Yesterday — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

Yesterday uses the chords F, Em, A7, Dm, Bb, C7 in the key of F. The progression follows a Complex pattern. This is a intermediate-level song.

Pop · 1965 · Intermediate

Yesterday

by The Beatles
Key of F 96 BPM Intermediate

Chord Sheet

Key of F · Progression: Complex

F
chord 1
Em
chord 2
A7
chord 3
Dm
chord 4
Bb
chord 5
C7
chord 6
Chord Loop
F — Em — A7 — Dm — Bb — C7 — ...
Key
F
Tempo
96 BPM
Chords
6
Genre
Pop

Practice Tips for Yesterday

  • →Start at 48 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the F→Em transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 96 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play Yesterday by The Beatles

Yesterday (1965) is a intermediate-level pop song that uses 6 chords: F, Em, A7, Dm, Bb, C7 in the key of F. The chord progression is Complex.

Chord Breakdown

  • F — major chord, bright and stable
  • Em — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • A7 — dominant 7th, adds tension and movement
  • Dm — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • Bb — major chord, bright and stable
  • C7 — dominant 7th, adds tension and movement

About Yesterday

"Yesterday" by The Beatles (released 1965) is one of the most recognizable pop songs ever recorded. Its 6-chord structure demonstrates how a simple progression can create an emotionally powerful and memorable piece of music. The combination of F, Em, A7 creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Yesterday as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Yesterday, start by getting comfortable with each chord individually before trying to switch between them. The goal is to make each chord change automatic — your fingers should know where to go without you having to think about it. Practice the chord loop slowly with a metronome, and you'll be playing the full song within a few weeks.

Similar Songs (Same Key or Chords)

Let It Be
The Beatles
C – G – Am – F
Beginner
C · 75 BPM
Wonderwall
Oasis
Em – G – D – A7sus4
Beginner
Em · 87 BPM
Perfect
Ed Sheeran
G – Em – C – D
Beginner
G · 96 BPM
Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen
C – Am – F – G – E7
Intermediate
C · 68 BPM
Hotel California
Eagles
Bm – F# – A – E – G – D – Em
Advanced
Bm · 74 BPM
No Woman No Cry
Bob Marley
C – G – Am – F
Beginner
C · 90 BPM
Metronome
Practice at 96 BPM
Tuner
Tune your instrument
Piano
Play on virtual piano
Guitar
Play on fretboard

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Yesterday by The Beatles — FAQ

Everything you need to know about our browser-based Web Audio engine, instruments, and music theory workspace.

What chords are in Yesterday by The Beatles?

Yesterday uses the chords F, Em, A7, Dm, Bb, C7 in the key of F.

The progression follows a Complex pattern. This is a intermediate-level song.

What key is Yesterday in?

Yesterday by The Beatles is in the key of F.

The primary chords are F, Em, A7.

What is the tempo of Yesterday?

Yesterday is played at approximately 96 BPM.

This moderate tempo is comfortable for intermediate players. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 96 BPM.

What strumming pattern does Yesterday use?

Yesterday is typically in 4/4 time.

A common strumming pattern is down-down-up-up-down-up (DDUUDU) or simplified all-down for beginners. Focus on getting chord changes smooth before adding strumming complexity.

How do I play F chord on guitar?

F is the main chord in Yesterday.

See our chord library for the F chord diagram with exact fingering.

Can I play Yesterday on piano?

Yes! Yesterday sounds great on piano.

Play the chords F, Em, A7, Dm, Bb, C7 in root position or inversions. Left hand plays bass notes (root of each chord), right hand plays chord voicings. This is a intermediate-level arrangement.

Is Yesterday beginner-friendly?

Yesterday is rated Intermediate difficulty.

The chord changes and rhythm require some practice.

What is the chord progression in Yesterday?

The main progression in Yesterday is F – Em – A7 – Dm – Bb – C7 (Roman numeral: Complex).

This 6-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.

Can I transpose Yesterday to a different key?

Yes! Yesterday is in F.

To make it easier, try transposing to G or D using a capo. A capo changes your effective key while keeping the same chord shapes. Use our Transpose Tool to convert all chord names automatically.

What genre is Yesterday?

Yesterday by The Beatles is a Pop song from 1965.

Its 6-chord progression (F, Em, A7, Dm, Bb, C7) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.