Amtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Gtap to play
Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
Am · F · C · G
Hostage Chords – Guitar
Amtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Gtap to play
Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Am · F · C · G
Hostage Chords – Ukulele
Amtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Gtap to play
Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Am · F · C · G
Hostage Chords – Piano
Amtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Gtap to play
Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Am · F · C · G
Hostage Chords – Banjo
Amtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Gtap to play
Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Am · F · C · G
Hostage Chords – Mandolin
Amtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Gtap to play
Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Am · F · C · G
Hostage Chords – Harmonica
A haunting ballad by Billie Eilish about obsessive love and vulnerability. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.
Simple Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Use a light touch and let the chords ring out to match the song’s sparse, atmospheric feel.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
F – G
Am – F
F – G
Am – F
G
Am – F
G
Am – F
Chorus
C
F – G
Am – F
G – C
C – F
G – Am
F – G
Am – F
Verse 2
F – G
Am – F
F
G – Am
F
G
Am – F
G
Am – F
Chorus
C
F – G
Am – F
G – C
C – F
G – Am
F – G
Am – F
Bridge
F – G
Am – F
F – G
Am – F
F – G
Am – F
F – G
Am – F
Chorus
C
F – G
Am – F
G – C
C – F
G – Am
F – G
Am – F
Practice tip: The song uses only four chords (F, G, Am, C). Practice switching between F and Am, as this is the most common transition in the verses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Hostage"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, F, C and G.
Is "Hostage" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Hostage" in?
It is in the key of C.
Who wrote "Hostage"?
It was written by Billie Eilish, Finneas O'Connell, and released in 2017.