One of the most widely utilized musical techniques in tonal music is the usage of minor keys.
While a minor key is often thought of to create ‘sad’ songs, this is not always the case. In fact, many pop songs are played in minor keys.
In this article, we have put together 35 popular songs that are played in a minor key, along with links to tabs that’ll help you learn to play them yourself.
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Are All Songs Played In A Minor Key ‘Sad’?
Many popular songs use minor keys, but there is still a widespread misunderstanding about this technique.
It is widely believed that songs played in a minor key always sound slow and sad.
Alternatively, all songs played in a major key are often believed to be upbeat and happy.
Due to listeners’ sociocultural conditioning, certain melodies sung in minor notes tend to sound melancholy.
This is as a result of the simple fact that sad songs are frequently played in a minor key.
People raised in Western culture have all been conditioned from an early age to associate minor keys with darker subject matter, and major keys with happier topics.
However, with that being said, not all songs played in a minor key are ‘sad’ songs.
In fact, you may find yourself surprised as we navigated further into this article, and discover just how many popular songs are played in a minor key.
Some of the songs we have listed are slower, more emotional ballads, while others are pretty upbeat and cheerful.
So, without further ado, let’s jump straight into our list. Here are 35 instantly recognizable songs that are played in a minor key.
Wonderwall – Oasis
To start off this list, we have the one song that anyone who has ever picked up a guitar will have played, or attempted to play, at least once in their lives.
This is the ultimate sing-along classic that is impossible not to vibe to.
The one issue that many new guitar players will find while learning to play Oasis’ biggest hit is that it was not originally played using a standard tuning.
Wonderwall should be performed in the key of F sharp minor using the standard tuning (E A D G B E).
However, if you pay close attention to the recording, it actually seems to alternate between F#m and A major.
Em, G, D, A7sus4, with the inclusion of a C chord during the pre-chorus, are the chords you’ll need to perform it in the least complicated manner possible.
To make the melody sound more like the original, a capo will also need to be placed on the second fret.
Stairway To Heaven – Led Zeppelin
Next on this list, we have another song that is instantly recognizable all around the world.
This is a song that has been covered by so many musicians over the years, leading to some music stores actually forbidding guitarists from performing it on their premises.
At least, that is how the folklore goes.
Stairway to Heaven often holds the #1 spot on most ‘greatest guitar song’ lists due to its engaging melody and inspiring, stimulating lyrics brought to life by powerful vocals, accompanied by one of the greatest guitar solos of all time.
The purpose of this meticulously composed piece is conveyed through the use of pace, rhythm, and instrumentation.
It begins slowly with the instantly recognizable opening, which is finger picked in the key of A minor.
Further sections are introduced to the composition as it goes along, starting with the percussion, ending with Jimmy Page’s legendary solo, with an accelerated hard rock subsection driven by Robert Plant’s distinctive high notes.
Another One Bites The Dust – Queen
If there is one band that needs no introduction, it is Queen.
Another One Bites the Dust is a heart-pounding song that frequently appears in sporting events and motion pictures due to its iconic melody and epic rhythm.
Although they were already a fairly well-known group when Another One Bites the Dust was released, this song marked Queen’s entry into the R&B and funk genres.
A dry-drum cycle accompanied by Freddie Mercury’s powerful vocals, Brian May’s funky riffs, and John Beacon’s legendary bassline all came together to generate this disco slash funk gem of a song.
The song is played in the key of E minor, and is the first song in this list that features a more upbeat melody and ambiance.
As we mentioned at the start of this article, not all songs played in a minor key are ‘sad’! Another One Bites the Dust is a great example of this.
Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana
Next up, we’ve got a song that was the first melody that thousands of 80s and 90s kids learned to play on guitar.
With four easy-to-play power chords and a simple riff during the verses, this is not only one of the most iconic rock songs of all time but also one of the easiest to play.
And, not only is this Nirvana’s biggest hit, but it is also probably the most recognizable song from the 1990s.
Smells Like Teen Spirit is played in the key of F minor, with a standard tuning of E A D G B E.
As we mentioned earlier, it is mainly played using power chords, with the world’s simplest riff during the verses using only two notes.
When the simple guitar play is paired with Krist Novoselic’s iconic bassline, Dave Grohl on the drums, and, of course, Kurt Cobain’s raw, jagged vocals, all components come together to create one of the grungiest anthems of all time.
