Everybody Hurts by R.E.M. is played in the key of D at a beginner difficulty level, originally released in the 1990s. It uses 2 chords — D A — arranged in the I-V progression.
About the I-V progression
The I-V is the simplest possible progression — just the tonic and dominant. It's the foundation of children's songs, folk anthems, and countless early rock and roll grooves.
Playing in the key of D
D major is a bright, ringing key that suits acoustic strumming. D, A, G, and Bm are your main chords, and everything but Bm sits in open position. The Bm barre is the one hurdle for beginners.
Related songs
More songs in the key of D
More songs using the I-V progression
Learn to play Everybody Hurts by R.E.M. on guitar. It sits in the key of D and uses the I-V progression with the chords D A.