Imagine by John Lennon on Guitar

This iconic piano-based classic should form part of everyone’s guitar repertoire. Written and sung by John Lennon, Imagine was the best selling single of his solo career.

This is a song about peace and is an encouragement for everyone to exist together in harmony without the barriers of borders, or the divisions of religion and nationality – something he truly believed in.

Rolling stone magazine described the song as Lennon’s “greatest musical gift to the world” praising “the serene melody; the pillowy chord progression; [and] that beckoning, four-note [piano] figure”

It was probably one of the most covered songs of the 20th century and, despite its piano foundation, the song lends itself superbly to be played on acoustic guitar. It was recorded at approximately 76 beats per minute (BPM)

Song Overview

Nothing too onerous on the chord front here, but it will rely on your interpretation of the song and ability to create the highs and lows of the piano and underlying melody line that is created by the chords.

You can also increase the complexity by adding in the unmistakeable 4 note melody line (A…Bb…B….C) to create even more authenticity into the piece. Similarly, you can experiment with different chord patterns to put your own mark on this classic.

This makes Imagine a great easy guitar song to learn, for both beginner and beginner to intermediate level guitarists. Result!

Imagine by John Lennon. Guitar Chords.

Here are the chords for Imagine. You will see that F major is the only barre chord here.

Imagine by John Lennon. Strumming Patterns

As we have said above, there isn’t a set pattern to play, but the tip is to use “balanced” upstrokes and downstrokes, adding in your own embellishments as you progress. Andy’s video will explain all.

Imagine Song Structure

Intro

C Cmaj7 F
C Cmaj7 F

Verse 1

C          Cmaj7             F
Imagine there’s no heaven
C          Cmaj7             F
It’s easy if you try
C          Cmaj7             F
No hell below us
C          Cmaj7             F
Above us only sky

Bridge

F C Dm (Dm add C note)
Imagine all the people
G
Living for to – day a-hah

Verse 2

C          Cmaj7             F
Imagine there’s no countries
C          Cmaj7             F
It isn’t hard to do
C          Cmaj7             F
Nothing to kill or die for
C          Cmaj7             F
And no religion too

Bridge

F C Dm (Dm add C note)
Imagine all the people
G
Living life in peace – you-hou-hou-ou-ou

Chorus

F     G     C    Cmaj7     E     E7
You may say I’m a dreamer
F     G     C    Cmaj7     E     E7
But I’m not the only one
F     G     C    Cmaj7     E     E7
I hope someday you’ll join us
F                 G                    C
And the world will be as one

Verse 3

C          Cmaj7             F
Imagine no possessions
C          Cmaj7             F
I wonder if you can
C          Cmaj7             F
No need for greed or hunger
C          Cmaj7             F
A brotherhood of man

Bridge

F C Dm (Dm add C note)
Imagine all the people
G
Living life in peace – you-hou-hou-ou-ou

Chorus

F     G     C    Cmaj7     E     E7
You may say I’m a dreamer
F     G     C    Cmaj7     E     E7
But I’m not the only one
F     G     C    Cmaj7     E     E7
I hope some day you’ll join us
F                 G                    C
And the world will be as one

And that’s all there is to it!

More Easy Guitar Songs…

If you enjoyed learning and playing this song, then you should take a look at our series of Easy Guitar Songs.