Hurt – Johnny Cash
In 2002, Johnny Cash released arguably one of the greatest covers of all time when he decided to record his own version of Nine Inch Nails’ 1995 track, Hurt.
It was a particularly well-loved track, which tugged on the public heartstrings even further when Cash passed away only a few months following the release.
It is not often that a cover of a song becomes more popular than the original, but Cash’s Hurt certainly did.
The rawness of Cash’s vocals pair perfectly with the mainly-acoustic set accompanying him, creating a heart-wrenching track that’ll bring any grown man to tears.
Unsurprisingly, the track is played in a minor key; A minor, to be specific.
Hurt can be played using the standard turning of E A D G B E, and only requires five simple chords: Am, C, D, G, and F.
It is advised that you continue to fret the G with your little finger on the high e string’s third fret in order to guarantee that the chorus is performed accurately.
Angie – The Rolling Stones
When it was first released in the early 1970s, Angie immediately topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and quickly started ascending the charts internationally.
At a rehab center, Keith Richards almost entirely wrote this song after his fingers regained enough strength to resume playing the guitar.
It was said to have been written for his newborn daughter, Angela.
Richards wrote Angie in the minor key of A, giving it a noticeably more tranquil and gentle tone than the Stones’ loud manner.
You will only need to pluck a few basic chords to perform the song in its most basic form.
To replicate the exquisite melody lines, riffs, and that famous opening acoustic solo, however, the player must get the timing of the playing, along with the picking patterns, perfect.
Eye Of The Tiger – Survivor
Did you know that the now-renowned theme song of the Rocky franchise was only first featured in the third movie?
Eye of the Tiger was nowhere to be heard in the first two installments, making its official debut as the franchise theme song in Rocky III.
This classic 1980s tune is instantly recognizable and is known by hundreds of thousands of people across the globe.
The opening riff alone is iconic enough for a person to recognize the song.
The key of C minor, which is renowned for having a tenderness and simplicity to it, is used to compose this ridiculously appealing song.
Straightforward power chords, palm muting, and alternate picking can all be practiced to improve your playing of the song as a whole.
Absolute novices can play an extremely simple rendition of the famous riff using only the high E string if they are anxious to learn it but are unfamiliar with power chords.
We, however, recommend using power chords, as it is way easier to do.
Scarborough Fair – Simon And Garfunkel
Next up, we’ve got a traditional English folk ballad that has been around for centuries, and has been covered by several artists.
It was even used as part of the Civilization VI (2016) soundtrack.
The most well-known version, however, has to be the cover performed by Simon and Garfunkel in the mid-sixties.
The legendary team skillfully combined the old folk ballad with their own anti-war tune Canticle to create a moving interpretation that compares treachery in romantic relationships to war.
Overdubs of the vocals and musical instruments were used to create this.
Playing Scarborough Fair becomes easier once the player becomes comfortable with the melody, which was composed in the key of E minor.
With so many chords and precise finger picking involved, perfectly replicating it can be challenging.
But, as with anything, practice makes perfect.
Fallin’ – Alicia Keys
With her soulful, stimulating breakthrough single Fallin’, Alicia Keys wowed the globe back in 2001, giving the public just a taste of her diverse range of musical skills.
Keys sings about being madly in love with her partner, even if they might not be the ideal choice for her, ultimate bliss in this piano-driven song.
The song received three Grammy nominations and wins, and peaked among several countries’ top 10.
Fallin’ was actually composed in the key of E Minor, in spite of the fact that the song was included on Keys’ breakthrough album, Songs in A Minor.
This beautiful song just requires two chords, one of which is a barre chord.
It is still a slow intermediate song despite the Bm, and you can always replace the barre chord with a Bm7 for a more approachable variation.
The only other chord used while playing the song is Em. Once you’ve got them both down, you can start strumming.
Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers
Ain’t No Sunshine is, on the surface, a simplistic melody that bleeds the blues, and it is such a singalong classic that everybody knows and loves.
This Grammy-winning song is ideal for practicing minor chords from a playing perspective.
According to sources, the ‘I know, I know…’ loop was intended as a filler until Withers came up with lyrics to fill that space.
However, he was encouraged to leave the track as it was, as many friends loved the ‘I know, I know, I know, I know…’ section of the song.
Ain’t No Sunshine is constructed in the delicate and comforting A minor key.
It has been performed live many, many times since Withers’ 1971 album first featured it, and numerous artists have performed versions of it in a variety of genres since.
