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We Can’t Be Friends Chords

Ariana Grande Beginner Key of C 4 Chords 3 min read Updated Jul 2026

Amtap to play

Ftap to play

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

Am · F · C · G

We Can’t Be Friends Chords – Guitar

Ariana Grande’s emotional ballad about trying to forget a past love. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Slow Pop Ballad (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a gentle strum and let the chords ring out to match the song’s somber mood.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

F

Know that you made me

C G

I don’t like how you paint me, yeah

F

I’m terrified of rainbows

C G

End of the world, it’s over

F

Know that it’s over

C G F

Had to cut it for my soul

C G

And I know you know you lost control

Chorus

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

Verse 2

F

I’ll need therapy

C G F

That’s what you did to me, yeah

C G

I don’t wanna trick myself

F C G

Fallin’ for a distant memory

F

Know that it’s over

C G F

Had to cut it for my soul

C G

And I know you know you lost control

Chorus

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

Bridge

F

I’ll need therapy

C G F

That’s what you did to me, yeah

C G

I don’t wanna trick myself

F C G

Fallin’ for a distant memory

Chorus

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

Practice tip: The song uses only three chords (F, C, G). Master switching between them slowly before trying to sing along.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "We Can’t Be Friends"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, F, C and G.

Is "We Can’t Be Friends" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "We Can’t Be Friends" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "We Can’t Be Friends"?

It was written by Ariana Grande, Max Martin, Ilya Salmanzadeh, and released in 2024.

Amtap to play

Ftap to play

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

Am · F · C · G

We Can’t Be Friends Chords – Ukulele

Ariana Grande’s emotional ballad about trying to forget a past love. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Slow Pop Ballad (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a gentle strum and let the chords ring out to match the song’s somber mood.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

F

Know that you made me

C G

I don’t like how you paint me, yeah

F

I’m terrified of rainbows

C G

End of the world, it’s over

F

Know that it’s over

C G F

Had to cut it for my soul

C G

And I know you know you lost control

Chorus

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

Verse 2

F

I’ll need therapy

C G F

That’s what you did to me, yeah

C G

I don’t wanna trick myself

F C G

Fallin’ for a distant memory

F

Know that it’s over

C G F

Had to cut it for my soul

C G

And I know you know you lost control

Chorus

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

Bridge

F

I’ll need therapy

C G F

That’s what you did to me, yeah

C G

I don’t wanna trick myself

F C G

Fallin’ for a distant memory

Chorus

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

Practice tip: The song uses only three chords (F, C, G). Master switching between them slowly before trying to sing along.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "We Can’t Be Friends"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, F, C and G.

Is "We Can’t Be Friends" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "We Can’t Be Friends" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "We Can’t Be Friends"?

It was written by Ariana Grande, Max Martin, Ilya Salmanzadeh, and released in 2024.

Amtap to play

Ftap to play

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

Am · F · C · G

We Can’t Be Friends Chords – Piano

Ariana Grande’s emotional ballad about trying to forget a past love. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Slow Pop Ballad (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a gentle strum and let the chords ring out to match the song’s somber mood.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

F

Know that you made me

C G

I don’t like how you paint me, yeah

F

I’m terrified of rainbows

C G

End of the world, it’s over

F

Know that it’s over

C G F

Had to cut it for my soul

C G

And I know you know you lost control

Chorus

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

Verse 2

F

I’ll need therapy

C G F

That’s what you did to me, yeah

C G

I don’t wanna trick myself

F C G

Fallin’ for a distant memory

F

Know that it’s over

C G F

Had to cut it for my soul

C G

And I know you know you lost control

Chorus

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

Bridge

F

I’ll need therapy

C G F

That’s what you did to me, yeah

C G

I don’t wanna trick myself

F C G

Fallin’ for a distant memory

Chorus

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

Practice tip: The song uses only three chords (F, C, G). Master switching between them slowly before trying to sing along.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "We Can’t Be Friends"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, F, C and G.

Is "We Can’t Be Friends" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "We Can’t Be Friends" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "We Can’t Be Friends"?

It was written by Ariana Grande, Max Martin, Ilya Salmanzadeh, and released in 2024.

