Bon Jovi - Livin' On A Prayer

How to play Bon Jovi - Livin' On A Prayer by BonJovi on guitar

This song is a great one to learn because it has a huge, uplifting feel and a steady pulse that makes you want to keep strumming. At about 120 BPM, you can lock into the groove quickly and feel the energy build as the progression repeats.

Most of the chart uses open shapes like Em, G, and D, so the left hand stays friendly for a beginner. The harder move to watch is Bm, since it is a barre shape and can slow you down when it comes in after G in the opening progression Em - G - Bm - Em.

Start by looping that opening progression slowly until the changes feel smooth, then add the rest of the song section by section. Once your fingers know the Bm shift, bring the tempo up in small steps and keep the strumming even.

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.