Paranoid — Chords

Black Sabbath
Key E (power chords)Tuning Standard (record slightly sharp)Capo None

🎼 Main chord progression

Verse
E5›D5›G5›D5
Riff center
E5
All power chords, driving 8th-note downpicks.
Chord names for the main progression — a starting point, verify by ear. No lyrics or full tab reproduced.

🎸 How to play each chord

E512×××D5××13×G5213
Standard fingerings (low E → high e). Numbers = which finger; × = don’t play, ○ = open string. Tap a chord for the full how-to.

🎛️ The tone — adapted to your gear

1964 Gibson SG Special (aka 'Monkey') · Laney Supergroup MK1 LA100BL (100-watt head) with Laney 4x12 cabinet (Celestion G12-25M speakers lik

Original amp EQ — bass 3 · mid 8.5 · treble 8 · gain 7.5 · presence 7.5

🎚️ Get this exact tone on YOUR rig — free →

Full tone breakdown & guide →

❓ Paranoid — FAQ

What key is Paranoid in?

Paranoid is in E (power chords).

What chords does Paranoid use?

The main progression uses E5, D5, G5. Tuning: Standard (record slightly sharp). Capo: None.

How do I get the Paranoid guitar tone?

GuitarToneAdapt re-dials the original Paranoid tone for the exact guitar, amp and pickups you own — free, in the browser.

🎸 More chords + tones

Let It BeWith or Without YouWhen I Come Around

Generate more chord progressions in any key → · Transpose these chords / capo finder → · Free online tuner → · Free metronome → · Browse all 1,100+ tones → · Open the free app →

Chords are factual progressions compiled for reference. Tone data © GuitarToneAdapt — adapt any song to your exact rig at guitartoneadapt.com.