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Pop · 2017 · Beginner

Castle on the Hill

by Ed Sheeran
Key of D134 BPMBeginner

Chord Sheet

Key of D · Progression: I–V–vi–IV

D
chord 1
A
chord 2
Bm
chord 3
G
chord 4
Chord Loop
D — A — Bm — G — ...
Key
D
Tempo
134 BPM
Chords
4
Genre
Pop

🎵 Practice Tips for Castle on the Hill

  • →Start at 67 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the D→A transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 134 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play Castle on the Hill by Ed Sheeran

Castle on the Hill (2017) is a beginner-level pop song that uses 4 chords: D, A, Bm, G in the key of D. The chord progression is I–V–vi–IV.

Chord Breakdown

  • D — major chord, bright and stable
  • A — major chord, bright and stable
  • Bm — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • G — major chord, bright and stable

About Castle on the Hill

"Castle on the Hill" by Ed Sheeran (released 2017) is one of the most recognizable pop songs ever recorded. Its 4-chord structure demonstrates how a simple progression can create an emotionally powerful and memorable piece of music. The combination of D, A, Bm creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Castle on the Hill as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Castle on the Hill, start by getting comfortable with each chord individually before trying to switch between them. The goal is to make each chord change automatic — your fingers should know where to go without you having to think about it. Practice the chord loop slowly with a metronome, and you'll be playing the full song within a few weeks.

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🎵 Metronome
Practice at 134 BPM
🎼 Tuner
Tune your instrument
🎹 Piano
Play on virtual piano
🎸 Guitar
Play on fretboard

FAQ

Castle on the Hill by Ed Sheeran — FAQ

What chords are in Castle on the Hill by Ed Sheeran?
Castle on the Hill uses the chords D, A, Bm, G in the key of D. The progression follows a I–V–vi–IV pattern. This is a beginner-level song.
What key is Castle on the Hill in?
Castle on the Hill by Ed Sheeran is in the key of D. The primary chords are D, A, Bm.
What is the tempo of Castle on the Hill?
Castle on the Hill is played at approximately 134 BPM. This is a faster tempo — practice slowly first before bringing it to full speed. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 134 BPM.
What strumming pattern does Castle on the Hill use?
Castle on the Hill is typically in 4/4 time. A common strumming pattern is down-down-up-up-down-up (DDUUDU) or simplified all-down for beginners. Focus on getting chord changes smooth before adding strumming complexity.
How do I play D chord on guitar?
D is the main chord in Castle on the Hill. See our chord library for the D chord diagram with exact fingering.
Can I play Castle on the Hill on piano?
Yes! Castle on the Hill sounds great on piano. Play the chords D, A, Bm, G in root position or inversions. Left hand plays bass notes (root of each chord), right hand plays chord voicings. This is a beginner-level arrangement.
Is Castle on the Hill beginner-friendly?
Yes! Castle on the Hill is rated Beginner difficulty. It uses 4 main chords (D, A, Bm), all easy open or basic chords. One of the best songs for new players to learn.
What is the chord progression in Castle on the Hill?
The main progression in Castle on the Hill is D – A – Bm – G (Roman numeral: I–V–vi–IV). This 4-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.
Can I transpose Castle on the Hill to a different key?
Yes! Castle on the Hill is in D. To make it easier, try transposing to G or D using a capo. A capo changes your effective key while keeping the same chord shapes. Use our Transpose Tool to convert all chord names automatically.
What genre is Castle on the Hill?
Castle on the Hill by Ed Sheeran is a Pop song from 2017. Its 4-chord progression (D, A, Bm, G) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.