Skip to main content
Rock · 1993 · Beginner

Zombie

by The Cranberries
Key of Em138 BPMBeginner

Chord Sheet

Key of Em · Progression: i–VI–III–VII

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

🎵 Practice Tips for Zombie

  • →Start at 69 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the Em→C transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 138 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play Zombie by The Cranberries

Zombie (1993) is a beginner-level rock song that uses 4 chords: Em, C, G, D in the key of Em. The chord progression is i–VI–III–VII.

Chord Breakdown

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

About Zombie

"Zombie" by The Cranberries (released 1993) 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 Em, C, G creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Zombie as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Zombie, 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 138 BPM
🎼 Tuner
Tune your instrument
🎹 Piano
Play on virtual piano
🎸 Guitar
Play on fretboard

FAQ

Zombie by The Cranberries — FAQ

What chords are in Zombie by The Cranberries?
Zombie uses the chords Em, C, G, D in the key of Em. The progression follows a i–VI–III–VII pattern. This is a beginner-level song.
What key is Zombie in?
Zombie by The Cranberries is in the key of Em. The primary chords are Em, C, G.
What is the tempo of Zombie?
Zombie is played at approximately 138 BPM. This is a faster tempo — practice slowly first before bringing it to full speed. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 138 BPM.
What strumming pattern does Zombie use?
Zombie 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 Em chord on guitar?
Em is the main chord in Zombie. See our chord library for the Em chord diagram with exact fingering.
Can I play Zombie on piano?
Yes! Zombie sounds great on piano. Play the chords Em, C, G, D 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 Zombie beginner-friendly?
Yes! Zombie is rated Beginner difficulty. It uses 4 main chords (Em, C, G), all easy open or basic chords. One of the best songs for new players to learn.
What is the chord progression in Zombie?
The main progression in Zombie is Em – C – G – D (Roman numeral: i–VI–III–VII). This 4-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.
Can I transpose Zombie to a different key?
Yes! Zombie is in Em. 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 Zombie?
Zombie by The Cranberries is a Rock song from 1993. Its 4-chord progression (Em, C, G, D) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.