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Pop · 1983 · Beginner

What a Feeling (Flashdance)

by Irene Cara
Key of F96 BPMBeginner

Chord Sheet

Key of F · Progression: Complex

F
chord 1
Bb
chord 2
C
chord 3
Am
chord 4
Gm
chord 5
Chord Loop
F — Bb — C — Am — Gm — ...
Key
F
Tempo
96 BPM
Chords
5
Genre
Pop

🎵 Practice Tips for What a Feeling (Flashdance)

  • →Start at 48 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the F→Bb transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 96 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play What a Feeling (Flashdance) by Irene Cara

What a Feeling (Flashdance) (1983) is a beginner-level pop song that uses 5 chords: F, Bb, C, Am, Gm in the key of F. The chord progression is Complex.

Chord Breakdown

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

About What a Feeling (Flashdance)

"What a Feeling (Flashdance)" by Irene Cara (released 1983) is one of the most recognizable pop 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 F, Bb, C creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning What a Feeling (Flashdance) as a Beginner

If you're learning to play What a Feeling (Flashdance), 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
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
Beginner
G · 96 BPM
Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen
C – Am – F – G – E7
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C · 68 BPM
No Woman No Cry
Bob Marley
C – G – Am – F
Beginner
C · 90 BPM
Creep
Radiohead
G – B – C – Cm
Beginner
G · 92 BPM
🎵 Metronome
Practice at 96 BPM
🎼 Tuner
Tune your instrument
🎹 Piano
Play on virtual piano
🎸 Guitar
Play on fretboard

FAQ

What a Feeling (Flashdance) by Irene Cara — FAQ

What chords are in What a Feeling (Flashdance) by Irene Cara?
What a Feeling (Flashdance) uses the chords F, Bb, C, Am, Gm in the key of F. The progression follows a Complex pattern. This is a beginner-level song.
What key is What a Feeling (Flashdance) in?
What a Feeling (Flashdance) by Irene Cara is in the key of F. The primary chords are F, Bb, C.
What is the tempo of What a Feeling (Flashdance)?
What a Feeling (Flashdance) is played at approximately 96 BPM. This moderate tempo is comfortable for intermediate players. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 96 BPM.
What strumming pattern does What a Feeling (Flashdance) use?
What a Feeling (Flashdance) 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 F chord on guitar?
F is the main chord in What a Feeling (Flashdance). See our chord library for the F chord diagram with exact fingering.
Can I play What a Feeling (Flashdance) on piano?
Yes! What a Feeling (Flashdance) sounds great on piano. Play the chords F, Bb, C, Am, Gm 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 What a Feeling (Flashdance) beginner-friendly?
Yes! What a Feeling (Flashdance) is rated Beginner difficulty. It uses 5 main chords (F, Bb, C), all easy open or basic chords. One of the best songs for new players to learn.
What is the chord progression in What a Feeling (Flashdance)?
The main progression in What a Feeling (Flashdance) is F – Bb – C – Am – Gm (Roman numeral: Complex). This 5-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.
Can I transpose What a Feeling (Flashdance) to a different key?
Yes! What a Feeling (Flashdance) is in F. 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 What a Feeling (Flashdance)?
What a Feeling (Flashdance) by Irene Cara is a Pop song from 1983. Its 5-chord progression (F, Bb, C, Am, Gm) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.