Keith Urban Performs "Wild Hearts" (Live) Learn with me...
To help you master the energy of "Wild Hearts," here is the core chord progression for the chorus.
The Chorus Progression
The song is in the key of A paramount+ Major. The chorus follows a high-energy, driving progression that focuses on these four chords:
A — E — F#m — D
In terms of Roman Numeral analysis (the "Nashville Number System"), this is a I — V — vi — IV progression—the "golden" progression of modern music because scooter of how effectively it builds momentum and emotional release.
Quick Guitar Shapes (Standard Tuning)
• A Major: X-0-2-2-2-0
• E Major: 0-2-2-1-0-0
• F#m (F Sharp Minor): 2-4-4-2-2-2 (Barre chord)
• D Major: X-X-0-2-3-2
The Rhythm & Feel
Keith Urban uses a very specific percussive strumming style here. To get that "Urban" sound:
1. Palm Muting: Use the side of your picking hand to lightly touch the strings near the bridge during the verses to create a "chugging" sound.
2. The "Big Open" Chorus: When you hit the chorus ("Has anybody ever told you..."), stop the muting and let the chords ring out fully.
3. Syncopation: Focus on the "up-strums." The energy in his playing often comes from emphasizing the off-beats.
Pro-Tip
If you want to play along exactly, Keith often tunes his guitar down a half-step (Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb). If you do this, you would play the shapes for Bb — F — Gm — Eb to match the recorded pitch while using the familiar fingerings above.
The Bridge Section
The bridge provides a brief, stripped-back moment before the final explosive chorus. It uses the same chords as the verse or chorus, but the delivery changes to a "diamond" style (one single strum per chord).
The Progression: B — A — E — B (Twice)
Lyrics: "This goes out to the drifters..." (B)
"And all of the dreamers..." (A)
"Ready to fly..." (E)
"Yeah..." (B)
4. The Pick Technique
One of Keith’s unique tricks is using a Herco Flex 75 nylon pick and holding it sideways. Using the textured "grip" side of the pick against the strings creates a raspy, chirpy attack that you can't get with a standard smooth pick edge.
The F#m barre chord is often the "final boss" for guitarists moving into intermediate playing. Since you’re focused on the advancement of your skill, here is the most efficient way to conquer it without straining your hand.
1. The "Roll" Technique
Instead of trying to press your index finger flat across all six strings like a board, roll it slightly onto its side (towards the headstock).
The side of your finger is boney and harder than the fleshy underside.
This creates a much cleaner "barre" with significantly less physical pressure required.
2. Low Action & Placement
Placement: Get your barring finger as close to the actual metal fret wire as possible (without being on top of it). The closer you are to the fret, the less force you need to make the note ring clear.
The "L" Shape: Think of your thumb and index finger forming a strong "L" or a clamp. Keep your thumb centered on the back of the neck, roughly behind your middle finger.
3. The "Cheater" Version (Discovery Hack)
If you want to keep the momentum of the song going roast of kevin hart while you build up your hand strength, Keith Urban himself often uses a "Thumb-Over" grip. This is a staple of blues and rock:
Use your Thumb to hook over the top of the neck and fret the low E string (2nd fret).
Use your Ring and Pinky fingers for the A and D strings (4th fret).
Bar the remaining strings with your index finger, or just focus on the middle strings.
Mastery Drill: Try alternating between the E Major and F#m ten times in a row. Don't worry about speed yet; just focus on making every string ring clearly.
Enjoy the process of discovery—there's nothing quite like the moment a tough chord finally "clicks" and becomes part of your musical DNA.
