Chords + Lyrics | Money (That’s What I Want)
Intro
||: N.C :|| x4
||: F riff | F riff :||
| C | Bb | F riff | C5 |
Verse 1
| F N.C | N.C Bb C |
The best things in life are free,
| F N.C | N.C |
but you can give them to the birds and bees,
| Bb (F riff) | Bb (F riff) |
I need money (that’s what I want).
| F riff | F riff |
That’s what I want (that’s what I want).
| C | Bb | F riff | C5 |
That’s what I want (that’s what I want). That’s what I want (that’s what I want).
Verse 2
| F N.C | N.C Bb C |
Your love give me such a thrill,
| F N.C | N.C F |
but your love don’t pay my bills,
| Bb riff | Bb riff |
I need money (that’s what I want).
| F riff | F riff |
That’s what I want (that’s what I want).
| C | Bb | F riff | C5 |
That’s what I want (that’s what I want). That’s what I want (that’s what I want).
Solo
| F7 | F7 | F7 | F7 |
| Bb7 | Bb7 | F7 | F7 |
| C7 | Bb7 | F7 | C7 |
Verse 3
| F N.C | N.C Bb5 |
Money don’t get everything it’s true,
| F N.C | N.C F7 |
but what it don’t get, I can’t use,
| Bb7 | Bb7 |
I need money (that’s what I want).
| F7 | F7 |
That’s what I want (that’s what I want).
| C | Bb | F7 | C5 |
That’s what I want (that’s what I want). That’s what I want (that’s what I want).
Outro chorus 1
| F7 | F7 | F7 | F7 |
Money (that’s what I want). Lots of money (that’s what I want).
| Bb7 | Bb7 | F7 | F7 |
Whole lot of money (that’s what I want). That’s what I want (that’s what I want).
| C | Bb | F riff | C5 |
That’s what I want (that’s what I want, that’s what I want).
Outro chorus 2
| F riff | F riff | F riff | F riff |
Money (that’s what I want). Give me money (that’s what I want).
| Bb riff | Bb riff | F riff | F riff |
Ah, lots of money (that’s what I want). That’s what I want (that’s what I want).
| C | Bb | F riff | C5 |
That’s what I want (that’s what I want). That’s what I need (that’s what I want). Whoo.
| F riff | F riff | F riff | F riff | to fade
Money (that’s what I want, ah ha ha).
Money (That’s What I Want) Backing Track | Chord Analysis
Above is a studio-recorded backing track featuring a live band—minus the guitar. This looped format is used in the course to practise each section independently, helping you prepare to perform Money (That’s What I Want) live.
Unlike many other tunes, this one offers you creative freedom in how you approach the riff and its relationship with the chord changes. Read on to learn how.
Chord Progressions – What’s Going On?
The chord structure in Money (That’s What I Want) is based on a 12-bar blues progression in F. However, things get interesting when it comes to the riff.
In the original recording, the guitar sticks to the F riff—even when the band modulates to Bb (chord IV). This isn’t the case in most cover versions (e.g. The Beatles or Roy Orbison), where the riff follows the chords.
What I ended up playing is a hybrid—a blend of influences shaped by years of studying the song. Instead of copying one source, I built a part that works with my specific band setup.
You’re encouraged to do the same. Start with what I play, then adapt. Decide whether your riff should move with the chords or stay rooted in F for effect.
Here’s how the basic 12-bar form maps out using Roman numerals:
| F7 (I) | F7 | F7 | F7 |
| Bb7 (IV) | Bb7 | F7 | F7 |
| C7 (V) | Bb7 | F7 | C5 |
There are also stops throughout the song, and the progression is structured in three key sections:
- A section – Verse (with stops)
- B section – Solo (free-flowing)
- C section – Outro chorus (no stops, recommended to shift riff to Bb here)
Here’s a chord chart:
Money (That’s What I Want) Chord Chart | PDF + iReal Pro Download
Once you’ve nailed the riff and decided whether or not to move with the chords, the chart above will keep you locked into the arrangement.
- Download PDF: Money (That’s What I Want) chord chart PDF
- Download iReal Pro: Money (That’s What I Want) iReal Pro
The chart uses an A/B/C structure to reflect how the stops and solo sections divide up the form. If you’re using iRealPro, you can transpose it quickly to suit any key or band arrangement.
Below, you’ll find a full performance of the tune, followed by a preview from the course detailing how I designed the solo, incorporating and developing the vocal melody.
Money (That’s What I Want) TAB | Course Preview
In this section of the course, we take a deep dive into the solo and explore several approaches to improvising over the 12-bar form.
I created the solo in the video above using a method that builds from the vocal melody. Here’s the process we explore:
- Learn the vocal melody in multiple positions on the neck.
- Use its note choices, but vary the rhythm.
- Use its rhythm, but change the notes.
- Blend in riffs and motifs from the rest of the song.
- Add chord tones and licks for contrast.
The goal is to develop a solo that’s rooted in the song’s language—but personal to you.
Here’s the TAB for the solo I ended up recording:
To start learning, here’s a link to the full 8-step guitar lessons: Money (That’s What I Want) – Guitar Lessons with TAB.
From Money to Empire: The Story of Motown’s First Big Hit
Money (That’s What I Want) was the first successful single released by Motown in 1959.
Written by Motown’s founder, Berry Gordy, and performed by Barrett Strong, it marked the beginning of one of the most significant musical movements in popular music history.
Before the label had even found its signature sound, this blues-inspired pop tune crossed over from Black musicians to white radio, and the money started rolling in for Gordy to build his musical empire.
It wasn’t smooth sailing from the start—Money (That’s What I Want) had to be released twice, as did the label’s second successful single, Shop Around (1960).
Motown’s first #1 came the following year with Please Mr. Postman by The Marvelettes, followed in 1962 by another Berry Gordy-penned hit, Do You Love Me.
By the end of 1962, You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me added another success to the label’s growing list.
This might sound impressive—five big hits—but considering Motown had released 140 singles in four years, and Gordy himself had written two of them, doubt must have crept in at times.
The following year, with Stevie Wonder, Martha and the Vandellas, and Marvin Gaye all releasing records, it was full steam ahead. If money was what Berry wanted, he certainly got it!
Money (That’s What I Want) Chords: Continue Learning
After learning the very interesting main riff of Money (That’s What I Want), you’ll discover there’s plenty more to explore in these lessons.
Along with variations on the turnaround, we also have a solo to sink our teeth into. This is an important lesson, as the concept can be applied to building any solo.
Start learning with the full lesson series: Money (That’s What I Want) – Guitar Lessons with TAB.
Alternatively, here are five similar tunes you might enjoy:
