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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
Em · Am · D · G · C
What’s Going On Chords – Guitar
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Em · Am · D · G · C
What’s Going On Chords – Ukulele
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Em · Am · D · G · C
What’s Going On Chords – Piano
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Em · Am · D · G · C
What’s Going On Chords – Banjo
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Em · Am · D · G · C
What’s Going On Chords – Mandolin
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Key
E
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Em · Am · D · G · C
What’s Going On Chords – Harmonica
Marvin Gaye’s soulful protest anthem about war and social injustice. Beginner difficulty in the key of E.
Soul Groove (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a light touch and let the chords ring out to match the song’s smooth feel.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
E
B
E
B
E
C#m – B
Chorus
E
B
E
B
E
C#m – B
Verse 2
E
B
E
B
E
C#m
B
Chorus
E
B
E
B
E
C#m – B
Bridge
E – B (×2)
C#m
B
Verse 3
E
B
E
B
E
C#m – B
Chorus
E
B
E
B
E
C#m – B
Outro
E
B
E
B
E
B
E
B
E
B
E
Practice tip: Master the simple two-chord progression (E to B) before adding the C#m chord, and focus on the vocal-like phrasing of your strumming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "What’s Going On"?
You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: Em, Am, D, G and C.
Is "What’s Going On" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "What’s Going On" in?
It is in the key of E.
Who wrote "What’s Going On"?
It was written by Marvin Gaye, Al Cleveland, Renaldo Benson, and released in 1971.