Rock

Wish You Were Here Chords

Pink Floyd Easy Key of G 5 Chords 3 min read

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Key

G Major

Difficulty

Easy

Capo

None

Chords

Em · G · A · C · D

Wish You Were Here Chords – Guitar

Pink Floyd’s emotional masterpiece is a rite of passage for acoustic guitarists. The fingerpicked intro is iconic, and the song body uses five open chords in a memorable progression.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: For the intro, use your thumb for bass notes and fingers for the higher strings. The key is letting notes ring into each other for that signature Pink Floyd sound.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the five chords

You need Em, G, A, C, and D. The verse uses Em-G-Em-G-Em-A-Em-A-G. The chorus uses C-D-Am-G.

2

Start with the intro riff

The acoustic intro is what makes this song. It uses G and C shapes with a fingerpicking pattern. Take it very slowly at first.

3

Get the verse rhythm

The verse has a gentle, swaying feel. Strum lightly and let the chords breathe. Each chord gets a full bar.

4

Build to the chorus

The chorus opens up with C and D. Strum a bit harder here and let the emotion build naturally.

5

Connect intro to verse

The hardest part is transitioning from the fingerpicked intro to strumming. Practice this transition separately until it feels seamless.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Guitar Version

Verse 1

Em G

So, so you think you can tell

Em G

Heaven from hell, blue skies from pain

Em A

Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail?

Em A

A smile from a veil? Do you think you can tell?

Verse 2

Em G

Did they get you to trade

Em G

Your heroes for ghosts? Hot ashes for trees?

Em A

Hot air for a cool breeze?

Em A

Cold comfort for change? Did you exchange

Chorus

G

A walk-on part in the war

C D

For a lead role in a cage?

Verse 3

Em G Em

How I wish, how I wish you were here

A G

We’re just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl

A G

Year after year

C D

Running over the same old ground

Am G

What have we found? The same old fears

Em G

Wish you were here

Practice tip: Learn the intro riff first — it is the soul of the song. Play it 50 times over a week until your fingers know it by heart. Then the rest of the song will fall into place.

Emtap to play

Gtap to play

Atap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Easy

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

Em · G · A · C · D

Wish You Were Here Chords – Ukulele

Pink Floyd’s emotional masterpiece is a rite of passage for acoustic guitarists. The fingerpicked intro is iconic, and the song body uses five open chords in a memorable progression.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: For the intro, use your thumb for bass notes and fingers for the higher strings. The key is letting notes ring into each other for that signature Pink Floyd sound.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the five chords

You need Em, G, A, C, and D. The verse uses Em-G-Em-G-Em-A-Em-A-G. The chorus uses C-D-Am-G.

2

Start with the intro riff

The acoustic intro is what makes this song. It uses G and C shapes with a fingerpicking pattern. Take it very slowly at first.

3

Get the verse rhythm

The verse has a gentle, swaying feel. Strum lightly and let the chords breathe. Each chord gets a full bar.

4

Build to the chorus

The chorus opens up with C and D. Strum a bit harder here and let the emotion build naturally.

5

Connect intro to verse

The hardest part is transitioning from the fingerpicked intro to strumming. Practice this transition separately until it feels seamless.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Ukulele Version

Verse 1

Em G

So, so you think you can tell

Em G

Heaven from hell, blue skies from pain

Em A

Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail?

Em A

A smile from a veil? Do you think you can tell?

Verse 2

Em G

Did they get you to trade

Em G

Your heroes for ghosts? Hot ashes for trees?

Em A

Hot air for a cool breeze?

Em A

Cold comfort for change? Did you exchange

Chorus

G

A walk-on part in the war

C D

For a lead role in a cage?

Verse 3

Em G Em

How I wish, how I wish you were here

A G

We’re just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl

A G

Year after year

C D

Running over the same old ground

Am G

What have we found? The same old fears

Em G

Wish you were here

Practice tip: Learn the intro riff first — it is the soul of the song. Play it 50 times over a week until your fingers know it by heart. Then the rest of the song will fall into place.

