Dukhi Man Mere
Last updated: 26/7/2026
🎤 Kishore Kumar, S.D. Burman🎼 Key: C# MajorLevel: Intermediatechords
A beautiful Bollywood song by Kishore Kumar, S.D. Burman with soulful guitar chords and strumming patterns.
Guitar Chords
Key0
Size16
## Chords Used
C#--F#--B
C# Jahaan nahin F# chaina,
wahaan nahin C# rahana.. F#
F# Dard hamaara koi n jaane,
F# apani ga B raj ke sab hai F# diwane
Kis ke B aage rona F# roye,
C# des paraaya log F# begaane
F# Dukhi man C# mere, sun mera kahana
C# Jahaan nahin F# chaina,
wahaan nahin C# rahana.. F#
F# Laakh yahaan jholi faila le,
F# kuch nahi B denge is jaga F# wale
Patthar B ke dil mom na F# honge,
C# chaahe jitana nir F# baha le
F# Dukhi man C# mere, sun mera kahana
C# Jahaan nahin F# chaina,
wahaan nahin C# rahana.. F#
F# Apane liye kab hain ye mele,
F# ham hai B har ek mele me F# akele
Kya paa B ega us men F# rah kar,
C# jo duniya jiwan se F# khele
## 🎸 Song Overview & Key
"Dukhi Man Mere" is a melancholic Bollywood classic with a soulful, introspective mood. The song is rooted in **C# minor**, a key that gives it a haunting, emotional depth typical of S.D. Burman's compositions. The tempo is moderate, allowing space for expressive phrasing and lyrical nuance. What makes this song unique is its use of **chromaticism**—the [C#] and [F#] chords create a tense, unresolved feel, while the [Bm] adds a bittersweet resolution. This interplay mirrors the song’s theme of longing and sorrow.
## 📐 Chord Progression Analysis
The chord progression revolves around **[C#], [F#], and [Bm]**, forming a cycle that feels both restless and yearning. The [C#] to [F#] movement is a **ii-V progression** in C# minor, creating a sense of forward motion, while [Bm] acts as a **relative major** chord, offering fleeting hope. The Roman numeral analysis would be:
- **i (C#m)** → **IV (F#)** → **III (Bm)**.
This progression leans heavily on **chromatic tension**, especially between [C#] and [F#], which are a tritone apart—a hallmark of Indian classical and Bollywood music for emotional intensity.
## 🖐️ Fingering & Technique Tips
The chords here are **barre chords** and can be tricky for beginners. For [C#], barre your index finger across the 1st fret (6th string to 2nd string), then shape a minor chord with your other fingers. If this feels too stiff, try a **simplified voicing** using the 3rd and 4th frets (e.g., 6th string 3rd fret for the root). For [F#], use a standard F# barre chord (index on 2nd fret) or an easier **open E shape** shifted up two frets. The biggest challenge is transitioning between [C#] and [F#]; practice these slowly, focusing on **smooth finger movement** and **even pressure** on the fretboard.