Losing My Religion

How to play Losing My Religion by R.E.M. on guitar

This is a great song to learn because the progression is memorable and the groove stays steady at a moderate pace. You get a strong, familiar feel right away, and once the changes settle in, it is satisfying to keep the pattern moving without rushing.

Most of the chart uses open shapes, with one harder barre shape mixed in, so the hands stay fairly comfortable overall. The main change to watch is the opening move from F to G to Am to D, since that shift sets the flow and can expose any hesitation between shapes.

Start by looping F - G - Am - D slowly until the changes feel automatic. Then add the rest of the chart in short sections, keeping your hand relaxed and your timing even. When the switches feel clean, bring it up to tempo and focus on consistency rather than speed.

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.