The Basic Chord Progression for "What's Up"
"What's Up" uses four chords throughout most of the song: Em, Am, D, and G. These chords repeat in that order for the verse, pre-chorus, and chorus. If you know how to play these four open position chords, you can play the entire song.
The progression is Em–Am–D–G, and it cycles continuously. Each chord typically gets one measure (four beats) in standard time. Strum down on the beat, or use a steady eighth-note pattern if you want to match the recorded version more closely.
This is one of the most beginner-friendly songs in rock because the chord changes are predictable and the shapes are among the first chords most people learn. The song does not require barre chords or unusual voicings.
Key Takeaways
- The entire song uses Em, Am, D, and G in that repeating order, with each chord lasting one measure.
- All four chords are open position shapes that beginners can play without barre techniques.
- The verse, pre-chorus, and chorus all use the same four-chord loop, so once you lock in the progression, you have the structure of the song.
- The main challenge is keeping a steady rhythm and switching between chords cleanly rather than learning new shapes.
- A capo is not needed; the song sits in E minor in standard tuning.
Fingering Each Chord Cleanly
Em (E minor) uses two fingers: place your index finger on the first fret of the A string (the fifth string) and your middle finger on the second fret of the D string (the fourth string). Strum from the E string down; the open high E and B strings ring out as part of the chord.
Am (A minor) is similar: index finger on the first fret of the B string, middle finger on the second fret of the D string, and ring finger on the second fret of the G string. Strum from the A string down, avoiding the low E string.
D (D major) requires three fingers: index on the second fret of the G string, middle on the second fret of the high E string, and ring on the third fret of the B string. Strum from the D string down, skipping the low E and A strings.
G (G major) is the widest shape: index on the third fret of the low E string, middle on the second fret of the A string, and ring on the third fret of the high E string. Strum all six strings, or skip the low E if that feels awkward at first.
Switching Between Chords Smoothly
The hardest part of playing this song is not the chords themselves but moving between them without stopping. Practice the Em–Am change first: both chords share the middle finger on the D string, so you can keep that finger planted and move the other two. This is the easiest transition in the progression.
The Am–D change is trickier because no fingers stay in place. Lift all three fingers from Am and place them on D as a unit. Think of it as one motion rather than moving fingers one at a time. The same approach works for D–G: lift and place the whole shape.
The G–Em change is also clean because you are moving from a wide shape to a narrow one. Lift your fingers from G and place them on Em. Practice this loop slowly—aim for one chord change per second at first, then speed up once the motion becomes automatic.
Rhythm and Strumming Pattern
The recorded version uses a steady eighth-note downstroke pattern: strum down eight times per measure, hitting the strings on each beat and the space between beats. This creates the driving, energetic feel of the song. If you are new to the song, start with straightforward quarter-note downstrokes (four strums per measure) and add the eighth-note pattern once the chord changes feel solid.
The verses sit back slightly in the mix, so a lighter touch works well there. The chorus is fuller and more aggressive, so dig in a bit harder with your strumming hand. Listen to the original recording and match the intensity of the strumming, not just the chords.
Keep a steady tempo throughout. A metronome set to 120 beats per minute matches the song's speed. Lock in with the metronome for a few minutes each practice session, and your internal timing will improve quickly.
The Verse and Chorus Structure
The verse repeats the Em–Am–D–G progression four times. Lyrically, this is where the song's main hook ("What's going on?") sits. The pre-chorus uses the same four chords, also cycling through once or twice. The chorus does not introduce new chords—it is still Em–Am–D–G, just with different lyrics and often a slightly more energetic strumming pattern.
The bridge (the section that breaks up the song midway through) also sticks to the same progression. There are no surprise chord changes or key shifts. This consistency is what makes the song so effective: the listener hears the same harmonic movement over and over, and it becomes hypnotic.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common error is muting strings accidentally during chord changes. When you lift your fingers to move to the next chord, the strings can go dead if your hand hovers too long. Practice moving your fingers as a unit and landing them on the new chord quickly so the strings keep ringing.
Another mistake is rushing the chord changes. It is tempting to speed up when you are concentrating hard, but the song needs a steady tempo. Use a metronome and stick to it, even if the changes feel slow at first.
Some players try to add complexity—fingerpicking patterns, barre chord voicings, or alternate tunings—when the original song is powerful precisely because it is straightforward. Stick with the basic progression and strumming pattern until you can play it smoothly, then experiment if you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a capo to play this song?
No. The song is in E minor and uses standard tuning with no capo. If you want to play it in a different key to match a singer's range, you would add a capo, but the original recording does not use one.
What if I can't switch between chords fast enough?
Slow down. Practice the progression at half speed or even slower until the changes become automatic. Your fingers will speed up naturally once the muscle memory is there. Rushing the process leads to sloppy playing and frustration.
Can I play this song with just two or three chords?
Technically, yes—Em and Am alone capture much of the song's character. But the full progression with D and G gives you the complete harmonic picture. Learn all four chords; they are fundamental shapes you will use in hundreds of other songs.
Is there a fingerpicking version of this song?
The original is strummed, not fingerpicked. You can fingerpick the same chord progression if you want, but it changes the feel significantly. Start with strumming to match the recorded version, then experiment with fingerpicking once you are comfortable with the chords.
What should I practice if the song still sounds sloppy?
Focus on one chord change at a time. Spend five minutes on Em–Am, then five on Am–D, and so on. Once each transition is clean, string them together. Record yourself and listen back—you will hear exactly where the timing breaks down.