Ho Hey by The Lumineers is played in the key of C at a beginner difficulty level, originally released in the 2010s. It uses 2 chords — C F — arranged in the I-IV progression.

About the I-IV progression

The I-IV two-chord vamp alternates between tonic and subdominant. It's a favorite of reggae, folk, and any genre where the harmony steps back to let the groove drive.

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

• Changes by David Bowie
• My Way by Frank Sinatra
• River by Joni Mitchell
• Young Americans by David Bowie
• Bell Bottom Blues by Derek and the Dominos
• Come Sail Away by Styx

More songs using the I-IV progression

• 1999 by Prince
• All I Do by Stevie Wonder
• Ashes to Ashes by David Bowie
• Boogie On Reggae Woman by Stevie Wonder
• Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing by Stevie Wonder
• Englishman in New York by Sting