Rock, Folk

Atlantic City Chords

Bruce Springsteen Beginner Key of G 4 Chords 2 min read Updated Jul 2026

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Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

Em · C · G · D

Atlantic City Chords – Guitar

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Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

Em · C · G · D

Atlantic City Chords – Ukulele

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Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

Em · C · G · D

Atlantic City Chords – Piano

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Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

Em · C · G · D

Atlantic City Chords – Banjo

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Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

Em · C · G · D

Atlantic City Chords – Mandolin

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Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

Em · C · G · D

Atlantic City Chords – Harmonica

Bruce Springsteen’s stark narrative about hope and desperation in a fading city. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Chords used: Em, C, G, D · Key: G · Difficulty: Beginner

Folk Rock Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

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Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match Springsteen’s original key of A, but these chords are written for open position playing in G.

Chords & Structure

Full Song

Verse 1

G – C – G

D – C

G – C – G – D

C – G

Verse 2

G – C – G

D – C

G – C – G – D

C – G

C – G – D – C

Chorus

G – C – G

D – C – G

C – G – D

C – G

C – G – D (×5)

Verse 3

G – C – G

D – C

G – C – G

D – C – G

Chorus

G – C – G

D – C – G

C – G – D

C – G

C – G – D (×5)

Verse 4

G – C – G

D – C

G – C – G – D

C – G

Chorus

G – C – G

D – C – G

C – G – D

C – G

C – G – D (×5)

Outro

G – C – G

D

C

G

Practice tip: The song uses only four chords (G, C, D, and a brief Am). Practice the G to C and C to D transitions slowly, as they are the most common changes in this arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Atlantic City"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Em, C, G and D.

Is "Atlantic City" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Atlantic City" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Atlantic City"?

It was written by Bruce Springsteen, and released in 1982.