Aug192018

Death Cab for Cutie – Northern Lights Piano & Ukulele Chord Progression and Tab.

ChordsC Em G Am DEm/BG/B

KeyKeyCapo

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This is the chord progression of Death Cab for Cutie – Northern Lights on Piano, Ukulele, Guitar and Keyboard.

[Intro]
C Em C Em
C Em G Am
C Em C Em
C Em G Am
C Em C Em
C Em G Am

[Verse 1]
C Em C Em
I remember your silhouette on Dyes Inlet
C Em G Am
Against the silver sheen of a moon like painted glass
C Em C Em C
Under stars out on a pier; a celestial sphere
Em G Am
We were weightless as the waves that disappeared

[Chorus]
Em G D Em/B G/B
Northern lights filled our skies
Em G D Em/B G/B
Empty nights synchronized

[Break]
C Em C Em
C Em G Am

[Verse 2]
C Em C Em
We shared a clove cigarette on the parapet
C Em G Am
As the TVs glowed from the windows of the model homes
C Em C Em C
And I’d never be that close again to your lips and perfect skin
Em G Am
As the tide receded into the unknown

[Chorus]
Em G D      Em/B G/B
Northern lights filled our skies
Em G      D       Em/B G/B
Empty nights synchronized
Em D C                 G
Northern lights filled our skies
Em G D Em/B G/B
Empty nights synchronized

[Break]
Em
Em G Am
I remember your silhouette on Dyes Inlet
C Em C Em
C Em G Am
C Em C Em
C Em G Am

[Chorus]
Em G D Em/B G/B
Northern lights filled our skies
Em G D Em/B G/B
Empty nights synchronized
Em D C G
Northern lights filled our skies
Em G D Em/B G/B Em
Empty nights synchronized

How to play Northern Lights: key, chords and progression

Northern Lights by Death Cab for Cutie is centred on E minor (one sharp: F♯). The song uses 7 chords: C, Em, G, Am, D, Em/B and G/B.

The progression the song keeps returning to is Em – C – Em – G (i – VI – i – III in E minor). Learn these 4 changes first and most of the song falls into place.

Beginner-friendly: every chord is an open chord on guitar, so you can play it without a capo or barre chords.