Zombie by The Cranberries is played in the key of G at a beginner difficulty level, originally released in the 1990s. It uses 4 chords — Em C G D — arranged in the vi-IV-I-V progression.
About the vi-IV-I-V progression
The vi-IV-I-V progression is a rotation of the classic four-chord pop pattern that starts on the relative minor. Because it opens on a minor chord and resolves upward, it feels darker and more emotionally weighted than starting on the tonic. It's a favorite of ballads and songs with a melancholic mood.
Playing in the key of G
G major is one of the easiest keys on guitar. Its primary chords — G, C, and D — are all open first-position shapes, and the relative minor (Em) is one of the simplest grips on the instrument. A great key to spend time in as a beginner.
Related songs
More songs in the key of G
Learn to play Zombie by The Cranberries on guitar. It sits in the key of G and uses the vi-IV-I-V progression with the chords Em C G D.