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Pop · 1971 · Intermediate

Imagine

by John Lennon
Key of C75 BPMIntermediate

Chord Sheet

Key of C · Progression: Complex

C
chord 1
Cmaj7
chord 2
F
chord 3
Am
chord 4
Dm
chord 5
G
chord 6
Chord Loop
C — Cmaj7 — F — Am — Dm — G — ...
Key
C
Tempo
75 BPM
Chords
6
Genre
Pop

🎵 Practice Tips for Imagine

  • →Start at 38 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the C→Cmaj7 transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 75 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play Imagine by John Lennon

Imagine (1971) is a intermediate-level pop song that uses 6 chords: C, Cmaj7, F, Am, Dm, G in the key of C. The chord progression is Complex.

Chord Breakdown

  • C — major chord, bright and stable
  • Cmaj7 — dominant 7th, adds tension and movement
  • F — major chord, bright and stable
  • Am — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • Dm — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • G — major chord, bright and stable

About Imagine

"Imagine" by John Lennon (released 1971) is one of the most recognizable pop songs ever recorded. Its 6-chord structure demonstrates how a simple progression can create an emotionally powerful and memorable piece of music. The combination of C, Cmaj7, F creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Imagine as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Imagine, 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 75 BPM
🎼 Tuner
Tune your instrument
🎹 Piano
Play on virtual piano
🎸 Guitar
Play on fretboard

FAQ

Imagine by John Lennon — FAQ

What chords are in Imagine by John Lennon?
Imagine uses the chords C, Cmaj7, F, Am, Dm, G in the key of C. The progression follows a Complex pattern. This is a intermediate-level song.
What key is Imagine in?
Imagine by John Lennon is in the key of C. The primary chords are C, Cmaj7, F.
What is the tempo of Imagine?
Imagine is played at approximately 75 BPM. This slow tempo is great for beginners to focus on chord transitions. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 75 BPM.
What strumming pattern does Imagine use?
Imagine 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 C chord on guitar?
C is the main chord in Imagine. For C major: 3rd fret 5th string (A), 2nd fret 4th string (D), 1st fret 2nd string (B). Don't play 6th string.
Can I play Imagine on piano?
Yes! Imagine sounds great on piano. Play the chords C, Cmaj7, F, Am, Dm, G in root position or inversions. Left hand plays bass notes (root of each chord), right hand plays chord voicings. This is a intermediate-level arrangement.
Is Imagine beginner-friendly?
Imagine is rated Intermediate difficulty. The chord changes and rhythm require some practice.
What is the chord progression in Imagine?
The main progression in Imagine is C – Cmaj7 – F – Am – Dm – G (Roman numeral: Complex). This 6-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.
Can I transpose Imagine to a different key?
Yes! Imagine is in C. 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 Imagine?
Imagine by John Lennon is a Pop song from 1971. Its 6-chord progression (C, Cmaj7, F, Am, Dm, G) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.