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Metal · 1988 · Advanced

One

by Metallica
Key of B110 BPMAdvanced

Chord Sheet

Key of B · Progression: i–III–VII–IV–VI

Bm
chord 1
D
chord 2
A
chord 3
E
chord 4
G
chord 5
Chord Loop
Bm — D — A — E — G — ...
Key
B
Tempo
110 BPM
Chords
5
Genre
Metal

🎵 Practice Tips for One

  • →Start at 55 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the Bm→D transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 110 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play One by Metallica

One (1988) is a advanced-level metal song that uses 5 chords: Bm, D, A, E, G in the key of B. The chord progression is i–III–VII–IV–VI.

Chord Breakdown

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

About One

"One" by Metallica (released 1988) is one of the most recognizable metal songs ever recorded. Its 5-chord structure demonstrates how a simple progression can create an emotionally powerful and memorable piece of music. The combination of Bm, D, A creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning One as a Beginner

If you're learning to play One, 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)

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🎵 Metronome
Practice at 110 BPM
🎼 Tuner
Tune your instrument
🎹 Piano
Play on virtual piano
🎸 Guitar
Play on fretboard

FAQ

One by Metallica — FAQ

What chords are in One by Metallica?
One uses the chords Bm, D, A, E, G in the key of B. The progression follows a i–III–VII–IV–VI pattern. This is a advanced-level song.
What key is One in?
One by Metallica is in the key of B. The primary chords are Bm, D, A.
What is the tempo of One?
One is played at approximately 110 BPM. This moderate tempo is comfortable for intermediate players. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 110 BPM.
What strumming pattern does One use?
One 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 Bm chord on guitar?
Bm is the main chord in One. See our chord library for the Bm chord diagram with exact fingering.
Can I play One on piano?
Yes! One sounds great on piano. Play the chords Bm, D, A, E, G in root position or inversions. Left hand plays bass notes (root of each chord), right hand plays chord voicings. This is a advanced-level arrangement.
Is One beginner-friendly?
One is rated Advanced difficulty. This song demands significant experience with barre chords and complex patterns.
What is the chord progression in One?
The main progression in One is Bm – D – A – E – G (Roman numeral: i–III–VII–IV–VI). This 5-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.
Can I transpose One to a different key?
Yes! One is in B. 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 One?
One by Metallica is a Metal song from 1988. Its 5-chord progression (Bm, D, A, E, G) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.