Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd is played in the key of C at a beginner difficulty level, originally released in the 1970s. It uses 3 chords — C G Am — arranged in the I-V-vi progression.
About the I-V-vi progression
This song is built on the I-V-vi progression. Follow the chord order in the diagrams above, and use the transpose controls if the key doesn't suit your voice.
Playing in the key of C
C major is the theoretical home key of Western music: all natural notes, no sharps or flats. On guitar, C, Am, Em, F, and G are the working chords. The one wrinkle is F, which as the IV chord requires either a barre or a partial shape — the first "difficult" chord most beginners meet.
Related songs
More songs in the key of C
Learn to play Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd on guitar. It sits in the key of C and uses the I-V-vi progression with the chords C G Am.