Hurt — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

Hurt uses the chords Am, C, D, F in the key of Am. The progression follows a i–III–IV–VI pattern. This is a beginner-level song.

Country · 2003 · Beginner

Hurt

by Johnny Cash
Key of Am 120 BPM Beginner

Chord Sheet

Key of Am · Progression: i–III–IV–VI

Am
chord 1
C
chord 2
D
chord 3
F
chord 4
Chord Loop
Am — C — D — F — ...
Roman Numeral Analysis
View the harmonic structure and functional analysis of this progression.
View Analysis →
Key
Am
Tempo
120 BPM
Chords
4
Genre
Country

Practice Tips for Hurt

  • →Start at 60 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the Am→C transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 120 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play Hurt by Johnny Cash

Hurt (2003) is a beginner-level country song that uses 4 chords: Am, C, D, F in the key of Am. The chord progression is i–III–IV–VI.

Chord Breakdown

  • Am — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • C — major chord, bright and stable
  • D — major chord, bright and stable
  • F — major chord, bright and stable

About Hurt

"Hurt" by Johnny Cash (released 2003) is one of the most recognizable country songs ever recorded. Its 4-chord structure demonstrates how a simple progression can create an emotionally powerful and memorable piece of music. The combination of Am, C, D creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Hurt as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Hurt, 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
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Metronome
Practice at 120 BPM
Tuner
Tune your instrument
Piano
Play on virtual piano
Guitar
Play on fretboard

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Hurt by Johnny Cash — FAQ

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

What chords are in Hurt by Johnny Cash?

Hurt uses the chords Am, C, D, F in the key of Am.

The progression follows a i–III–IV–VI pattern. This is a beginner-level song.

What key is Hurt in?

Hurt by Johnny Cash is in the key of Am.

The primary chords are Am, C, D.

What is the tempo of Hurt?

Hurt is played at approximately 120 BPM.

This is a faster tempo — practice slowly first before bringing it to full speed. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 120 BPM.

What strumming pattern does Hurt use?

Hurt 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 Am chord on guitar?

Am is the main chord in Hurt.

For Am: 2nd fret 4th string, 2nd fret 3rd string, 1st fret 2nd string. Others open.

Can I play Hurt on piano?

Yes! Hurt sounds great on piano.

Play the chords Am, C, D, F in root position or inversions. Left hand plays bass notes (root of each chord), right hand plays chord voicings. This is a beginner-level arrangement.

Is Hurt beginner-friendly?

Yes! Hurt is rated Beginner difficulty.

It uses 4 main chords (Am, C, D), all easy open or basic chords. One of the best songs for new players to learn.

What is the chord progression in Hurt?

The main progression in Hurt is Am – C – D – F (Roman numeral: i–III–IV–VI).

This 4-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.

Can I transpose Hurt to a different key?

Yes! Hurt is in Am.

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 Hurt?

Hurt by Johnny Cash is a Country song from 2003.

Its 4-chord progression (Am, C, D, F) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.