C
Am
D
G
Cmaj7
Em
Dsus4
Man On The Moon
R.E.M.
R.E.M.’s “Man On The Moon,” from their 1992 album “Automatic for the People,” is a mid-tempo folk-rock song known for its jangly acoustic guitar and memorable melody. The original features a laid-back, almost shuffling rhythm, which helps create its nostalgic and reflective feel.
Chord Progression and Transitions
The song primarily uses open chords: C, D, Am, G, Cmaj7, Em, and Dsus4. These are beginner-friendly. Practice moving between C and D, as this transition repeats throughout the verses. The chorus introduces Cmaj7—simply lift your index finger from the C chord.
Strumming Pattern
Use a relaxed, moderate tempo with a pattern such as:
Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up
Keep the strumming light and even, especially in verses. The chorus can be a little stronger for emphasis. For the instrumental section (Em and D), you can use gentle downstrokes or the main pattern, letting the chords ring to create atmosphere.
Tips for Beginners
Practice the C to D and G to Am transitions, as these come up often. For Dsus4, add your pinky to the high E string (3rd fret) while holding D. The Cmaj7 is just a C without the index finger. If singing, keep strumming simple at first and focus on chord changes.
Listen to the original recording for rhythm guidance and enjoy playing along!
Intro
C Am D C C D C C
Verse 1C Mott the Hoople and theD game of Life. Yeah yeah yeah yeah.
C Andy Kaufman in theD wrestling match. Yeah yeah yeah yeah.
C Monopoly Twenty-OneD checkers and chess. Yeah yeah yeah yeah.
C Mister Fred Blassie in aD breakfast mess. Yeah yeah yeah yeah.
C Let's play Twister,D let's play Risk. Yeah yeah yeah yeah.
C We'll see you in heaven if youD make the list. Yeah yeah yeah yeah.
Pre-Chorus 1NowAm Andy did you hear aboutG this one?Am Tell me are you locked in theG punch?
Am Andy are you goofing onG Elvis heyC baD by. Are we losing touch?
Chorus 1G If you beAm lieve,C they put a manCmaj7 on theG moon,Am man on theD moon.
G If you beAm lieve,C there's nothing upCmaj7 hisAm sleeve, then nothing isD cool.
Verse 2C Moses went walking with theD staff of wood. Yeah yeah yeah yeah.
C Newton got beaned by theD apple good. Yeah yeah yeah yeah.
C Egypt was troubled by theD horrible asp. Yeah yeah yeah yeah.
C Mister Charles Darwin had theD gall to ask. Yeah yeah yeah yeah.
Pre-Chorus 2NowAm Andy did you hear aboutG this one?Am Tell me are you locked in theG punch?
HeyAm Andy are you goofing onG Elvis heyC baD by. Are you having fun?
Chorus 2G If you beAm lieve,C they put a manCmaj7 on theG moon,Am man on theD moon.
G If you beAm lieve,C there's nothing upCmaj7 hisAm sleeve, then nothing is cool.
InstrumentalEm Em Em Em Em Em Em D D Dsus4 Dsus4 D
Em Em Em Em Em Em Em D D Dsus4 Dsus4 D
Em Em Em Em Em Em Em D D Dsus4 Dsus4 D
D D Dsus4 Dsus4 D
Verse 3C Here's a little agit for theD never believer. Yeah yeah yeah yeah.
C Here's a little ghost for theD offering. Yeah yeah yeah yeah.
C Here's a truck stop inCmaj7 stead of SaintD Peter's. Yeah yeah yeah yeah.
C Mister Andy Kaufman's goneD wrestling. Yeah yeah yeah yeah.
Pre-Chorus 3NowAm Andy did you hear aboutG this one?Am Tell me are you locked in theG punch?
AndAm Andy are you goofing onG Elvis heyC baD by. Are we losing touch?
OutroG If you beAm lieve,C they put a manCmaj7 on theG moon,Am man on theD moon.
G If you beAm lieve,C there's nothing upCmaj7 hisAm sleeve, then nothing is cool.
G If you beAm lieve,C they put a manCmaj7 on theG moon,Am man on theD moon.
G If you beAm lieve,C there's nothing upCmaj7 hisAm sleeve, then nothing is cool.
G If you beAm lieve,C they put a manCmaj7 on theG moon,Am man on theD moon.
G If you beAm lieve,C there's nothing upCmaj7 hisAm sleeve, then nothing is cool.Em