Music Tutorial
Chords to the Macarena
Learn to play the Macarena on guitar, piano, or ukulele with simple four-chord loops.
A♭ Major
Original Key
103 BPM
Tempo
4/4
Time Signature
4 Chords
Loop
Macarena Chord Progressions
The Macarena uses a repeating four-chord loop. Try the original key, or start with easier options:
A♭ Major (Original)
OriginalProgression: A♭ – E♭ – D♭ – E♭
Notes: A♭(A♭–C–E♭), E♭(E♭–G–B♭), D♭(D♭–F–A♭)
C Major
EasyProgression: C – G – F – G
Notes: C(C–E–G), G(G–B–D), F(F–A–C)
G Major
EasyProgression: G – D – C – D
Notes: G(G–B–D), D(D–F#–A), C(C–E–G)
How to Play The Macarena on Guitar
- Capo ideas: 1st fret (G shapes) or 4th fret (E shapes) for easier forms.
- Strumming: Down–Down–Up–Up–Down–Up (repeat).
- Feel: Keep the wrist loose for a Latin bounce.
How to Play the Macarena on Piano
- Left hand: Root notes or octaves on beats 1 & 3.
- Right hand: Syncopated chords; add grace notes for flavor.
- Practice: Loop the four chords with a metronome at ~103 BPM.
Want a deeper dive? Try our piano tutorial.
Ukulele Quick Start (Key of C)
Use C–G–F–G with easy shapes (C=0003, G=0232, F=2010). See the full guide: Macarena on Ukulele.
Quick Reference Card
Original: A♭ – E♭ – D♭ – E♭
Easy (C): C – G – F – G
Easy (G): G – D – C – D
Tempo: 103 BPM Time: 4/4