Amtap to play

Ftap to play

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

Am · F · C · G

We Can’t Be Friends Chords – Banjo

Ariana Grande’s emotional ballad about trying to forget a past love. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Slow Pop Ballad (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a gentle strum and let the chords ring out to match the song’s somber mood.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

F

Know that you made me

C G

I don’t like how you paint me, yeah

F

I’m terrified of rainbows

C G

End of the world, it’s over

F

Know that it’s over

C G F

Had to cut it for my soul

C G

And I know you know you lost control

Chorus

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

Verse 2

F

I’ll need therapy

C G F

That’s what you did to me, yeah

C G

I don’t wanna trick myself

F C G

Fallin’ for a distant memory

F

Know that it’s over

C G F

Had to cut it for my soul

C G

And I know you know you lost control

Chorus

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

Bridge

F

I’ll need therapy

C G F

That’s what you did to me, yeah

C G

I don’t wanna trick myself

F C G

Fallin’ for a distant memory

Chorus

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

Practice tip: The song uses only three chords (F, C, G). Master switching between them slowly before trying to sing along.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "We Can’t Be Friends"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, F, C and G.

Is "We Can’t Be Friends" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "We Can’t Be Friends" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "We Can’t Be Friends"?

It was written by Ariana Grande, Max Martin, Ilya Salmanzadeh, and released in 2024.

Amtap to play

Ftap to play

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

Am · F · C · G

We Can’t Be Friends Chords – Mandolin

Ariana Grande’s emotional ballad about trying to forget a past love. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Slow Pop Ballad (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a gentle strum and let the chords ring out to match the song’s somber mood.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

F

Know that you made me

C G

I don’t like how you paint me, yeah

F

I’m terrified of rainbows

C G

End of the world, it’s over

F

Know that it’s over

C G F

Had to cut it for my soul

C G

And I know you know you lost control

Chorus

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

Verse 2

F

I’ll need therapy

C G F

That’s what you did to me, yeah

C G

I don’t wanna trick myself

F C G

Fallin’ for a distant memory

F

Know that it’s over

C G F

Had to cut it for my soul

C G

And I know you know you lost control

Chorus

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

Bridge

F

I’ll need therapy

C G F

That’s what you did to me, yeah

C G

I don’t wanna trick myself

F C G

Fallin’ for a distant memory

Chorus

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

Practice tip: The song uses only three chords (F, C, G). Master switching between them slowly before trying to sing along.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "We Can’t Be Friends"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, F, C and G.

Is "We Can’t Be Friends" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "We Can’t Be Friends" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "We Can’t Be Friends"?

It was written by Ariana Grande, Max Martin, Ilya Salmanzadeh, and released in 2024.

Amtap to play

Ftap to play

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

Am · F · C · G

We Can’t Be Friends Chords – Harmonica

Ariana Grande’s emotional ballad about trying to forget a past love. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Slow Pop Ballad (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a gentle strum and let the chords ring out to match the song’s somber mood.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

F

Know that you made me

C G

I don’t like how you paint me, yeah

F

I’m terrified of rainbows

C G

End of the world, it’s over

F

Know that it’s over

C G F

Had to cut it for my soul

C G

And I know you know you lost control

Chorus

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

Verse 2

F

I’ll need therapy

C G F

That’s what you did to me, yeah

C G

I don’t wanna trick myself

F C G

Fallin’ for a distant memory

F

Know that it’s over

C G F

Had to cut it for my soul

C G

And I know you know you lost control

Chorus

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

Bridge

F

I’ll need therapy

C G F

That’s what you did to me, yeah

C G

I don’t wanna trick myself

F C G

Fallin’ for a distant memory

Chorus

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

F

We can’t be friends

C

But I’d like to just pretend

G

You cling to papers and pens

F

Wait until you like me again

C

Wait for your love

G

Love, I’ll wait for your love

Practice tip: The song uses only three chords (F, C, G). Master switching between them slowly before trying to sing along.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "We Can’t Be Friends"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, F, C and G.

Is "We Can’t Be Friends" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "We Can’t Be Friends" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "We Can’t Be Friends"?

It was written by Ariana Grande, Max Martin, Ilya Salmanzadeh, and released in 2024.