance that we might fall apart be-fore too long.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Bridge

Bm G A

Life is very short, and there’s no time

D G

For fussing and fighting, my friend.

A D

I have always thought that it’s a crime,

G A

So I will ask you once a-gain.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Practice tip: The bridge uses a Bm chord; practice switching from D to Bm by moving your index finger down to the 2nd fret of the A string.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "We Can Work It Out"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: D, C, G, Bm and Em.

Is "We Can Work It Out" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "We Can Work It Out" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "We Can Work It Out"?

It was written by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and released in 1965.

Dtap to play

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Bmtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

D · C · G · Bm · Em

We Can Work It Out Chords – Banjo

The Beatles’ classic 1965 single about resolving relationship conflicts. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.

Folk Rock (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of E, while still playing the D-shape chords shown.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

D G

Try to see it my way,

D A D

Do I have to keep on talking till I can’t go on?

D G

While you see it your way,

D A D

Run the risk of knowing that our love may soon be gone.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Verse 2

D G

Think of what you’re saying,

D A D

You can get it wrong and still you think that it’s alright.

D G

Think of what I’m saying,

D A D

We can work it out and get it straight, or say goodnight.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Bridge

Bm G A

Life is very short, and there’s no time

D G

For fussing and fighting, my friend.

A D

I have always thought that it’s a crime,

G A

So I will ask you once a-gain.

Verse 3

D G

Try to see it my way,

D A D

Only time will tell if I am right or I am wrong.

D G

While you see it your way,

D A D

There’s a chance that we might fall apart be-fore too long.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Bridge

Bm G A

Life is very short, and there’s no time

D G

For fussing and fighting, my friend.

A D

I have always thought that it’s a crime,

G A

So I will ask you once a-gain.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Practice tip: The bridge uses a Bm chord; practice switching from D to Bm by moving your index finger down to the 2nd fret of the A string.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "We Can Work It Out"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: D, C, G, Bm and Em.

Is "We Can Work It Out" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "We Can Work It Out" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "We Can Work It Out"?

It was written by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and released in 1965.

Dtap to play

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Bmtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

D · C · G · Bm · Em

We Can Work It Out Chords – Mandolin

The Beatles’ classic 1965 single about resolving relationship conflicts. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.

Folk Rock (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of E, while still playing the D-shape chords shown.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

D G

Try to see it my way,

D A D

Do I have to keep on talking till I can’t go on?

D G

While you see it your way,

D A D

Run the risk of knowing that our love may soon be gone.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Verse 2

D G

Think of what you’re saying,

D A D

You can get it wrong and still you think that it’s alright.

D G

Think of what I’m saying,

D A D

We can work it out and get it straight, or say goodnight.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Bridge

Bm G A

Life is very short, and there’s no time

D G

For fussing and fighting, my friend.

A D

I have always thought that it’s a crime,

G A

So I will ask you once a-gain.

Verse 3

D G

Try to see it my way,

D A D

Only time will tell if I am right or I am wrong.

D G

While you see it your way,

D A D

There’s a chance that we might fall apart be-fore too long.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Bridge

Bm G A

Life is very short, and there’s no time

D G

For fussing and fighting, my friend.

A D

I have always thought that it’s a crime,

G A

So I will ask you once a-gain.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Practice tip: The bridge uses a Bm chord; practice switching from D to Bm by moving your index finger down to the 2nd fret of the A string.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "We Can Work It Out"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: D, C, G, Bm and Em.

Is "We Can Work It Out" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "We Can Work It Out" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "We Can Work It Out"?

It was written by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and released in 1965.

Dtap to play

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Bmtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

D · C · G · Bm · Em

We Can Work It Out Chords – Harmonica

The Beatles’ classic 1965 single about resolving relationship conflicts. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.

Folk Rock (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of E, while still playing the D-shape chords shown.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

D G

Try to see it my way,

D A D

Do I have to keep on talking till I can’t go on?

D G

While you see it your way,

D A D

Run the risk of knowing that our love may soon be gone.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Verse 2

D G

Think of what you’re saying,

D A D

You can get it wrong and still you think that it’s alright.

D G

Think of what I’m saying,

D A D

We can work it out and get it straight, or say goodnight.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Bridge

Bm G A

Life is very short, and there’s no time

D G

For fussing and fighting, my friend.

A D

I have always thought that it’s a crime,

G A

So I will ask you once a-gain.

Verse 3

D G

Try to see it my way,

D A D

Only time will tell if I am right or I am wrong.

D G

While you see it your way,

D A D

There’s a chance that we might fall apart be-fore too long.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Bridge

Bm G A

Life is very short, and there’s no time

D G

For fussing and fighting, my friend.

A D

I have always thought that it’s a crime,

G A

So I will ask you once a-gain.

Chorus

G D

We can work it out,

G D

We can work it out.

Practice tip: The bridge uses a Bm chord; practice switching from D to Bm by moving your index finger down to the 2nd fret of the A string.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "We Can Work It Out"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: D, C, G, Bm and Em.

Is "We Can Work It Out" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "We Can Work It Out" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "We Can Work It Out"?

It was written by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and released in 1965.