[Intro] Ebdim Em Am D G F#m E Am D [Verse 1] Ebdim Em Am Life can be hard, but then D That's when we start G F#m to put it together again E Am She calls me on, D and I'm enchanted by her beauty [Pre-Chorus] Ebdim Em Am And if I'll play, she'll dance D Watching her sway, G F#m I know that there's always a chance E Am She'll put me right D and be excited by the notion [Chorus] Eb F She loves me even when Gm F life presses harder Eb F Gm That's when we don't need the words Eb F I can see when Gm F there's no food in the larder Eb F Gm I know that she wouldn't care [Verse 2] Gm Ab Maybe the starlight Gm Ab that shines in her eyes Gm Ab Gm Ab Sings to the moon in her hair Gm Ab Each time we meet, Gm Ab there's a look of surprise Gm Ab D She sprinkles love everywhere [Pre-Chorus] Ebdim Em Am And if I'll play, she'll dance D Watching her sway, G F#m I know that there's always a chance E Am She'll put me right D and be excited by the notion Enchanted by her beauty [Chorus] Eb F She loves me even when Gm F life presses harder Eb F Gm That's when we don't need the words Eb F I can see when Gm F there's no food in the larder Eb F Gm I know that she wouldn't care [Verse 3] Gm Ab Maybe the starlight Gm Ab that shines in her eyes Gm Ab Gm Ab Sings to the moon in her hair Gm Ab Each time we meet, Gm Ab there's a look of surprise Gm Ab D She sprinkles love everywhere Ooh [Bridge] Ebdim Em Life can be hard Am D But then that's when we start G F#m To put it together again E Am She calls me on, D and I'm enchanted by her beauty [Outro] D Excited by the notion D Enchanted by her beauty D G Life can be hard
🎵 Watch Life Can Be Hard
🎵 Also Play These Songs
If you like the work, please write down your experience in the comment section, or if you have any suggestions or corrections, please let us know in the comment section.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, GuitarTwitt earns from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through the links on this page.
“Life Can Be Hard” is a beautifully constructed, modal track from Paul McCartney’s album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane. Officially played in the key of D Major with No Capo, the song features a characteristically rich McCartney chord progression, moving from Ebdim into Em and Am before shifting into Eb, F, and Gm in the chorus. The upbeat tempo of 115 BPM gives it a driving feel, making it an exciting challenge for intermediate guitarists.
Track Info
- Song: Life Can Be Hard
- Artist: Paul McCartney
- Album: The Boys of Dungeon Lane
Chords Info
- Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E)
- Key: D Major (highly modal)
- Capo: No Capo
- BPM: 115
- Chords: Ebdim, Em, Am, D, G, F#m, E, Eb, F, Gm, Ab
- Difficulty: Intermediate (due to complex modal changes and half-diminished/barre chords)
Playing Tips
- Fingering Ebdim: The Ebdim (Eb diminished) chord can be played as x-x-1-2-1-2. It serves as a chromatic passing chord leading beautifully into the Em.
- The Chorus Modulation: The chorus shifts to Eb – F – Gm. These are standard barre chord shapes. Practice sliding the shapes smoothly along the neck.
- Strumming Pattern: A steady, driving D U D U D U pattern fits the 115 BPM tempo perfectly. Keep your wrist loose to maintain a natural bounce.
Difficulty
This song is rated Intermediate. While the tempo is highly accessible, the chords move quickly between open shapes, diminished shapes, and sudden shifts into flat keys (Eb, Ab) during the chorus and verses.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What key is Life Can Be Hard Chords – Paul McCartney in?
Life Can Be Hard Chords – Paul McCartney is in the key of D.
What chords do I need for Life Can Be Hard Chords – Paul McCartney?
You need Ebdim, Em, Am, D, G, F#m, E, Eb, F, Gm, Ab to play Life Can Be Hard Chords – Paul McCartney.
Do I need a capo for Life Can Be Hard Chords – Paul McCartney?
Yes, place a capo on the No Capo to play Life Can Be Hard Chords – Paul McCartney.
How hard is Life Can Be Hard Chords – Paul McCartney to play on guitar?
Life Can Be Hard Chords – Paul McCartney is rated Advanced. It features advanced chord voicings.