Learning to Fly by Tom Petty is played in the key of F at a beginner difficulty level, originally released in the 1990s. It uses 3 chords — F C Bb — arranged in the I-V-IV progression.
About the I-V-IV progression
The I-V-IV progression is a stripped-down cousin of the four-chord pop pattern with the minor chord removed. It feels direct and uptempo — great for straight-ahead rock and folk strumming.
Playing in the key of F
F major is a stretch for beginners. The F chord itself needs a barre or partial shape, and Bb (the IV chord) is a full barre. Many players capo the 3rd fret and use D-major shapes to make this key easier.
Related songs
More songs in the key of F
Learn to play Learning to Fly by Tom Petty on guitar. It sits in the key of F and uses the I-V-IV progression with the chords F C Bb.