Kora Kagaz tha yeh maan mera Guitar Chords

Learn how to play Kora Kagaz Tha Yeh Maan Mera guitar chords, capo & no capo versions, beginner-friendly strumming and plucking patterns, and full lyrics with chords. Perfect for beginners and romantic Bollywood lovers!

Song Details

• Song: Kora Kagaz Tha Yeh Man Mera
• Movie: Aradhana (1969)
• Singers: Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar
• Composer: S.D. Burman
• Lyricist: Anand Bakshi
• Key: G Major (Original)
• Genre: Bollywood Classic, Romantic

Guitar Chords

No Capo Version (Original Scale: G Major)

Chords Used: G, C, D, Em
Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate

[Chorus]
G                C  
Kora kagaz tha ye maan mera  
D                 G  
Likh liya naam ispe tera

This version uses open chords, but requires some clean transitions between G–C–D, which makes it a great chord practice song.

Capo Version (Beginner Friendly – Capo on 3rd Fret)

Play these chords: E, A, B, C#m
Learn how to play Kora Kagaz Tha Yeh Maan Mera guitar chords with capo (Sounds like G, C, D, Em with capo on 3rd fret)

[Chorus]
E                A  
Kora kagaz tha ye maan mera  
B                 E  
Likh liya naam ispe tera

This version is great if you’re just getting comfortable with guitar and want to avoid the F chord or barres. The capo takes care of the pitch, while you play familiar shapes.

Strumming & Plucking Patterns

Beginner Strumming Pattern:

D D U U D U
(Down Down Up Up Down Up)

• This works beautifully for most parts of the song. Keep the feel slow and expressive.

Optional Advanced Strumming:

D DU UDU

• For more dynamics in the chorus, especially if you’re fingerpicking the verse.

Plucking Pattern (Fingerstyle Intro/Verse):

Try this simple arpeggio style plucking (no pick needed):

(for G chord)
6 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 3 – 4
(Thumb → Thumb → Index → Middle → Index → Thumb)

Use this pattern during the intro or softer verses. It gives a romantic, old-school Bollywood vibe.

Full Lyrics with Chords

[Capo Version shown below | Capo on 3rd Fret | Play E, A, B, C#m]

E                A  
Kora kagaz tha ye maan mera  
B                 E  
Likh liya naam ispe tera  
E                A  
Kora kagaz tha ye maan mera  
B                 E  
Likh liya naam ispe tera  

E               A  
Suna angan tha jeevan mera  
B                   E  
Bas gaya pyaar ispe tera  
C#m             A  
Tut na jaye sapne main darata hoon  
B                 E  
Nis din sapno mein dekha karata hoon  

E               A  
Tut na jaye sapne main darata hoon  
B                 E  
Nis din sapno mein dekha karata hoon  

E             A  
Naina kajraare, matware, ye ishaare  
B                   E  
Khali darpan tha ye maan mera  
E                A  
Rach gaya roop is mein tera  
B                 E  
Kora kagaz tha ye maan mera  
B                 E  
Likh liya naam ispe tera  

E                A  
Chaiyn ganwaaya maine nindiya ganwaai  
B                     E  
Sari sari raat jaagun don main duhai  
E                A  
Chaiyn ganwaaya maine nindiya ganwaai  
B                     E  
Sari sari raat jaagun don main duhai  

C#m             A  
Kahoon kya main aage, neha laage, ji naa laage  
B                  E  
Koi dushman tha ye maan mera  
E                  A  
Ban gaya meet ja ke tera  
B                 E  
Kora kagaz tha ye maan mera  
B                 E  
Likh liya naam ispe tera  

E                     A  
Baagon mein phoolon ke khilne se pehle  
B                      E  
Tere mere nainon ke milane se pehle  
E                     A  
Baagon mein phoolon ke khilne se pehle  
B                      E  
Tere mere nainon ke milane se pehle  

C#m          A  
Kahan kii ye baatein, mulaakaatein, aisi raaten  
B                 E  
Tuta tara tha ye maan mera  
E                   A  
Ban gaya chand hoke tera  
B                 E  
Kora kagaz tha ye maan mera  
B                 E  
Likh liya naam ispe tera  

How to Play – Tips for Guitarists

• Chord Transitions: Practice G to C (or E to A with capo) slowly first. This is the heart of the rhythm.
• Use Plucking for Verses: Adds an emotional depth—use your fingers rather than a pick.
• Strum Softly: This is a romantic ballad. Avoid aggressive strumming—keep it gentle and flowing.
• Sing Along: Helps with timing and chord memory. The melody helps guide transitions naturally.

Video Tutorial

🎬 Watch a Guitar Tutorial for Kora Kagaz Tha Yeh Man Mera

Pick a version that matches your capo use or preferred key!

Author’s Note

This song is close to my heart—not just because it’s a classic, but because it’s one of the first old Bollywood songs I learned on guitar. The slow tempo, the emotion in the lyrics, and the soft chord transitions make it perfect for anyone who wants to connect with their instrument on a deeper level. I struggled with switching between G and C at first, but once I added some fingerpicking, everything started flowing naturally. If you’re into soulful melodies, this is a must-learn. Stick with it—you’ll love how it sounds once you get the rhythm right.

Related Guitar Songs

• Lag Ja Gale – Guitar Chords
• Yeh Shaam Mastani – Guitar Chords
• Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas – Guitar Chords

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the original scale of this song?

A: G Major is the original scale. If you’re playing without a capo, use chords like G, C, D, Em.

Q2: Is this song suitable for beginners?

A: Yes! Especially with a capo on the 3rd fret—this lets you use simpler chord shapes like E, A, B, and C#m.

Q3: Can I play this fingerstyle?

A: Absolutely. Plucking works beautifully in the intro and verses. Try a simple 6-4-3-2-3-4 pattern on chords like G or E.

Q4: What makes this song special for learners?

A: It’s emotionally expressive, easy to sing along with, and great for practicing dynamic control and transitions.

Conclusion

Kora Kagaz Tha Yeh Man Mera is a timeless melody that deserves a spot in every guitarist’s playlist—especially if you’re into soulful Bollywood classics. Whether you’re fingerpicking or strumming, the feel of this song will connect you with your audience—and yourself.

So pick up that guitar, start slow, and feel the music flow. Don’t forget to share your version or tag us @StrumMuse when you play it!