Learning “Who Knew” by Pink on guitar is fun and rewarding. This song uses simple chords that beginners can master quickly. The main progression repeats throughout most of the song, making it easy to learn.
The song uses these basic open chords:
- G major
- D major
- Em (E minor)
- C major
These are some of the first chords most guitar players learn. The strumming pattern is straightforward too – just downstrokes on each beat at a moderate pace.
Chord Shapes You’ll Need
- G Major
Place your:- 2nd finger on 3rd fret, low E string
- 1st finger on 2nd fret, A string
- 3rd finger on 3rd fret, high E string
- D Major
Put your:- 1st finger on 2nd fret, G string
- 3rd finger on 3rd fret, B string
- 2nd finger on 2nd fret, high E string
- Em (E Minor)
Simply place:- 2nd finger on 2nd fret, A string
- 3rd finger on 2nd fret, D string
- C Major
Position:- 1st finger on 1st fret, B string
- 2nd finger on 2nd fret, D string
- 3rd finger on 3rd fret, A string
The Song’s Chord Progression
The entire song follows this pattern:
G – D – Em – C (repeat)
Play each chord for 4 beats in the verses and chorus. The bridge changes slightly but uses the same chords in a different order.
Strumming Pattern
Use this simple pattern:
Down – Down – Down – Down
(One strum per beat)
Count: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4
Strum: ▼ – ▼ – ▼ – ▼
Tips for Beginners
- Practice changing between the chords slowly at first
- Use a metronome to keep steady timing
- Master the chords separately before trying the song
- Watch cover videos to hear how it should sound
How to Make It Sound Better
Once you’re comfortable:
- Try adding upstrokes between the downstrokes
- Experiment with palm muting during verses
- Add hammer-ons for decoration
This song is perfect for beginners to build confidence. After learning “Who Knew,” you’ll be ready to tackle hundreds of other songs using these same chords!
Would you like me to include the finger placement diagrams for each chord? I can add those if it would be helpful for visual learners.