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Rock · 1975 · Intermediate

Wish You Were Here

by Pink Floyd
Key of G63 BPMIntermediate

Chord Sheet

Key of G · Progression: I–IV–V–ii

G
chord 1
C
chord 2
D
chord 3
Am
chord 4
Chord Loop
G — C — D — Am — ...
Key
G
Tempo
63 BPM
Chords
4
Genre
Rock

🎵 Practice Tips for Wish You Were Here

  • →Start at 32 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the G→C transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 63 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd

Wish You Were Here (1975) is a intermediate-level rock song that uses 4 chords: G, C, D, Am in the key of G. The chord progression is I–IV–V–ii.

Chord Breakdown

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

About Wish You Were Here

"Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd (released 1975) is one of the most recognizable rock 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 G, C, D creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Wish You Were Here as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Wish You Were Here, 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
Wonderwall
Oasis
Em – G – D – A7sus4
Beginner
Em · 87 BPM
Knockin' on Heaven's Door
Bob Dylan
G – D – Am – C
Beginner
G · 72 BPM
Stand By Me
Ben E. King
A – F#m – D – E
Beginner
A · 76 BPM
Perfect
Ed Sheeran
G – Em – C – D
Beginner
G · 96 BPM
Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen
C – Am – F – G – E7
Intermediate
C · 68 BPM
🎵 Metronome
Practice at 63 BPM
🎼 Tuner
Tune your instrument
🎹 Piano
Play on virtual piano
🎸 Guitar
Play on fretboard

FAQ

Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd — FAQ

What chords are in Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd?
Wish You Were Here uses the chords G, C, D, Am in the key of G. The progression follows a I–IV–V–ii pattern. This is a intermediate-level song.
What key is Wish You Were Here in?
Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd is in the key of G. The primary chords are G, C, D.
What is the tempo of Wish You Were Here?
Wish You Were Here is played at approximately 63 BPM. This slow tempo is great for beginners to focus on chord transitions. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 63 BPM.
What strumming pattern does Wish You Were Here use?
Wish You Were Here 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 G chord on guitar?
G is the main chord in Wish You Were Here. Place fingers on: 3rd fret 6th string (E), 2nd fret 5th string (A), 3rd fret 1st string (e).
Can I play Wish You Were Here on piano?
Yes! Wish You Were Here sounds great on piano. Play the chords G, C, D, Am 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 Wish You Were Here beginner-friendly?
Wish You Were Here is rated Intermediate difficulty. The chord changes and rhythm require some practice.
What is the chord progression in Wish You Were Here?
The main progression in Wish You Were Here is G – C – D – Am (Roman numeral: I–IV–V–ii). This 4-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.
Can I transpose Wish You Were Here to a different key?
Yes! Wish You Were Here is in G. 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 Wish You Were Here?
Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd is a Rock song from 1975. Its 4-chord progression (G, C, D, Am) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.