I'm Eighteen

How to play I'm Eighteen by Alice Cooper on guitar

These are the sounding chords. With a capo on fret 7 you play Am, F, G, A, Dm, E, the shapes the player above shows.

This is a great beginner song because it sits in a simple minor key and moves with a strong, direct rock feel. You get a tight, driving progression that is easy to loop, so it feels satisfying fast and helps you lock in the groove.

Most of the chart uses open shapes like Em, C, D, E, and Am, with B as the harder barre shape if it appears later. The main thing to watch is the move from Em to C and D, then back to Em, since that change needs clean timing and smooth hand movement.

Start by playing the opening progression slowly and evenly until the switches feel automatic. Then practice the same section with a steady count, and only speed it up once the chords land cleanly. When that feels solid, run the full song in short sections and keep the rhythm relaxed.

Use the play-along above to follow each chord change in time with the music, or learn the shapes first with the chord diagrams below.