Emtap to play

Gtap to play

Atap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Easy

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

Em · G · A · C · D

Wish You Were Here Chords – Piano

Pink Floyd’s emotional masterpiece is a rite of passage for acoustic guitarists. The fingerpicked intro is iconic, and the song body uses five open chords in a memorable progression.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: For the intro, use your thumb for bass notes and fingers for the higher strings. The key is letting notes ring into each other for that signature Pink Floyd sound.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the five chords

You need Em, G, A, C, and D. The verse uses Em-G-Em-G-Em-A-Em-A-G. The chorus uses C-D-Am-G.

2

Start with the intro riff

The acoustic intro is what makes this song. It uses G and C shapes with a fingerpicking pattern. Take it very slowly at first.

3

Get the verse rhythm

The verse has a gentle, swaying feel. Strum lightly and let the chords breathe. Each chord gets a full bar.

4

Build to the chorus

The chorus opens up with C and D. Strum a bit harder here and let the emotion build naturally.

5

Connect intro to verse

The hardest part is transitioning from the fingerpicked intro to strumming. Practice this transition separately until it feels seamless.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Piano Version

Verse 1

Em G

So, so you think you can tell

Em G

Heaven from hell, blue skies from pain

Em A

Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail?

Em A

A smile from a veil? Do you think you can tell?

Verse 2

Em G

Did they get you to trade

Em G

Your heroes for ghosts? Hot ashes for trees?

Em A

Hot air for a cool breeze?

Em A

Cold comfort for change? Did you exchange

Chorus

G

A walk-on part in the war

C D

For a lead role in a cage?

Verse 3

Em G Em

How I wish, how I wish you were here

A G

We’re just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl

A G

Year after year

C D

Running over the same old ground

Am G

What have we found? The same old fears

Em G

Wish you were here

Practice tip: Learn the intro riff first — it is the soul of the song. Play it 50 times over a week until your fingers know it by heart. Then the rest of the song will fall into place.

Emtap to play

Gtap to play

Atap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Easy

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

Em · G · A · C · D

Wish You Were Here Chords – Banjo

Pink Floyd’s emotional masterpiece is a rite of passage for acoustic guitarists. The fingerpicked intro is iconic, and the song body uses five open chords in a memorable progression.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: For the intro, use your thumb for bass notes and fingers for the higher strings. The key is letting notes ring into each other for that signature Pink Floyd sound.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the five chords

You need Em, G, A, C, and D. The verse uses Em-G-Em-G-Em-A-Em-A-G. The chorus uses C-D-Am-G.

2

Start with the intro riff

The acoustic intro is what makes this song. It uses G and C shapes with a fingerpicking pattern. Take it very slowly at first.

3

Get the verse rhythm

The verse has a gentle, swaying feel. Strum lightly and let the chords breathe. Each chord gets a full bar.

4

Build to the chorus

The chorus opens up with C and D. Strum a bit harder here and let the emotion build naturally.

5

Connect intro to verse

The hardest part is transitioning from the fingerpicked intro to strumming. Practice this transition separately until it feels seamless.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Banjo Version

Verse 1

Em G

So, so you think you can tell

Em G

Heaven from hell, blue skies from pain

Em A

Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail?

Em A

A smile from a veil? Do you think you can tell?

Verse 2

Em G

Did they get you to trade

Em G

Your heroes for ghosts? Hot ashes for trees?

Em A

Hot air for a cool breeze?

Em A

Cold comfort for change? Did you exchange

Chorus

G

A walk-on part in the war

C D

For a lead role in a cage?

Verse 3

Em G Em

How I wish, how I wish you were here

A G

We’re just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl

A G

Year after year

C D

Running over the same old ground

Am G

What have we found? The same old fears

Em G

Wish you were here

Practice tip: Learn the intro riff first — it is the soul of the song. Play it 50 times over a week until your fingers know it by heart. Then the rest of the song will fall into place.

