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Pop · 2013 · Beginner

Royals

by Lorde
Key of D86 BPMBeginner

Chord Sheet

Key of D · Progression: I–VI–IV

D
chord 1
B
chord 2
G
chord 3
Chord Loop
D — B — G — ...
Key
D
Tempo
86 BPM
Chords
3
Genre
Pop

🎵 Practice Tips for Royals

  • →Start at 43 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the D→B transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 86 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play Royals by Lorde

Royals (2013) is a beginner-level pop song that uses 3 chords: D, B, G in the key of D. The chord progression is I–VI–IV.

Chord Breakdown

  • D — major chord, bright and stable
  • B — major chord, bright and stable
  • G — major chord, bright and stable

About Royals

"Royals" by Lorde (released 2013) is one of the most recognizable pop songs ever recorded. Its 3-chord structure demonstrates how a simple progression can create an emotionally powerful and memorable piece of music. The combination of D, B, G creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Royals as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Royals, 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 86 BPM
🎼 Tuner
Tune your instrument
🎹 Piano
Play on virtual piano
🎸 Guitar
Play on fretboard

FAQ

Royals by Lorde — FAQ

What chords are in Royals by Lorde?
Royals uses the chords D, B, G in the key of D. The progression follows a I–VI–IV pattern. This is a beginner-level song.
What key is Royals in?
Royals by Lorde is in the key of D. The primary chords are D, B, G.
What is the tempo of Royals?
Royals is played at approximately 86 BPM. This moderate tempo is comfortable for intermediate players. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 86 BPM.
What strumming pattern does Royals use?
Royals 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 D chord on guitar?
D is the main chord in Royals. See our chord library for the D chord diagram with exact fingering.
Can I play Royals on piano?
Yes! Royals sounds great on piano. Play the chords D, B, G 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 Royals beginner-friendly?
Yes! Royals is rated Beginner difficulty. It uses 3 main chords (D, B, G), all easy open or basic chords. One of the best songs for new players to learn.
What is the chord progression in Royals?
The main progression in Royals is D – B – G (Roman numeral: I–VI–IV). This 3-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.
Can I transpose Royals to a different key?
Yes! Royals is in D. 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 Royals?
Royals by Lorde is a Pop song from 2013. Its 3-chord progression (D, B, G) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.