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Alternative · 1991 · Intermediate

Losing My Religion

by R.E.M.
Key of Am124 BPMIntermediate

Chord Sheet

Key of Am · Progression: Complex

Chord Loop
Am — Em — Dm — G — F — C — ...
Key
Am
Tempo
124 BPM
Chords
6
Genre
Alternative

🎵 Practice Tips for Losing My Religion

  • Start at 62 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • Loop just the Am→Em transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • Use our Metronome set to 124 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play Losing My Religion by R.E.M.

Losing My Religion (1991) is a intermediate-level alternative song that uses 6 chords: Am, Em, Dm, G, F, C in the key of Am. The chord progression is Complex.

Chord Breakdown

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

About Losing My Religion

"Losing My Religion" by R.E.M. (released 1991) is one of the most recognizable alternative 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 Am, Em, Dm creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Losing My Religion as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Losing My Religion, 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.

FAQ

Losing My Religion by R.E.M. — FAQ

What chords are in Losing My Religion by R.E.M.?
Losing My Religion uses the chords Am, Em, Dm, G, F, C in the key of Am. The progression follows a Complex pattern. This is a intermediate-level song.
What key is Losing My Religion in?
Losing My Religion by R.E.M. is in the key of Am. The primary chords are Am, Em, Dm.
What is the tempo of Losing My Religion?
Losing My Religion is played at approximately 124 BPM. This is a faster tempo — practice slowly first before bringing it to full speed. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 124 BPM.
What strumming pattern does Losing My Religion use?
Losing My Religion 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 Losing My Religion. For Am: 2nd fret 4th string, 2nd fret 3rd string, 1st fret 2nd string. Others open.
Can I play Losing My Religion on piano?
Yes! Losing My Religion sounds great on piano. Play the chords Am, Em, Dm, G, F, C 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 Losing My Religion beginner-friendly?
Losing My Religion is rated Intermediate difficulty. The chord changes and rhythm require some practice.
What is the chord progression in Losing My Religion?
The main progression in Losing My Religion is Am – Em – Dm – G – F – C (Roman numeral: Complex). This 6-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.
Can I transpose Losing My Religion to a different key?
Yes! Losing My Religion 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 Losing My Religion?
Losing My Religion by R.E.M. is a Alternative song from 1991. Its 6-chord progression (Am, Em, Dm, G, F, C) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.