Am, Em, and Dm chords are used for the primary portion of the tune, which offers the player lots of practice with chord changes and timings.
Suspended chords along with other intricate arrangements can always be used to give a little extra pzazz.
Voodoo Child – Jimi Hendrix
Voodoo Child is a classic Hendrix staple that make anyone’s brain tingle with overwhelming bouts of serotonin.
It is a true classic, whether you’re listening to the original recording, or listening to one of the several covers by numerous musical legends.
Hendrix played this timeless work of art which is rife with feedback and musical bending, using the E minor scale and tuning down a half step.
The specific tuning required is Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Gb, Eb.
Voodoo Child starts out with a wah-wah riff before dramatically increasing with crisp chords and incredible lead lines in Hendrix’s distinctive trippy approach.
This is one of those tunes that any guitarist either loves playing, or would love to play.
Whether you are a complete beginner, or a well seasoned guitar player, it is always great fun to jam along to a proper Hendrix creation.
I Kissed A Girl – Katy Perry
While Katy Perry may not be the first artist that comes to mind when one is practicing some guitar riffs, I Kissed a Girl can actually sound pretty fire when covered on an electric guitar.
This is especially true if you add some ad-lib riffs of your own.
I Kissed a Girl was Perry’s debut single back in 2008, launching her into stardom up to the present day.
Today, Katy Perry is a household name, with everyone and their grandmas knowing who she is.
As you may have already guessed, with this song being on our list, I Kissed a Girl is played in a minor key.
To be specific, it is played in the key of A minor. Only five chords are needed to play this track: Am, C, Dm, F, and E, or F, Em, Am, G, and Dm.
You’ll need to master some challenging but enjoyable chord progressions that differentiate for the verses, the chorus, and bridging portions if you intend on playing this track precisely how it sounds in the recorded version.
Sultans Of Swing – Dire Straits
If you want to get some practice in playing in the key of D minor with a classic rock anthem from the late 70s, you should definitely give Sultans of Swing a chance.
This is a timeless hit that never seems to get old.
Sultans of Swing is still regarded as one of the most well-known songs in rock music today, and is a superb illustration of frontman Mark Knopfler’s brilliant songwriting abilities and astonishing guitar prowess.
This track received a well-deserved 32nd place on Rolling Stone’s list of the best guitar tunes of all time, thanks to Knopfler’s expert finger picking and Stratocaster-fueled riffs.
This song’s impact increases each time the band performs it live.
Before tackling the more difficult lead sections yourself, you should first become comfortable with the chord progressions Dm, C, Bb, and A, and F, C, and Bb.
Hotel California – Eagles
Hotel California is one of those records that everyone knows and loves, no matter how old they are, or where they are from in the world.
It is yet another timeless rock track that will never get old.
The guitar skills of Don Felder and Joe Walsh are on full show in the incredible 2:10 solo at the end of the track.
The solo was essentially an exact carbon copy of Felder’s initial instrumental demo, note for note, rather than an impromptu play.
The song is composed in the unconventional manner of B minor. In the course of the song, it moves around a good deal.
You’ll encounter chords like F#m from B harmonic minor and E from B Dorian, among others.
However, you might argue that it is focused on the key of B natural minor because the verses are in that key.
Bring the chords down to A minor and add a capo to the second fret if you are not entirely confident using barre chords.
If you’re up to the challenge, what’s stopping you?
Back To Black – Amy Winehouse
During her short time in the spotlight, Amy Winehouse found herself amidst many rumors, scandals, and just generally under a lot of scrutiny.
However, there was one thing that her fans and haters could not disagree on; she had one hell of a voice.
Back in Black is a melancholy, D minor key tune, brimming with an almost vintage ambiance, carried by Winehouse’s troubled lyrics.
She chose this 2007 song to describe her sadness and hopelessness following a tragic separation.
Back to Black was the third song to be dropped from the second album she released, and combined with Rehab, it helped to make the British star a household name.
Two plays must be performed, with one of them which includes a few barre chords.
In both instances, you need to concentrate on establishing the strumming correct to replicate the feel of the composition.
Shine On You Crazy Diamond – Pink Floyd
Shine on You Crazy Diamond, a melancholy masterpiece, was initially composed in tribute to one of Pink Floyd’s original members, Syd Barett.
Barett left the band in 1968, due to his drug use and the ultimate declination of his mental health.
The song itself was over 26 minutes long, and it gave each band member an opportunity to shine.
