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Intermediate acoustic guitar tabs for "Going Up Against Chaos" by Bruce Cockburn, in D minor at about 97 BPM. Transcribed from the track by Songscription. Available as an easy beginner, intermediate, or advanced arrangement.

Intermediate Acoustic Guitar Tabs for "Going Up Against Chaos" by Bruce Cockburn

Preview of the intermediate acoustic guitar tab arrangement for “Going Up Against Chaos” by Bruce Cockburn.

Going Up Against Chaos by Bruce Cockburn
Acoustic Guitar Tabs

Tab notationFretboard tab

The acoustic guitar part reads as a fretboard tab, arranged to sit naturally for the instrument.

Difficulty

Intermediate

For players comfortable with the basics.

Inside the music
Signature

Music DNA

Genrerock · folk · blues
Moodmelancholic · reflective
Signaturefolk‑rock storytelling with bluesy guitar phrasing
D minor
Key
97
BPM
4/4
Time
Chords

The progression

Dm7
G
Em
Dm
Am
G7
Am7
Form

Structure & dynamics

IntroVersePre‑chorusChorusVersePre‑chorusChorusBridgeInstrumental breakFinal chorusOutro
Instrumentation

What's in the mix

vocals
male baritone voice, clear and slightly raspy, delivering the lyrics in a narrative, storytelling style
acoustic guitar
fingerpicked arpeggios and strummed chords providing the harmonic backbone
bass guitar
warm, round, syncopated bassline driving the groove
electric guitar
clean, melodic lead lines and subtle double‑tracked harmonies
drums
steady, understated kit with brushed snare and soft kick, keeping a relaxed pulse
organ
warm, sustained organ pads filling the background with a mellow texture
Album & artist
ALBUM

The Trouble With Normal (1983)

Recorded in late 1982 and early 1983 at Manta Sound in Toronto, this album finds Cockburn sharpening his political focus with a harder-edged sound. It marked a transitional moment as he moved toward the more outspoken work that would follow.

All of The Trouble With Normal
Artist

Bruce Cockburn

Bruce Cockburn is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Ottawa who has been recording since the early 1970s. His music moves across folk, rock, jazz, and world music, and his lyrics frequently address spiritual themes, environmental concerns, and political injustice. He has long been one of Canada's most respected guitarists, and his catalog stretches across more than two dozen studio albums.

All Bruce Cockburn songs
How it works

From a recording to your part in three steps

  1. Step 1
    Bring the recording

    Paste a YouTube link or upload an audio file, the studio cut, a live take, or a cover.

  2. Step 2
    We transcribe it

    Our model listens and arranges this exact performance for acoustic guitar, at your chosen level.

  3. Step 3
    Play & export

    Read it on screen, transpose, slow it down, and export the tabs when it feels right.

Ready to play it?

Start from any recording, your acoustic guitar tabs in minutes.

FAQ

Good to know

What key is "Going Up Against Chaos" in?

"Going Up Against Chaos" by Bruce Cockburn is in D minor.

What is the tempo of "Going Up Against Chaos"?

"Going Up Against Chaos" plays at around 97 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chords are in "Going Up Against Chaos"?

The core progression is Dm7, G, Em, Dm, Am, and G7, built around the D minor tonal center.

What instruments play on "Going Up Against Chaos"?

The recording features acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, organ, and vocals.

Can I get "Going Up Against Chaos" acoustic guitar tabs?

Yes. This is the intermediate acoustic guitar tabs arrangement of "Going Up Against Chaos" by Bruce Cockburn, transcribed by Songscription.

Is "Going Up Against Chaos" acoustic guitar tabs easy to play?

"Going Up Against Chaos" acoustic guitar tabs comes in beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, so there is an easy version to start with. At 97 BPM in D minor with 7 chords to navigate, the part sits at a comfortable intermediate level. You can switch levels on this page before you save it.

Is there an easy, beginner version of "Going Up Against Chaos" acoustic guitar tabs?

Yes. The beginner acoustic guitar tabs for "Going Up Against Chaos" simplifies the busiest passages and rhythms while keeping the melody, so it is the easiest way to start. The intermediate and advanced arrangements are one tap away when you want more of the original.

What album is "Going Up Against Chaos" on?

"Going Up Against Chaos" appears on The Trouble With Normal (1983).

How does Songscription turn a song into sheet music?

Give it a recording, a YouTube link or an audio file, and its AI transcribes that performance into notation for the instrument and level you choose.

Can I get sheet music for a live or cover version?

Yes. The score is generated from whatever recording you pick, so a live take, a remix, or a cover each match that exact performance.

What instruments and formats are available?

Piano, guitar, violin, trumpet, sax, bass, drums, vocals and more, as standard sheet music, a piano roll, or guitar tabs.

Is Songscription free to use?

You can try it free, with no credit card needed.

Can I download the sheet music as a PDF?

Yes. You get a downloadable PDF, plus in-app playback and the option to transpose or adjust the arrangement before you print.

How accurate is the transcription?

It is produced by AI trained on millions of bars of music, and you can play it back and fine-tune any details before you download.

Is this transcription licensed?

Yes. We have licensed this track from its publisher, so we are permitted to transcribe it and provide the sheet music to you.

Transcribed from licensed catalogs by AI trained on millions of bars of music.

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