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Break It Up

Patti Smith verified
Key: EM
110 BPM
Standard (E A D G B E)
↓ - ↓ ↑ - ↑ ↓ ↑
verified Studio
Transpose ?
0
Notation
Capo ?
Instrument
speed
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Easy Chord Tip: No capo — use open Em chord shapes. Pelajari Smart Capo →
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CHORD DIAGRAMS
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tune Transposed: semitones
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info About This Song

Song Fundamentals
Key Em (E Minor)
Tempo / BPM 110 BPM (Approx.)
Tuning Standard (E A D G B E)
Time Signature 4/4
Difficulty Level Very Easy
Capo Position No Capo
Chord Count 1 Unique Chords
Genre Art
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Strumming Pattern ↓ - ↓ ↑ - ↑ ↓ ↑
Time Signature 4/4
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Break It Up by Patti Smith is played in the key of Em. Arranged in the natural sounding key of Em in standard guitar tuning without a capo, 'Break It Up' by Patti Smith utilizes direct fretboard shapes to project full open-string acoustic warmth and resonance throughout every section. The song relies exclusively on open cowboy chords (Em), letting beginners concentrate on tone clarity, ringing string resonance, and sustain without encountering demanding barre finger fatigue. The primary progression challenge lies in switching between Em and G: keep your fingers hovering close to the fretboard rather than flying off between changes. Set your metronome at an initial practice tempo of 79 BPM in 4/4 time to master the '↓ - ↓ ↑ - ↑ ↓ ↑' strumming groove, emphasizing steady downstrokes on beats one and three before accelerating toward the studio speed of 110 BPM.
analytics Analisis harmoni & progresi dihitung secara komputasional berdasarkan dataset transkripsi chord ChordGitar.in.

account_tree Chord Progression Analysis

Harmonic Progression
Progression Pattern (Roman Numerals)
i
Song chords:
star Primary Chords (Song Foundation)
Em

Chords that repeat most frequently throughout the verse and chorus.

more_horiz Auxiliary / Transition Chords
This song focuses on a minimalist 1-chord foundation.

Used as harmonic transition variations in intro, bridge, or outro.

tune Why Use a Capo?

Capo & Sounding Key
Sounding Key EM Acoustic pitch of original recording
No Capo sync_alt Raises the pitch of open strings
Fingering Shape Key EM Open chord finger positions

The song is played in its original key of Em without a capo.

lightbulb Alternative Capo Positions for This Song:

piano Chord Family EM

Diatonic Matrix

This song is built on the key of EM. Here are the 7 diatonic chords (Chord Family) that harmonize according to music theory:

i Em Tonic
ii° F#dim Supertonic
III G Mediant
iv Am Subdominant
v Bm Dominant
VI C Submediant
VII D Subtonic

speed Difficulty Level: Very Easy

Difficulty Determinants for This Song:
check_circle Uses 1 unique chords throughout the song
check_circle All open position chords, zero barre chords required
dna MUSICAL DNA:
KEY: EM • TEMPO: 110 BPM (Approx.) • PROG: i • DIFF: 1/5 • CAPO: 0

help Easy Chord Guide & FAQ Break It Up

FAQ & Tips

quiz How to play the easy chords for Break It Up (Patti Smith)?

To play the Easy Chords for Break It Up, toggle the Easy Chords button above the workstation canvas. This version is designed with beginner-friendly open chords to make transitions easier without barre chords.

quiz What are the basic guitar chords and original key for Break It Up?

The original recording key for Break It Up by Patti Smith is EM. You can use the Transpose (+ / -) feature anytime to adjust the pitch to match male or female vocal ranges automatically.

quiz Is audio sync and auto-scroll available for practice?

Yes, ChordGitar.in features touch-free Auto-Scroll with speed control, as well as an integrated player so your tempo and rhythm practice stays precise.

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Break It Up - Patti Smith

Official Audio

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Listen to official audio for Break It Up by Patti Smith on streaming platforms:

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