“All of Me” is John Legend’s heart-melting 2013 ballad and one of the most beloved modern wedding songs.
The original recording is in F minor, but it’s most easily played using E minor chord shapes with a capo on the 1st fret — which makes it a perfect fit for the E-minor series here. The capo is recommended for matching the recording, but optional: without it, you’ll play the song one half-step lower and it still sounds beautiful.
The song mixes basic open chords (Em, C, G, D, Am) with some jazzy variations: Cmaj7, a few add9 chords, and a couple of slash chords. Don’t be intimidated by the names — they’re all slight twists on chords you already know. See the notes below for what “add9” actually means and how slash chord notation works.
The Chords You’ll Need
Main Chords
Jazzy Variations
Slash Chords
Chord Chart
Intro Em C G D (x2) Verse 1 Em Cmaj7 G What would I do without your smart mouth D Em Drawing me in, and you kicking me out C G D Em Got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down Cmaj7 G What's going on in that beautiful mind D Em I'm on your magical mystery ride Cadd9 G D Amadd9 And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me, but I'll be alright Pre-Chorus A Am G My head's under water D Amadd9 But I'm breathing fine G D You're crazy and I'm out of my mind Chorus 1 G Cause all of me Emadd9 Loves all of you Am/C Love your curves and all your edges C/D D All your perfect imperfections G Give your all to me Emadd9 I'll give my all to you Am/C You're my end and my beginning C/D D Even when I lose I'm winning Em C G Dadd9 Cause I give you all, all of me Em C G Dadd9 And you give me all, all of you, oh Verse 2 Em C G How many times do I have to tell you D Em Even when you're crying you're beautiful too C G D Em The world is beating you down, I'm around through every mood C G You're my downfall, you're my muse D Em My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues C G D Am I can't stop singing, it's ringing, in my head for you Pre-Chorus A (repeated) Am G My head's under water D Amadd9 But I'm breathing fine G D You're crazy and I'm out of my mind Chorus 2 G Cause all of me Emadd9 Loves all of you Am/C Love your curves and all your edges C/D D All your perfect imperfections G Give your all to me Emadd9 I'll give my all to you Am/C You're my end and my beginning C/D D Even when I lose I'm winning Em C G Dadd9 Cause I give you all, all of me Em C G Dadd9 And you give me all, all of you, oh Am Give me all of you Pre-Chorus B (Am) G Cards on the table D Amadd9 We're both showing hearts Am G D Risking it all, though it's hard Chorus 3 G Cause all of me Emadd9 Loves all of you Am/C Love your curves and all your edges C/D D All your perfect imperfections G Give your all to me Emadd9 I'll give my all to you Am/C You're my end and my beginning C/D D Even when I lose I'm winning Em C G Dadd9 Cause I give you all, all of me Em C G Dadd9 And you give me all, all of you Outro Em C G D I give you all, all of me Em C G D And you give me all, all of you, oh
What is an “add9” chord?
An add9 chord is just a basic chord with one extra note added — specifically, the
next letter name above the root, raised an octave. So Amadd9 adds a B (one letter
above A), Cadd9 adds a D, Dadd9 adds an E, and Emadd9 adds an F#. The added note
gives the chord a sweet, jazzy color that’s a signature sound of modern R&B and pop ballads.
About slash chords (Am/C and C/D)
Slash notation means “play this chord with a different note in the bass.” Am/C is
an Am chord with C as the lowest note; C/D is a C chord with D as the lowest note.
These bass changes create smooth, walking bass lines that make the chord changes
feel cinematic.
Practice Tips
- The underlying progression for most of the song is Em → C → G → D — lock in that loop first and you’ve got the song’s skeleton.
- The add9 and maj7 chords are flourishes, not necessities. If they trip you up, substitute the basic chord (Em for Emadd9, Am for Amadd9, C for Cmaj7, D for Dadd9). The song still works beautifully.
- The slash chords (Am/C → C/D) in the chorus create an ascending bass line that’s the song’s signature emotional move. Even if you can’t nail the exact voicings, try to keep the bass note rising as you change chords — it captures the feeling.
- This song is meant to be played slow and sustained. Let each chord ring fully and resist any urge to rush. The pace is what makes the melody land.