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Reggae · 1975 · Beginner

No Woman No Cry

by Bob Marley
Key of C90 BPMBeginner

Chord Sheet

Key of C · Progression: I–V–vi–IV

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

🎵 Practice Tips for No Woman No Cry

  • →Start at 45 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the C→G transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 90 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley

No Woman No Cry (1975) is a beginner-level reggae song that uses 4 chords: C, G, Am, F in the key of C. The chord progression is I–V–vi–IV.

Chord Breakdown

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

About No Woman No Cry

"No Woman No Cry" by Bob Marley (released 1975) is one of the most recognizable reggae 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 C, G, Am creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning No Woman No Cry as a Beginner

If you're learning to play No Woman No Cry, 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
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Wonderwall
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Knockin' on Heaven's Door
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G – D – Am – C
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G · 72 BPM
Perfect
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G – Em – C – D
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G · 96 BPM
Hallelujah
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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 90 BPM
🎼 Tuner
Tune your instrument
🎹 Piano
Play on virtual piano
🎸 Guitar
Play on fretboard

FAQ

No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley — FAQ

What chords are in No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley?
No Woman No Cry uses the chords C, G, Am, F in the key of C. The progression follows a I–V–vi–IV pattern. This is a beginner-level song.
What key is No Woman No Cry in?
No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley is in the key of C. The primary chords are C, G, Am.
What is the tempo of No Woman No Cry?
No Woman No Cry is played at approximately 90 BPM. This moderate tempo is comfortable for intermediate players. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 90 BPM.
What strumming pattern does No Woman No Cry use?
No Woman No Cry 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 No Woman No Cry. 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 No Woman No Cry on piano?
Yes! No Woman No Cry sounds great on piano. Play the chords C, G, Am, 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 No Woman No Cry beginner-friendly?
Yes! No Woman No Cry is rated Beginner difficulty. It uses 4 main chords (C, G, Am), all easy open or basic chords. One of the best songs for new players to learn.
What is the chord progression in No Woman No Cry?
The main progression in No Woman No Cry is C – G – Am – F (Roman numeral: I–V–vi–IV). This 4-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.
Can I transpose No Woman No Cry to a different key?
Yes! No Woman No Cry 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 No Woman No Cry?
No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley is a Reggae song from 1975. Its 4-chord progression (C, G, Am, F) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.