On top of this, Shine On Your Crazy Diamond beautifully captured the enormous impact that Barett had on the sound of the group.
The majority of this 26-minute work adheres to the G natural minor (Aeolian) scale, with a few spots where the E (raised sixth) note introduces indications of the G Dorian form.
It would take a long time to fully perfect this song, as it is a lot longer than most conventional songs, which usually last between 3 and 5 minutes.
However, if you are up to it, this is a beautiful song, and it will feel like a real achievement once you have learned it.
While My Guitar Gently Weeps – The Beatles
As the majority of people will already be aware, The Beatles had a very large discography, despite their relatively short time together.
Within their 7-year reign, they released over 250 songs, most of which were predominantly played in a major key.
While the vast majority of their songs – 211 songs, to be exact – were played in a major key, 40 of their tracks were played in a minor key.
While my Guitar Gently Weeps happens to be just one of them.
It was George Harrison that wrote this track, and it is believed that he wrote it during a time in which the band began to slowly disband.
Harrison was actually lent a hand by Eric Clapton to write While my Guitar Gently Weeps.
Played using a standard tuning, and in the key of A minor, there is no doubting Clapton’s influence in this piece of music.
It remains one of The Beatles most guitar-heavy songs of all time.
One – U2
As the famous story goes, U2 had briefly broken up during the band’s particularly stormy period.
Miraculously, practicing this specific song and working on the chord progressions pulled them right back together. It is a bromance tale for the ages
Although Bono’s lyrics recognize that not everybody is exactly the same, they also encourage putting aside disparities and getting along.
One quickly rose to the top of the charts and established itself as a mainstay in the band’s live performances.
You’ll find a lot to appreciate and learn about guitar in this piece, which is in the key of A minor.
It is played using the standard tuning, and only requires five chords: Am, Dsus2, Fmaj7, G, and C.
Beginner to advanced guitarists may easily master The Edge’s recognizable electronic delays and distortion pedal-driven riffs, a captivating strumming arrangement, and chord flourishes.
Hallowed Be Thy Name – Iron Maiden
Several heavy metal groups choose to perform in minor keys, especially E minor, and there is a reason for it.
Since E is the lowest possible note on a guitar, it has a gloomy quality and is ideal for vigorous trudging on a track.
Therefore, it should come to no surprise at all that the majority of Iron Maiden’s material is composed in E minor, if you look over their discography.
Hallowed Be Thy Name, a seven-minute auditory extravaganza composed in the same key of E minor, with Murray and Smith’s masterful guitar harmonies, Burr’s smooth drumming, Dickinson’s majestic singing, and Harris’ spine tingling lyrics.
Hallowed be Thy Name is widely regarded as not only the band’s most popular song, but also one of the best heavy metal tunes ever, which should come as not much of a surprise to anyone.
Enter Sandman – Metallica
Although Enter Sandman, the album’s lead single from 1991, was not the group’s most technically challenging song, it did wonders for the band’s global success.
Several fans were uncertain about this track because it had a rockier sound than they usually do, caving in to more commercial sounds.
However, it was this song that propelled them to true stardom.
With some of the most memorable riffs from Metallica’s back catalog, Enter Sandman follows the experiences of a young child dealing with nightmares.
Kirk Hammett’s somewhat menacing-sounding E minor riff served as the basis for the entire song’s structure and chords.
It can be quite difficult to play at first, but with plenty of practice, you can perfect the riffs on your own.
New Born – Muse
Any musician looking to bolster their collection of songs in minor keys, particularly E minor, D minor, and G minor, should check out Muse’s discography.
Their songs are filled with minor keys, giving them their distinct sound.
Muse’s 2001 song New Born is a critique of the rapid advancement of science and technology and its effects on people.
The excellent melody in the song New Born really changes the track’s atmosphere.
The song changes from a melodious piano start to a heavy riff by Matt Bellamy that pulls the whole thing together.
You will need to re-tune your guitar to play along to this one, as it requires the tuning D, A, D, G, B, E to sound just like the original track.
Beat It – Michael Jackson
Next up, we’ve got yet another instantly recognizable track that is just as catchy now as it was back in the early 1980s.
Michael Jackson was far from being a newcomer to the scene, yet when he released Thriller, his stardom exploded even further.
Beat It wasn’t even the first single released from this album, so it was just as shocking to everyone that each single being released somehow became more popular than the previous.
This track took Jackson’s sound and image to the next level.
