John Lennon’s “Imagine” is one of the most iconic songs ever written. With its simple melody and powerful message, it’s a great song for beginners to learn on guitar or piano. If you’re just starting out, don’t worry—this guide will break it down step by step so you can play it with confidence.
Why “Imagine” Is Perfect for Beginners
“Imagine” is built on simple chords that repeat throughout the song. There are no tricky progressions, making it an excellent choice for beginners who want to sound great without struggling through complex fingerings. Plus, it’s a slow song, so you have time to transition between chords.
Whether you play guitar or piano, this guide will show you the basic chords, strumming patterns, and tips to make it sound smooth.
Chords for Guitar
To play “Imagine” on guitar, you need these basic chords:
- C Major
- Cmaj7
- F Major
- Am
- Dm
- G Major
- E
Chord Diagrams
- C Major: X32010
- Cmaj7: X32000
- F Major: 133211 (Use an easier F: XX3211 if needed)
- Am: X02210
- Dm: XX0231
- G Major: 320003
- E: 022100
These chords are easy to learn and are used in many classic songs. Practicing them will help you in the long run.
Strumming Pattern for Guitar
A simple down-down-up-up-down-up strumming pattern works well. You can also try playing it softly with single down strums per chord to match the feel of the original recording.
If you’re playing alone, emphasize the first beat of each measure to give it more depth.
Chords for Piano
If you’re playing on the piano, the chords are the same, but the structure follows an arpeggiated (broken chord) style, making it sound smooth and melodic. Here’s how to position your hands:
- C Major – Left hand: C, G / Right hand: E, G, C
- Cmaj7 – Left hand: C, G / Right hand: E, B
- F Major – Left hand: F, C / Right hand: A, C, F
- Am – Left hand: A, E / Right hand: A, C, E
- Dm – Left hand: D, A / Right hand: D, F, A
- G Major – Left hand: G, D / Right hand: G, B, D
- E – Left hand: E, B / Right hand: G#, B, E
If you’re new to piano, start with simple block chords before moving into the rolling patterns Lennon used in the song.
Step-by-Step Guide to Playing “Imagine”
Verse Progression:
C – Cmaj7 – F (repeat)
Pre-Chorus Progression:
F – Am – Dm – F – G
Chorus Progression:
C – E – Am – Dm – G – G7
Each chord lasts about four beats, giving you plenty of time to transition smoothly. Start slow, then gradually speed up.
Tips to Play It Smoothly
- Practice Chord Changes – Spend time switching between chords before playing the full song.
- Use a Metronome – This helps you keep time and stay consistent.
- Sing Along – Even if you’re not a singer, it helps with timing.
- Keep It Simple – Don’t rush into fancy strumming or complex piano fills.
About “Imagine” – A Song That Changed the World
Released in 1971, “Imagine” became an anthem for peace. John Lennon’s lyrics encourage a vision of a world without division, and its timeless message still resonates today.
Rolling Stone ranked it among the greatest songs of all time (source). If you want to hear the original recording, check it out on Spotify or YouTube.
Next Steps: Keep Playing and Show Your Love for Lennon
Once you’ve mastered “Imagine,” try other Lennon classics like “Jealous Guy” or “Working Class Hero.” The more you play, the better you’ll get.
And if you’re a John Lennon fan, why not wear it proudly? Check out our exclusive John Lennon-inspired t-shirts at poprocktee.com. High-quality designs for true music lovers.
Final Thoughts
Learning “Imagine” is a great step in your musical journey. With just a few chords and some practice, you can play one of the most powerful songs ever written. Keep playing, keep learning, and share the music with the world!
Happy playing!