Em
Am7
D7
G
D
C
F
E
Am
B7
A7
A
Cmaj7
Asus2
Killing Me Softly
Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly” is a soulful ballad known for its gentle flow and expressive dynamics. The original features a laid-back groove and rich chord changes, making it a rewarding song for guitarists to learn, especially those interested in classic soul and pop.
Chords
The song uses common open and barre chords:
Em, Am7, D7, G, C, F, E, Am, D, B7, A7, A, Cmaj7, Asus2.
Beginners should practice moving between Em, Am7, D7, and G, as these are key throughout. The F chord can be tricky (barre), but you can use the simpler Fmaj7 shape as a substitute if needed.
Strumming Pattern
A gentle, steady strumming pattern works well:
Down, down-up, up-down-up
Keep your strumming hand relaxed to match the song’s smooth feel. For verses, play more softly; for choruses, strum a little stronger to build dynamics.
Transitions and Techniques
- Change chords just before the lyrics, anticipating the beat.
- Practice the Am7 to D7 and Em to Am7 transitions, as these appear often.
- For the instrumental section, try arpeggiating (picking individual strings) to add variety.
- The Cmaj7 and Asus2 in the chorus and outro add a dreamy sound—focus on clean changes here.
Take your time with the chord changes, play along to the original recording, and let the rhythm guide you. Enjoy the song’s emotive, flowing vibe!
Intro
Em Strumming my pain with hisAm7 fingers
D7 Singing my life with hisG words
Em Killing me softly with his song
Em Killing meD softly, with hisC song
Telling my wholeG life, withC his words
Killing meF softly, with hisE song
InstrumentalAm D Am D Am D Am D
Verse 1Am7 I heard heAm sang aD7 good song,G I heard heC had a style
Am7 And so ID came to see him andEm listen for a while
Am7 And there heD7 was this young boy,G a strangerB7 to my eyes
ChorusEm Strumming my pain with hisAm7 fingers
D7 Singing my life with hisG words
Em Killing me softly withA7 his song
A Killing meD softly, withC his song telling myG whole life
WithC his words killing meCmaj7 softAsus2 ly, with hisE song
Verse 2Am7 I felt all flushed withD7 fever,G embarrassed by theC crowd
Am7 I felt heD found my letters andEm read each one out loud
Am7 I prayed thatD7 he would finish,G but he justB7 kept right on
ChorusEm Strumming my pain with hisAm7 fingers
D7 Singing my life with hisG words
Em Killing me softly withA7 his song
A Killing meD softly, withC his song telling myG whole life
WithC his words killing meCmaj7 softAsus2 ly, with hisE song
Verse 3Am7 He sang as if heD7 knew me,G in all my dark deC spair
Am7 And then heD looked right through me asEm if I wasn't there
Am7 And he justD7 kept on singing,G singingB7 clear and strong
ChorusEm Strumming my pain with hisAm7 fingers
D7 Singing my life with hisG words
Em Killing me softly withA7 his song
A Killing meD softly, withC his song telling myG whole life
WithC his words killing meCmaj7 softAsus2 ly, with hisE song
BridgeEm Oh ohAm7 oh oh ohD oh oh ohG oh
Em La la la laAm7 la la,D oh oh oh ohC oh oh, laG la ah ahC ahhhh
E La ah-ah,ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Final ChorusEm Strumming my pain with hisAm7 fingers
D7 Singing my life with hisG words
Em Killing me softly withA7 his song
A Killing meD softly, withC his song telling myG whole life
WithC his words killing meCmaj7 softF lyE
OutroHe wasEm strumming myAm7 pain, Yeah he wasD singing myG life
Em Killing me softly withA7 his songA killing meD softly, with hisC song telling myG whole life
WithC his words killing meCmaj7 softAsus2 ly, with hisE song