Some people may remember the groundbreaking guitar solo in the midst of the song, which was performed by Eddie Van Halen.
In an E-flat minor key, the solo along with the remainder of the song worked perfectly.
The tuning required for playing Beat It is Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Bb, Eb, and it is played in the key of E-flat minor.
Only three chords – Em, D, and C – are used throughout the main portion of the song.
The Pretender – Foo Fighters
In 2007, Foo Fighters fans had been eagerly awaiting news of a new release for almost two years.
When they released the debut single for their brand-new album, Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace, the rock scene exploded.
To this day, The Pretender is one of Foo Fighters’ biggest hits. It is a real crowd favorite, and is often used to open up their shows.
The A minor-written song commences with a simple, peaceful acoustic opening with a minor string part before erupting into a hard-edged rock song with a strong rhythm hook, a captivating melody, and dramatic vocals from Dave Grohl himself.
This song begins with a riff in the style of Chuck Berry, and gradually becomes more melodically complicated.
Overall, it’s a real fan favorite, and a great choice for developing guitarists because of the variety of abilities and methods it makes use of.
Bad Romance – Lady Gaga
Next up, we’ve got yet another example of a song that:
Isn’t typically considered to be a guitar-heavy track.
Is an upbeat song, despite being played in a minor key.
Lady Gaga’s most famous track – arguably – is played in the key of A minor, and uses the standard turning of E A D G B E.
In fact, a lot of Lady Gaga’s discography are played in minor keys, including Poker Face, which is played in the key of G# Minor.
This is a track that will stick in anyone’s head for hours, or even days, after listening to it one time.
By learning to play it on guitar, you can insert this earworm into anyone’s heads by simply strumming a couple of chords.
Things We Said Today – The Beatles
It is said that Paul McCartney himself wrote this specific track of a B-side for A Hard Day’s Night while vacationing on a yacht with an ex-girlfriend.
Things We Said Today seems to be about McCartney realizing that his current relationship will someday end, and that they will always cherish every word they spoke during that vacation.
Although the song’s fundamental minor key is A, but McCartney cleverly uses overlapping major and minor chords to change the key of the song from A minor to A major.
Between an abrupt shift in harmonies and the switch of melody, the change in tone flows wonderfully.
Things We Said Today is a wonderfully intricate rollercoaster of feelings, with some fans arguing that it deserved greater affection and admiration than it received during the time of release.
Slow Dancing In A Burning Room – John Mayer
Depending on your age, and your preference in music, you may be one of those people who only knows John Mayer as Taylor Swift’s ex, and her inspiration for some of her songs.
If you are old enough – or, perhaps, young enough – to remember Mayer’s career, which seems to have faded over the past few decades, you may not remember Slow Dancing in a Burning Room.
That would be a shame, as this is a pretty soulful, enjoyable track.
The rhythm part of this song, which is in the key of C sharp minor, is made up of the chords C#m, A, and E, with the inclusion of B and F#M throughout the chorus and the bridge.
This song exhibits this contemporary guitar master at his best.
Mayer’s guitar playing is astoundingly amazing, from the subtle muting and vibrato-driven start to the tricky chord enhancements and a difficult solo executed with a swarm of fast slides.
House Of The Rising Sun – The Animals
Music changed forever when The Animals transformed a 19th-century folklore traditional tune into a number-one folk-rock tune.
Although the composer of this folk song is unknown, this version ended up being a pretty well-known cover in the early 1960s, and is still extremely popular to this day.
The Animals were not the first group to popularize this folk ballad; in fact, there were many versions recorded before and after.
This is, however, probably the most popular cover of House of the Rising Sun.
Hilton Valentine’s classic A minor chord riff on his guitar opens the track, before Eric Burdon’s emotive vocals dominate the song.
Impressively, this cover of House of the Rising Sun was recorded entirely within one take.
All Along The Watchtower – Jimi Hendrix
Despite the fact that Bob Dylan wrote and originally recorded this song, All Along the Watchtower did not find widespread popularity until Jimi Hendrix put his mark on the tune.
In true Hendrix fashion, the guitar colossus took an initially quiet folk song and transformed it into a powered masterpiece brimming with incredible solos and astonishing licks.
Hendrix’s version of the song, which was put out just six months after Dylan’s initial release, was a smash hit and his highest-charting American record.
It is recognized to be among some of the greatest covers of all time.
