Imagine
Imagine guitar chords by John Lennon · Key of C Major · Free Chord Sheet
About Imagine
“Imagine” by John Lennon is one of the most recognised songs in the world, recorded in 1971 and built on a deceptively elegant chord progression in C Major. The use of Cmaj7 alongside the root C chord creates the song’s signature gentle shimmer, while the F–Am–E–Dm movement in the verse adds emotional depth. The bridge introduces a beautiful F–G–C–Cmaj7–E resolution that gives the song its anthemic quality. This free chord sheet covers the complete verse, bridge and chorus structure.
Guitar Chords for Imagine
Chords Used
Strumming Pattern
How to Play Imagine on Guitar
Intro
C Cmaj7 / F — ×2
Verse 1
C Cmaj7 / F — ×4 F Am / E Dm / Cmaj7 C G C G G7
Bridge
F G C Cmaj7 E / E7 — ×3 F G C
Verse → Bridge → Chorus
(Repeat structure throughout)
Playing Tips
The Cmaj7 chord is the key to this song’s distinctive sound — it’s formed by simply lifting your index finger off a standard C chord. Practice C→Cmaj7→F as a three-chord phrase first. The E chord in the bridge is major (not minor), creating a temporary key shift that adds colour — notice how it resolves back to C. Keep your D DU DU strumming light and flowing; Imagine is a reflective song and heavy playing undermines its character.
Frequently Asked Questions
More Guitar Chord Sheets
Play & Sing Together
Learn Guitar in Mumbai
with a Pro Instructor
Songs like Imagine teach you how chord colour (major vs. major 7th) transforms the emotional feel of a progression — music theory made audible. At JBX Music in Goregaon West, Mumbai, our instructors explain these concepts through songs you already love. Book a free trial.
Book Free Trial — Mumbai