Finding the Key with 3 String Chords

Here is another technique useful for finding the key of a song you are listening to or trying to play along with. Use 3 string chords rooted on the G and B strings. See the diagrams below.

Remember: Just play three strings.

As the song plays try out different chords to see which one "fits" the song. What you should be looking for is the root chord of the song. This isn't always obvious, but generally a song migrates to the root chord at the end of phrases and, almost always, at the end of the song.

For the quickest way to use this technique just go right to the end of the song and see which chord it ends on. That should be the root chord and will tell you what key the song is in.

Note: Learning these chord positions is a very good way to add to your knowledge of the fretboard, as well as giving you useful chord options for regular playing.

Some songs to try this technique on.

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