Psycho Killer

How to play Psycho Killer by Talking Heads on guitar

“Psycho Killer” is a great song to learn because it locks into a tense, driving groove that feels cool and controlled once you get it moving. At about 120 BPM, you get a steady pulse that rewards clean changes and tight rhythm more than flashy playing.

You can stay mostly on open shapes here, with Am, A, F, G, C, Dm, and Em available, and only Gm and Bm calling for barre shapes. The main thing to watch is the opening move from Am to A to F to G, since that shift can feel awkward until your hands learn the path.

Start by looping the opening progression slowly and making each change sound even. Then add the rest of the song in short sections, keeping the rhythm steady before you try full tempo. Once the shapes feel automatic, bring it up to speed and focus on staying relaxed through every change.

Use the play-along above to follow each chord change in time with the music, or learn the shapes first with the chord diagrams below.