Dark Necessities Guitar Chords

Dark Necessities is a standout track from Red Hot Chili Peppers' 2016 album The Getaway, showcasing John Frusciante-style guitar work built on a shifting minor key progression in C Minor. The chord set is extensive — Cm, G#, Fm, A#, Gmaj7, A, D# and F — and the arrangement moves through distinct keyboard intro, two verse sections and a complex C-part, making it a genuinely rewarding study for advanced guitarists. The keyboard intro riff (F G G# A#) is one of the most recognisable in modern rock.

Chords Used

CmG#FmA#Gmaj7AD#F

Strumming Pattern

D DU UDU

How to Play Dark Necessities on Guitar

The harmonic movement in Dark Necessities involves frequent modulation between C Minor, related major chords and a surprise Gmaj7, which is a chord borrowed from outside the home key. This kind of chord borrowing is a hallmark of RHCP's harmonic language. Focus on the verse pattern (Cm G# Cm G# Fm G# Cm Cm repeated twice) first before tackling the denser C-part. If you want to understand how chord borrowing works and how to apply it in your own playing, our advanced guitar lessons in Goregaon West, Mumbai cover exactly this.

Keyboard Intro

FGG#A#  — Play Left Hand Chords

Verse 1

Cm  G#  Cm  G#  Fm  G#  Cm  Cm  — 2 Times
    G#  Fm  Cm  A#  G#  /  Fm  Cm  A#
    LEAD CHORDS  Cm  —  A#  —  F

Verse 2

G#  Fm  Cm  A#  G#  Fm  Cm  A#

Keyboard Solo

PIANO : C  D#  G  D#  D  …

C-Part

Cm  /  A#m  Fm  /  G#  Gmaj7  — 2 Times
    Cm  G#  Cm  Fm  G#  Cm  Cm
    G#  Fm  Cm  A#  G#  Fm  Cm  A#

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dark Necessities hard on guitar?

Yes — Dark Necessities is rated advanced. It features eight distinct chord shapes across multiple sections, including borrowed chords like Gmaj7 that sit outside the home key. The arrangement requires solid barre chord technique and familiarity with minor key harmony.