Self Esteem by The Offspring is played in the key of A at a intermediate difficulty level, originally released in the 1990s. It uses 4 chords — F#m D A E — 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 A
A major is rock and blues territory. A, D, and E are open shapes; F#m requires a barre. The E7 chord sits naturally under the fingers in this key, which is why it feels made for country and blues players.
Related songs
More songs in the key of A
Learn to play Self Esteem by The Offspring on guitar. It sits in the key of A and uses the vi-IV-I-V progression with the chords F#m D A E.