Gtap to play
F#mtap to play
B7tap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
G · F#m · B7 · Em · C · D
Yesterday Chords – Guitar
Gtap to play
F#mtap to play
B7tap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
G · F#m · B7 · Em · C · D
Yesterday Chords – Ukulele
Gtap to play
F#mtap to play
B7tap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
G · F#m · B7 · Em · C · D
Yesterday Chords – Piano
Gtap to play
F#mtap to play
B7tap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G · F#m · B7 · Em · C · D
Yesterday Chords – Banjo
Gtap to play
F#mtap to play
B7tap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
G · F#m · B7 · Em · C · D
Yesterday Chords – Mandolin
Gtap to play
F#mtap to play
B7tap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
G · F#m · B7 · Em · C · D
Yesterday Chords – Harmonica
Gtap to play
F#mtap to play
B7tap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Intermediate
Range
Varies by singer
Chords
G · F#m · B7 · Em · C · D
Yesterday Chords – Vocal
The most covered song in history. Originally in F, commonly played in G with a capo or these open chords.
Gentle Ballad (4/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑↓↑
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Tip: This song sounds beautiful fingerpicked. Use your thumb on the bass note of each chord and pluck the top three strings with your fingers.
Song Details
Key, Tuning & Capo
Original key: F · Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E) · Capo: None — the open chords match the recording.
Playing tip: Loop the two hardest chord changes slowly before adding the strum — clean, in-time changes beat speed.
How to Play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the chords
This version uses 6 chords: G F#m B7 Em C D. Get each shape clean first.
2
Practice the changes
Loop the two hardest chords slowly until the switch is smooth.
3
Add the strumming
Bring in the strumming pattern once the changes feel automatic.
4
Play along
Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
G – F#m – B7 – Em
C – D – G
Em – D – G
Verse 2
G – F#m – B7 – Em
C – D – G
Em – D – G
Bridge
F#m – B7 – Em
C – D
F#m – B7 – Em
C – D
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Yesterday"?
You need 6 intermediate-friendly chords: G, F#m, B7, Em, C and D.
Is "Yesterday" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 6 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Yesterday" in?
It is in the key of G.
Who wrote "Yesterday"?
It was written by Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and released in 1965.