Emtap to play

Gtap to play

Atap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Easy

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

Em · G · A · C · D

Wish You Were Here Chords – Mandolin

Pink Floyd’s emotional masterpiece is a rite of passage for acoustic guitarists. The fingerpicked intro is iconic, and the song body uses five open chords in a memorable progression.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: For the intro, use your thumb for bass notes and fingers for the higher strings. The key is letting notes ring into each other for that signature Pink Floyd sound.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the five chords

You need Em, G, A, C, and D. The verse uses Em-G-Em-G-Em-A-Em-A-G. The chorus uses C-D-Am-G.

2

Start with the intro riff

The acoustic intro is what makes this song. It uses G and C shapes with a fingerpicking pattern. Take it very slowly at first.

3

Get the verse rhythm

The verse has a gentle, swaying feel. Strum lightly and let the chords breathe. Each chord gets a full bar.

4

Build to the chorus

The chorus opens up with C and D. Strum a bit harder here and let the emotion build naturally.

5

Connect intro to verse

The hardest part is transitioning from the fingerpicked intro to strumming. Practice this transition separately until it feels seamless.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Mandolin Version

Verse 1

Em G

So, so you think you can tell

Em G

Heaven from hell, blue skies from pain

Em A

Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail?

Em A

A smile from a veil? Do you think you can tell?

Verse 2

Em G

Did they get you to trade

Em G

Your heroes for ghosts? Hot ashes for trees?

Em A

Hot air for a cool breeze?

Em A

Cold comfort for change? Did you exchange

Chorus

G

A walk-on part in the war

C D

For a lead role in a cage?

Verse 3

Em G Em

How I wish, how I wish you were here

A G

We’re just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl

A G

Year after year

C D

Running over the same old ground

Am G

What have we found? The same old fears

Em G

Wish you were here

Practice tip: Learn the intro riff first — it is the soul of the song. Play it 50 times over a week until your fingers know it by heart. Then the rest of the song will fall into place.

Emtap to play

Gtap to play

Atap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Easy

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

Em · G · A · C · D

Wish You Were Here Chords – Harmonica

Pink Floyd’s emotional masterpiece is a rite of passage for acoustic guitarists. The fingerpicked intro is iconic, and the song body uses five open chords in a memorable progression.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: For the intro, use your thumb for bass notes and fingers for the higher strings. The key is letting notes ring into each other for that signature Pink Floyd sound.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the five chords

You need Em, G, A, C, and D. The verse uses Em-G-Em-G-Em-A-Em-A-G. The chorus uses C-D-Am-G.

2

Start with the intro riff

The acoustic intro is what makes this song. It uses G and C shapes with a fingerpicking pattern. Take it very slowly at first.

3

Get the verse rhythm

The verse has a gentle, swaying feel. Strum lightly and let the chords breathe. Each chord gets a full bar.

4

Build to the chorus

The chorus opens up with C and D. Strum a bit harder here and let the emotion build naturally.

5

Connect intro to verse

The hardest part is transitioning from the fingerpicked intro to strumming. Practice this transition separately until it feels seamless.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Harmonica Version

Verse 1

Em G

So, so you think you can tell

Em G

Heaven from hell, blue skies from pain

Em A

Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail?

Em A

A smile from a veil? Do you think you can tell?

Verse 2

Em G

Did they get you to trade

Em G

Your heroes for ghosts? Hot ashes for trees?

Em A

Hot air for a cool breeze?

Em A

Cold comfort for change? Did you exchange

Chorus

G

A walk-on part in the war

C D

For a lead role in a cage?

Verse 3

Em G Em

How I wish, how I wish you were here

A G

We’re just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl

A G

Year after year

C D

Running over the same old ground

Am G

What have we found? The same old fears

Em G

Wish you were here

Practice tip: Learn the intro riff first — it is the soul of the song. Play it 50 times over a week until your fingers know it by heart. Then the rest of the song will fall into place.