Legião Urbana is arguably the most important rock band in Brazilian history. Led by the brilliant Renato Russo, the band defined a generation with deeply poetic and emotionally charged lyrics. What makes them particularly appealing for guitar players is that many of their songs use simple chord progressions — the brilliance lies in the vocal melody and the poetry of the words.

If you are looking for Legião Urbana chords to play on guitar, this guide covers the 15 most iconic songs with practical tips for each one. All chord charts are available on Toca Aquela, free and ad-free.

Why Legião Urbana on Guitar?

Although Legião Urbana is a rock band, most of their songs work perfectly on acoustic guitar. Renato Russo was, above all, a songwriter — and songs work with just voice and guitar. Many tracks use only 3 to 5 chords, making them ideal for beginners. At the same time, the depth of the lyrics ensures that even experienced musicians enjoy playing them.

Renato Russo's trademark was turning simple chords into something grand through vocal delivery and the power of his words. This means that on guitar, you can focus on emotion and expression — you do not need advanced technique to move your audience.

The 15 Best Songs

1. Pais e Filhos (Key: G)

The most well-known Legião Urbana song and one of the most played on guitar across Brazil. The chord chart uses basically G, C, D, and Em — four chords every beginner learns first. The secret is in the gentle strumming and the fingerpicked intro. An essential song for any guitarist's repertoire. View full chord chart →

2. Tempo Perdido (Key: C)

"Every day when I wake up, I no longer have the time that has passed." Another song that uses basic chords: C, G, Am, and F. The challenge is the F barre chord — if you have not mastered it yet, use a capo on fret 1 and play with E shapes. One of the most philosophical lyrics in Brazilian rock. View full chord chart →

3. Será (Key: D)

The band's first big hit, from their 1985 debut album. Key of D major with D, A, G, and Bm chords. The original punk rock strumming can be adapted into a more intimate acoustic version. Lyrics that question everything — perfect for acoustic jam sessions. View full chord chart →

4. Eduardo e Mônica (Key: D)

The most famous love story in Brazilian rock. D major chords with passages through Bm, G, and A. The song has several sections with different dynamics — practice the transitions between the quieter and more energetic parts. Use the Toca Aquela transposer if you need to change the key. View full chord chart →

5. Faroeste Caboclo (Key: G)

The epic 9-minute-plus song telling the story of João de Santo Cristo. Key of G major with G, C, D, and Em chords. Despite its length, the chord progression is repetitive — the real challenge is memorizing the entire lyrics. A feat every Legião fan attempts at least once. View full chord chart →

6. Que País É Este (Key: E)

Straight-up angry rock with one of Renato Russo's most scathing lyrics. Key of E major with power chords in the original, but on acoustic guitar it works with E, A, and B7. The strumming should be strong and marked — this is a protest song, not a ballad. View full chord chart →

7. Índios (Key: A)

A reflection on colonization and the human condition. Key of A major with A, D, E, and F#m chords. The song has a dramatic crescendo that demands attention to dynamics. Start softly and build intensity as the lyrics demand. One of Renato Russo's most mature compositions. View full chord chart →

8. Ainda É Cedo (Key: A)

From the debut album, with post-punk influence. Key of A with a progression that includes minor chords creating a melancholic atmosphere. The original beat is more new wave, but it works beautifully as a fingerpicked acoustic version. View full chord chart →

9. Metal Contra as Nuvens (Key: D)

The band's most ambitious track — over 11 minutes of progressive rock. Key of D with intense dynamic changes. On guitar, focus on the main sections and practice the transitions. A song that demands dedication but rewards with a complete musical experience. View full chord chart →

10. Música Urbana (Key: E)

A track from the album "Dois" that showcases the band's more musical side. Key of E with chords that include seventh variations. Fingerpicking works better than strumming here — try using alternating bass with your thumb. View full chord chart →

11. Geração Coca-Cola (Key: A)

Brazilian-style punk rock. Key of A with just three chords: A, D, and E. One of the easiest on this list — perfect for beginners who want to play something with energy. The strumming should be fast and aggressive, in the 80s punk style. View full chord chart →

12. Monte Castelo (Key: C)

Renato Russo set passages from Luís de Camões and the Bible to music in this masterpiece. Key of C major with C, G, Am, F, and Em chords. The performance demands deep emotion — it is a song about love in its broadest sense. Gentle fingerpicking is the best approach. View full chord chart →

13. Quase Sem Querer (Key: G)

A delicate ballad from the album "Dois." Key of G with G, Em, C, and D chords. One of the most romantic Legião songs. Play with light fingerpicking and let the voice lead. Works perfectly for voice and guitar — a perfect choice for intimate moments. View full chord chart →

14. Soldados (Key: D)

An anti-war song with a striking melody. Key of D with a D, G, A, and Bm progression. The lyrics are among Renato Russo's most direct statements on war and violence. On guitar, keep the strumming steady and firm. View full chord chart →

15. Andrea Doria (Key: E)

Inspired by the sinking of the Italian ocean liner. Key of E with E, A, B, and C#m chords. A lesser-known track that showcases Renato Russo's versatility as a songwriter. On guitar, the progression flows naturally and it is a great song to expand your repertoire beyond the classics. View full chord chart →

Tips for Playing Legião Urbana

• Strumming vs. fingerpicking: Ballads (Pais e Filhos, Monte Castelo, Quase Sem Querer) call for fingerpicking. The rockier songs (Que País É Este, Geração Coca-Cola, Será) call for strong strumming. Knowing how to switch between both styles is essential.
• Barre chords: Several songs use F and Bm. If barre chords are still difficult, use a capo to avoid them temporarily while you develop your technique.
• Dynamics: Renato Russo was a master at creating contrast between soft and explosive sections. On guitar, reproduce this by varying the strength of your strumming hand — lighter on verses, stronger on choruses.
• Transposition: Renato Russo had a wide vocal range. Use the Toca Aquela transposer to find the key that works for your voice.
• Lyrics first: In Legião Urbana songs, the lyrics are the star. Memorize the words before worrying about perfect chord changes — your emotional connection to the words will improve your performance.

All Legião Urbana Chord Charts on Toca Aquela

This guide covers just 15 songs, but Toca Aquela has many Legião Urbana chord charts — all free, no ads, with key transposition and chord diagrams.

View all Legião Urbana chords →