The Complete Acoustic Guide to 'Where Is My Mind': Chords, Strumming & Lead Riff
By James H. Sterling
The entire foundation of the track rests on four chords: E major, C# minor, G# major, and A major. Understanding the mechanical relationship between these chords is critical for smooth transitions, particularly because the third chord disrupts conventional diatonic expectations.
In the key of E major, the standard third scale degree chord is G# minor. Francis intentionally plays a major G# (Ab major). That major third interval within the chord (C natural) introduces a chromatic pull that resolves upward by a single half-step to the tonic note of the following A major chord. This deliberate harmonic tension gives the song its unsettled, drifting mood.
To capture the percussive punch of the original track, play these shapes as movable barre chords rooted on the fifth and sixth strings:
- E Major: 7th fret barre on the A string (x-7-9-9-9-7) or the open position (0-2-2-1-0-0). Francis regularly played the open E on rhythm tracks while anchoring the rest of the sequence on barre shapes.
- C# Minor: 4th fret barre on the A string (x-4-6-6-5-4). Keep your index finger flat across the fretboard to silence unwanted string buzz.
- G# Major: 4th fret barre on the low E string (4-6-6-5-4-4). This shape requires substantial fret-hand stamina because every string is actively fretted.
- A Major: 5th fret barre on the low E string (5-7-7-6-5-5). Simply slide the G# shape up exactly one fret.
James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.
