Elton John’s “Rocket Man” boasts some captivating chord progressions that utilize cluster and added 9ths, as well as slash chords for added flavor and bluesiness.
When charting this song we will use Nashville number system as it offers a shorthand for creating charts that work no matter which key your are in.
1. C Major
C Major is one of the most ubiquitous chords in music, used extensively across numerous styles – especially acoustic ones.
Scales and intervals can be learned easily using only white keys on a keyboard; no sharps or flats. A half step is defined as two adjacent notes without black keys between them (two frets on guitar).
Some musicians have suggested that each musical key can elicit different feelings. C Major is often associated with strength and sorrow.
2. D Major
D Major is a key that features an emotionally uplifted combination of notes that gives an exciting tone to music compositions, often used to start or end melodies.
Commonly employed as a tonic chord, and excellent for transitioning from one key to another, the 3rd fret capo chord can also serve as an excellent bridge into another key. Additionally, its versatile nature makes it suitable for use in songs featuring capo on third fret.
3. E Major
E Major is an optimistic key, symbolizing victory and success. This key is often employed in country music ranging from Patsy Cline’s soulful rendition to contemporary pop-rock acts such as Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats.
Discover more about E Major in our music theory blog, where we detail its notes, scale degrees and chord progressions – giving you all of the knowledge needed to play this key with confidence!
4. G Major
G Major is an extremely ergonomic key signature for piano and guitar – both instruments often used in classical Western music – that only has one sharp.
G Minor has long been associated with despondency and acceptance of fateful events; some of Gustav Mahler’s later symphonies feature this key.
5. A Major
Rocket Man stands as a testament to Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s impressive songwriting talents, continuing to inspire generations of listeners with its iconic lyrics and captivating melody.
This lesson utilizes a capo on the 3rd fret to play chords in their correct concert pitch and utilize slash chords – a chord notation representing bass notes that differ from their roots – for added complexity.
6. B Major
The B major scale has five sharps and two natural notes, and can be found in numerous popular songs including Elton John’s iconic “Rocket Man”.
B Major is an emotive chord, invoking wild passions and declaring love, while its relative G Minor can cause discontent, leading to feelings of uneasiness; often used for funeral music composition.
7. D Major
Understanding scales and chords goes far beyond simple music theory classes – it opens up doors into many beautiful songs!
Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s hit single, “Rocket Man,” serves as an incredible demonstration of how D Major can be utilized to create an emotional pop song with lasting appeal and is still beloved today by its listeners. It has inspired generations of listeners worldwide.
8. F Major
F Major is an upbeat key that can bring both introspection and emotional depth when combined with other chords.
Beginning players may find this F chord difficult, as it requires two string barred fingers – but Captain Chords makes things simpler!
Captain Chords lets you play F major four different ways – each variation being known as a “version”.
9. G Major
G Major is a sonorous key that lends itself well to classical guitar performance, as well as being featured in several chamber music pieces by Johannes Brahms.
G major scale contains four notes – G, A, C and D – which can be used to form triads. Skoove’s built in metronome provides the perfect way to practice these notes and build your skill level; then apply this knowledge directly into songs you already love!
10. C Major
C Major is an essential chord found in many songs and an ideal place for beginning guitar players to start learning their instrument. Knowing different shapes for C Major chords across the fretboard will expand your tonal palette and enable you to adapt it for various musical settings.
Pure C Major connotes innocence and joyful feelings, while G Minor represents deep depression and sorrowful lamentations.