Dylan penned his initial composition in the key of A minor, while Hendrix chose to compose and perform his rendition in the key of C minor, giving the song a wholly unique and familiar sound at the same time.
I See Fire – Ed Sheeran
The extensive catalog of Ed Sheeran’s unplugged songs is proof of his mastery of songwriting.
His 2013 track, I See Fire, is a stunning rustic anthem that was composed for the movie adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit.
After learning that his daughter was a fan, director Peter Jackson enlisted Sheeran to come up with a track that would be featured during the concluding credits.
Sheeran took a plane to New Zealand, saw a preliminary cut of the movie, and finished writing and recording I See Fire, all in a matter of hours.
Only six chords are used throughout the entire song, which begins softly with Sheeran’s soft voice and lovely melody in the key of B-flat minor.
It is a genuinely lovely song that highlights Sheeran’s skills and skill.
Californication – Red Hot Chili Peppers
While the Red Hot Chili Peppers were already a well-known band by the time they released Californication the album, in 1999, it was these couple tracks that brought them back into the spotlight.
The band first struggled to physically bring Anthony Kiedis’ written composition to life, but one day their guitarist at that time, John Frusciante, just stepped in and said he knew what to do.
From there on, a hit had been born.
The song went on to become one of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ biggest successes and is now performed live frequently; it never fails to excite the crowd.
When playing Californication, you will be using the A minor scale.
This song is ideal for novices who want to strengthen their basics and master each note because it has neither flats or sharps.
Chop Suey! – System Of A Down
The most popular song by System of a Down, Chop Suey!, is all about frustration and destruction.
With its highly distinctive sound and heavy voices and harmonies throughout, it is still regarded as a classic track today.
This wildly popular and controversial piece is driven by thundering power chord lines upon down-tuned guitars, furious vocals, and contentious vocal lyrics constructed around the key of G minor.
Only after Linkin Park’s In the End, this is the second metal song with a billion views on YouTube.
This shows SoaD’s continued impact and broad appeal over two decades following this track’s debut.
Counting Stars – OneRepublic
This pop hit from OneRepublic’s 2013 song blends folk and mainstream pop.
Due to its continued use in trailers, commercials, and radio play, Counting Stars is a memorable song that is well known on a global scale.
With over 3.6 billion views, it is currently among the most widely viewed YouTube videos ever.
It is a straightforward, lively smash hit that’ll stick in anyone’s head for hours after hearing it one time.
Ryan Tedder’s stunning vocals and some exquisite guitar plucking open the album. It was initially composed in the key of C#m, using the chords C#m-E-B-A.
Alternatively, it is possible to play the tune with a capo on the fourth fret and comparatively simpler chord structures if you wish to steer clear of the barre chords.
Snuff – Slipknot
When Slipknot entered the top 10 rankings in 2008 with this track, it was a big accomplishment.
With fans of the song from all over the world, this heartbreaking melody entered the mainstream.
As their highest-charting single to date, Snuff shot all the way to number two on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks and introduced the world to the range of Slipknot, who were already treasured in the rock and metal community.
This deeply emotional ballad about someone who is unwilling to love was written in the key of F# minor, a scale that is connected to melancholy and bitterness.
Black Magic Woman – Santana
Originally a Fleetwood Mac song, Santana transformed it into a sultry Latin-infused masterpiece that dominated the charts and established them as an internationally recognized band.
While Santana’s rendition mostly stayed true to the original’s melodic riffs and lyrics, it also included some differences in genre that made it their own.
This track, which features a great solo after a breezy guitar start, is a real smash hit. The scale used in Black Magic Woman is D minor.
Heart Of Gold – Neil Young
The last song on our list is the one that, after making a name for himself through his work with CSNY and Buffalo Springfield, truly cemented Neil Young’s status as a worldwide phenomenon in his own right.
A timeless masterpiece that has spawned a tonne of incredible renditions, Heart of Gold is a terrific tune for every budding guitarist to add to his repertoire, no matter what playing level they are at.
Young performs Heart of Gold in the minor key and largely uses open chords, thereby rendering it relatively simple for novices to learn.
Dynamic additions can be made by more skilled players in the same way that Young did in the original.
Final Thoughts
From Jimi Hendrix to Lady Gaga, minor keys have been used to produce some of the greatest songs of all time.
While some of the songs in this list were soulful, tear-jerking ballads, others were upbeat and cheerful.
One more time: just because a song is played in a minor key does not mean that it is a sad song!
We hope you found this article helpful.