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Pop · 2013 · Beginner

Counting Stars

by OneRepublic
Key of Am123 BPMBeginner

Chord Sheet

Key of Am · Progression: i–III–VII–VI

Am
chord 1
C
chord 2
G
chord 3
F
chord 4
Chord Loop
Am — C — G — F — ...
Key
Am
Tempo
123 BPM
Chords
4
Genre
Pop

🎵 Practice Tips for Counting Stars

  • →Start at 62 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the Am→C transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 123 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play Counting Stars by OneRepublic

Counting Stars (2013) is a beginner-level pop song that uses 4 chords: Am, C, G, F in the key of Am. The chord progression is i–III–VII–VI.

Chord Breakdown

  • Am — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • C — major chord, bright and stable
  • G — major chord, bright and stable
  • F — major chord, bright and stable

About Counting Stars

"Counting Stars" by OneRepublic (released 2013) 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 Am, C, G creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Counting Stars as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Counting Stars, 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.

Similar Songs (Same Key or Chords)

Let It Be
The Beatles
C – G – Am – F
Beginner
C · 75 BPM
Wonderwall
Oasis
Em – G – D – A7sus4
Beginner
Em · 87 BPM
Knockin' on Heaven's Door
Bob Dylan
G – D – Am – C
Beginner
G · 72 BPM
Perfect
Ed Sheeran
G – Em – C – D
Beginner
G · 96 BPM
Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen
C – Am – F – G – E7
Intermediate
C · 68 BPM
Hotel California
Eagles
Bm – F# – A – E – G – D – Em
Advanced
Bm · 74 BPM
🎵 Metronome
Practice at 123 BPM
🎼 Tuner
Tune your instrument
🎹 Piano
Play on virtual piano
🎸 Guitar
Play on fretboard

FAQ

Counting Stars by OneRepublic — FAQ

What chords are in Counting Stars by OneRepublic?
Counting Stars uses the chords Am, C, G, F in the key of Am. The progression follows a i–III–VII–VI pattern. This is a beginner-level song.
What key is Counting Stars in?
Counting Stars by OneRepublic is in the key of Am. The primary chords are Am, C, G.
What is the tempo of Counting Stars?
Counting Stars is played at approximately 123 BPM. This is a faster tempo — practice slowly first before bringing it to full speed. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 123 BPM.
What strumming pattern does Counting Stars use?
Counting Stars 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 Am chord on guitar?
Am is the main chord in Counting Stars. For Am: 2nd fret 4th string, 2nd fret 3rd string, 1st fret 2nd string. Others open.
Can I play Counting Stars on piano?
Yes! Counting Stars sounds great on piano. Play the chords Am, C, G, F 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 Counting Stars beginner-friendly?
Yes! Counting Stars is rated Beginner difficulty. It uses 4 main chords (Am, C, G), all easy open or basic chords. One of the best songs for new players to learn.
What is the chord progression in Counting Stars?
The main progression in Counting Stars is Am – C – G – F (Roman numeral: i–III–VII–VI). This 4-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.
Can I transpose Counting Stars to a different key?
Yes! Counting Stars is in Am. 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 Counting Stars?
Counting Stars by OneRepublic is a Pop song from 2013. Its 4-chord progression (Am, C, G, F) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.