Atap to play
Etap to play
Btap to play
Dtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
A · E · B · D
Big Yellow Taxi Chords – Guitar
Atap to play
Etap to play
Btap to play
Dtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
A · E · B · D
Big Yellow Taxi Chords – Ukulele
Atap to play
Etap to play
Btap to play
Dtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
A · E · B · D
Big Yellow Taxi Chords – Piano
Atap to play
Etap to play
Btap to play
Dtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
A · E · B · D
Big Yellow Taxi Chords – Banjo
Atap to play
Etap to play
Btap to play
Dtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
A · E · B · D
Big Yellow Taxi Chords – Mandolin
Atap to play
Etap to play
Btap to play
Dtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
A · E · B · D
Big Yellow Taxi Chords – Harmonica
Joni Mitchell’s classic environmental folk-pop song about paradise being paved over. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.
Folk Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
123456
Tip: This song uses a simple four-chord progression; focus on keeping a light, bouncy rhythm.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
A – E
D – A
A – E
D – A (×2)
Chorus
E – D
A – E
D
A – E
D – A (×2)
Verse 2
A – E
D – A
A – E
D – A (×2)
Chorus
E – D
A – E
D
A – E
D – A (×2)
Bridge
A – E
D – A
Verse 3
A – E
D – A
A – E
D – A (×2)
Chorus
E – D
A – E
D
A – E
D – A (×2)
Practice tip: Master the A, D, and E chords first, as they form the core of the song; the progression is mostly A-D-E-D-A.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Big Yellow Taxi"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: A, E, B and D.
Is "Big Yellow Taxi" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Big Yellow Taxi" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Big Yellow Taxi"?
It was written by Joni Mitchell, and released in 1970.