Sad But True

Chords
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15
Original
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
Metallica – sad but true
Tuning:D  
(E= 6 open strings)
[Intro]
A5 Bb5 A5 Bb5
F5 E5
E5
E5
[Verse 1]
HEeyD5  
iE'm your life
i'm the one who tBb5akes yoEu there
HeyD5  
iE'm your life
i'm the one who Bb5caresE  
theyD5  
thEey betray
i'm your only tBb5rue fEriend now
theyD5  
thEey'll betray
i'm forever Bb5thereE  
[Chorus]
iF5'm youD5r drF5eamE5, make you real
iF5'm your D5eyes wA5hen you must steal
Bb5i'm youG5r paiA5n wG5hen you can't feelC5  
sad but F5true
F5i'm your D5dreF5am, E5mind astray
F5i'm your D5eyes wA5hile you're away
Bb5i'm your G5pain A5whiG5le you repay
C5you know it's sad but F5true
E5
sad but E5true
E5
[Verse 2]
EYouD5  
yEou're my mask
you're my cover, Bb5my shelEter
youD5  
yEou're my mask
you're the one Bb5who's Eblamed
doD5  
dEo my work
do my dirty worBb5k, scEapegoat
doD5  
dEo my deeds
for you're Bb5the onEe who's shamed
[Chorus]
F5i'm yoD5ur dF5reaE5m, make you real
iF5'm your D5eyes wA5hen you must steal
Bb5i'm youG5r paiA5n wG5hen you can't feelC5  
sad but F5true
[Bridge]
F5i'm your D5dreF5am, E5mind astray
F5i'm your D5eyes wA5hile you're away
Bb5i'm your G5pain A5whiG5le you repay
C5you know it's sad but F5true
E5
sad but E5true
[Interlude]
A5 Bb5 A5 Bb5 A5
Bb5 A5 Bb5
[Solo]
E5
E5 A5 Bb5 G5 Bb5 A5 Bb5 G5 Bb5 A5
Bb5 G5 Bb5 A5 Bb5 G5 Bb5 A5
F5i'm your D5drF5eamE5  
F5i'm your D5eyesA5  
Bb5i'm your G5pA5ainG5  
C5you know it's sad but F5true
[Solo]
E5
[Verse 3]
EHatD5e
iE'm your hate
i'm your hate wheBb5n you wEant love
PayD5  
pEay the price
pay, for nothinBb5g's faEir
heD5y
iE'm your life
i'm the one who Bb5took Eyou here
heyD5  
iE'm your life
and i no loBb5nger cEare
[Chorus 2]
F5i'm yoD5ur dF5reaE5m, make you real
iF5'm your D5eyes wA5hen you must steal
Bb5i'm youG5r paiA5n wG5hen you can't feelC5  
sad but F5true
iF5'm youD5r truF5th, E5telling lies
iF5'm yoD5ur reasA5oned alibis
Bb5i'm G5insiA5de, G5open your eyes
C5i'm F5youE5  
sad but E5true
E5
All chords in this song (9)

The story behind the song

"Sad But True" captures a powerful, unstoppable force, with a riff that became huge when the band decided to tune down. This heavy, driving core was actually conceived much earlier, during the era of Master of Puppets. It became a defining track from their 1991 self-titled album, showcasing a shift in their sound. Playing it feels like unleashing a massive, undeniable presence.

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About Sad But True Chords by Metallica

Learn how to play Sad But True by Metallica with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Sad But True chords”, “Sad But True guitar chords”, or “Metallica Sad But True chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Sad But True chords and for experienced players who want accurate Sad But True lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include D, E, A5, Bb5, F5, E5.

FAQ — Sad But True by Metallica

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Is "Sad But True" easy to play on guitar?

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What key is "Sad But True" in?

The chords for "Sad But True" show the original chord names (including D, E, A5, Bb5, F5, E5). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.