man who sold the world chords

2 min read 16-04-2025

The haunting melody and iconic riff of David Bowie's "Man Who Sold the World" have captivated audiences for decades. This song, originally written and recorded by Lou Reed, has become a staple in many guitarists' repertoires. Learning the chords is a rewarding experience, opening the door to playing this classic rock anthem. This guide will walk you through different versions of the chords, helping you find the best fit for your playing style.

Understanding the Basic Chords

The core of "Man Who Sold the World" relies on a relatively simple set of chords, making it accessible to players of various skill levels. The most common version utilizes these fundamental chords:

Am (A minor): x02210
G (G major): 320003
C (C major): x32010
F (F major): 133211

These are open chords, meaning you play them all at the same time. However, there are variations that involve bar chords and different voicings, offering more versatility and a richer sound.

Variations and Fingerpicking Patterns

While the basic chords provide a solid foundation, exploring variations adds depth and complexity to your performance. Here are some common alternatives:

Am Variation

Instead of the standard Am, you might find it easier or more aesthetically pleasing to use an Am shape at the 5th fret. This shifts the entire chord progression up a fifth, giving the song a slightly different feel.

G Variation

Experimenting with a G major barre chord at the third fret provides a different timbre to the original open G chord. This is a more advanced technique, but can offer a powerful sound.

Fingerpicking Styles

The song lends itself well to both strumming and fingerpicking. Fingerpicking allows for a more nuanced and textured interpretation, particularly during the verses. There are countless variations available online and through tablature websites, depending on your preference for rhythm and melody.

How to Play the Main Riff

The main riff of "Man Who Sold the World" is arguably the most recognizable part of the song. It is built upon the Am, G, and C chords, creating a descending pattern that is both catchy and melancholic.

The Riff:

Am - G - C

This simple three-chord progression repeats throughout many sections of the song. Practicing this until you can play it fluidly is key to mastering the song.

Adding Your Personal Touch

Once comfortable with the basic chords and riff, consider experimenting with different strumming patterns and rhythms. You can even try incorporating bends, vibrato, and other techniques to add your personal flair. The beauty of this song lies in its adaptability.

Resources and Further Learning

Many online resources can assist you in learning "Man Who Sold the World," including:

YouTube tutorials: Search for "Man Who Sold the World guitar tutorial" to find numerous videos demonstrating various playing styles.
Guitar tablature (tabs): Websites like Ultimate-Guitar.com offer tabs for different versions of the song, catering to various skill levels.

Mastering “Man Who Sold the World” is a rewarding journey. The song offers a great opportunity to hone your chord changes, strumming techniques, and potentially delve into fingerpicking. Remember to be patient with yourself, practice regularly, and enjoy the process of bringing this iconic song to life!