The chords for "Where Did You Sleep Last Night"
"Where Did You Sleep Last Night" (also called "In the Pines") uses three chords throughout most of the song: E minor, B minor, and A minor. The progression repeats in a steady pattern that stays the same for the verse, chorus, and bridge. If you know how to play these three shapes, you can play the entire song.
The song is most recognizable from Nirvana's 1993 MTV Unplugged performance, where Kurt Cobain played it in standard tuning. That version uses the same three minor chords but with a fingerpicking pattern rather than strumming. The original folk recordings from the 1920s and 1930s used the same chord structure, so this progression has worked for nearly a century.
Key Takeaways
- The song uses only three chords—E minor, B minor, and A minor—played in a repeating pattern throughout.
- Standard tuning works for the song, and you do not need to retune your guitar to play it.
- The Nirvana version uses fingerpicking, but the song works equally well with straightforward downstrokes or a folk-style strum.
- The chord progression is the same for every section, so once you memorize the pattern, the whole song is the same shape repeated.
How to play the basic chord progression
Start with E minor. Place your index finger on the first fret of the A string (the fifth string from the top), and your middle finger on the second fret of the D string (the fourth string). Leave the high E string, B string, and low E string open. Strum all six strings. This is your starting chord.
Move to B minor next. Place your index finger on the second fret of the A string, your middle finger on the third fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the fourth fret of the high E string. Again, leave the B string and low E string open. Strum all six strings.
The third chord is A minor. Place your index finger on the first fret of the B string, your middle finger on the second fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the G string. Leave the high E string, A string, and low E string open. Strum all six strings.
The pattern repeats: E minor, B minor, A minor, then back to E minor. Count four beats on each chord, or play four downstrokes per chord if you are strumming. Once you can move between these three shapes without stopping, you can play the song.
Playing the Nirvana fingerpicking version
The MTV Unplugged arrangement uses fingerpicking instead of strumming. Rather than hitting all the strings at once, you pluck individual strings in a repeating pattern. For E minor, pick the low E string, then the G string, then the B string, then the high E string, then back to the B string, then the G string. Repeat this pattern four times while holding down the E minor chord shape.
Use your thumb for the low E string, your index finger for the G string, your middle finger for the B string, and your ring finger for the high E string. This creates the gentle, rolling sound you hear on the recording. The same fingerpicking pattern works across all three chords—you are just changing which strings ring out because your fingers are on different frets.
If fingerpicking feels too complicated at first, play the song with straightforward downstrokes instead. The chord changes are what matter; the picking pattern is decoration. Once you are comfortable with the chords, you can add the fingerpicking layer.
Chord chart for the full song structure
| Section | Chords | Repetitions |
|---|---|---|
| Intro | E minor, B minor, A minor, E minor | 2 times |
| Verse | E minor, B minor, A minor, E minor | Repeat for each verse |
| Chorus | E minor, B minor, A minor, E minor | Repeat for each chorus |
| Bridge | E minor, B minor, A minor, E minor | Repeat as needed |
| Outro | E minor, B minor, A minor, E minor | Fade out or end on E minor |
Every section of the song uses the same four-chord loop. This makes the song very forgiving—once you lock into the pattern, you can play it from start to finish without thinking about what comes next. The only variation is how long you repeat the pattern in each section, which depends on the recording or performance you are following.
Tuning and alternate versions
Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E from lowest to highest string) is what you need for this song. Some older recordings were played in different tunings, but the Nirvana version and most modern covers use standard tuning, so you do not need to retune.
If you find the chord shapes uncomfortable, you can play the song using barre chords instead of open shapes. An E minor barre chord uses your index finger across the entire first fret, with your middle and ring fingers on the second fret of the A and D strings. This takes more hand strength but gives you the same sound. The B minor and A minor barre shapes follow the same principle.
Some players also use a capo on the first fret and play the shapes as if they were D minor, A minor, and G minor. This changes the key slightly but produces a brighter sound. Experiment with both approaches and use whichever feels more natural to your hands.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common mistake is moving too slowly between chords. When you first learn the song, your brain is working hard to remember where each finger goes. Set a metronome to 60 beats per minute and practice the chord changes without playing any notes—just move your fingers into position, then lift them and move to the next chord. Once you can do this smoothly, add the strumming or picking.
Another mistake is muting strings by accident. When you move from E minor to B minor, make sure your fingers do not accidentally touch the open strings you are supposed to leave ringing. If a string sounds dead or muffled, lift your fingers slightly and check that they are only touching the frets you intended.
Finally, do not rush the fingerpicking pattern if you are learning the Nirvana version. The pattern is slow and deliberate. If you play it too fast, it loses the haunting quality that makes the song work. Practice at a slower tempo first, then gradually increase the speed once your fingers know where to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use a capo to play this song?
No. Standard tuning without a capo is the most common way to play it. A capo on the first fret changes the key but is not necessary. Use a capo only if you want a brighter sound or if you are singing along and need to match your vocal range.
Can I play this song with just downstrokes instead of fingerpicking?
Yes. Downstrokes work perfectly. The Nirvana version uses fingerpicking, but the song is a folk tune that has been played many ways. Strum down on each beat, or use a folk-style strum pattern. The chords are what matter.
What if I cannot play B minor cleanly?
B minor is one of the hardest open chords for beginners. If it feels impossible, practice it separately for five minutes a day until your fingers build strength. Alternatively, use a barre chord version or simplify by muting the high E string and playing only five strings. As you improve, the full shape will become easier.
How long does it take to learn this song?
If you already know how to play guitar, you can learn the chord progression in one practice session. If you are new to guitar, expect one to two weeks of daily practice to play it smoothly. The song is straightforward enough that it works as a beginner project.
Is the song in a minor key?
Yes. All three chords are minor chords (E minor, B minor, A minor), which gives the song its dark, melancholic sound. This is part of why it works so well as a folk blues song.