Must Get Out

Last updated: 2/8/2026

🎤 Maroon 5🎼 Key: G MajorLevel: Beginner-Intermediatechords

Learn to play Must Get Out by Maroon 5 with these easy guitar chords and strumming patterns.

Guitar Chords

Key0
Size16
## Chords Used
G--D--Am--C--Em

G I've been the needleD and the thread
WeavingAm figure eights and
circles round yourC head
G I try to laugh butD cry instead
PatientlyAm wait to hear the words
you've neverC said
G Fumbling through your
dresser doorD forgot what I was looking for
Am Try to guide me in the rightC direction
G Making use of all this time
D Keeping everything inside
Am Close my eyes and listen to youC cry
G I'm lifting youD up
I'm letting youEm down
I'm dancing tilC dawn
I'm foolingG around
I'm not givingD up
I'm making yourEm love
This city's made usC crazy & we must getG out
G This notD goodbye she said
It is justAm time for me to rest myC head
G She does not walk sheD runs instead
Down theseAm jagged streets and into myC bed
G Fumbling through your dresser
doorD forgot what I was looking for
Am Try to guide me in the rightC direction
G Making use of all this time
D Keeping everything inside
Am Close my eyes and listen to youC cry
G I'm lifting youD up
I'm letting youEm down
I'm dancing tilC dawn
I'm foolingG around
I'm not givingD up
I'm making yourEm love
This city's made usC crazy & we must getG out
## 🎸 Song Overview & Key "Must Get Out" is an emotional, mid-tempo song with a melancholic yet driven mood, perfect for expressing the turmoil of a complicated relationship. The key is **G major**, as the chords revolve around G, D, Am, and C. The progression leans on classic rock and pop structures, with a mix of major and minor chords creating tension and release. The time signature is **4/4**, and the rhythm has a steady, heartbeat-like pulse that builds intensity in the chorus. ## 📐 Chord Progression Analysis The song uses a **I-V-ii-vi** progression in G major (G-D-Am-C) for the verses, which is a common foundation in pop and rock music. This sequence creates a sense of movement and longing, especially when paired with the minor chords (Am) and the borrowed C chord (which adds a touch of melancholy). In the chorus, the progression shifts to **I-V-iii-vi** (G-D-Em-C), introducing the Em chord for emotional contrast. The Roman numeral movement (I to V to ii/iii to vi) emphasizes the push-and-pull dynamic between stability (G) and tension (Am/Em). ## 🖐️ Fingering & Technique Tips For **G**, use the open chord shape (320003) with your index on 2nd fret, middle on 3rd, and ring on 5th. **D** (x00232) can be tricky for beginners—try using your index on 2nd fret (string 3) and middle on 3rd (string 2). **Am** (x02230) is straightforward, and **C** (x32010) might benefit from a simplified voicing: x32000 (barre on 3rd fret, strings 6-3). For **Em** (022000), use your index on 2nd fret (string 5) and middle on 2nd (string 4). A challenging transition is **G to C**—practice lifting your fingers early on G to avoid muting strings. For smoother shifts, use your pinky to barre on the 3rd fret for C, then roll your fingers down to Am. ## 🥁 Strumming Pattern & Rhythm Use a **down-up-down-up** pattern for verses, emphasizing the off-beats to add groove. In choruses, switch to a **downdown-upup** rhythm for more power. Dynamics are key: play verses softly (using your fingers to mute unnecessary strings) and let the chorus ring out with full strumming. The song’s energy builds gradually, so practice crescendos in the final chorus by adding more pressure on the strings. ## 🎵 Song Structure Walkthrough The song follows a **Verse → Chorus → Verse → Chorus → Bridge → Chorus** structure. The **intro** mirrors the first verse, so start with the G-D-Am-C progression. The **chorus** (G-D-Em-C) is the emotional climax—focus on clean, bold strumming here. The **bridge** ("This not goodbye...") uses the same verse chords but with a slower, more deliberate rhythm. Pay attention to the transition from the bridge to the final chorus, where the energy should feel explosive. ## 💡 Pro Practice Tip Master the **Em to C** transition in the chorus—it’s a common stumbling block. Practice this pair slowly with a metronome, ensuring your fingers lift and reposition cleanly. Once comfortable, add a subtle hammer-on from the 2nd to 3rd fret on the B string (Em) to add texture. This small detail will make your playing sound more polished and expressive.