Pop, Jazz

New York State of Mind Chords

Billy Joel Intermediate Key of C 5 Chords 4 min read Updated Jul 2026

Ctap to play

Amtap to play

Ftap to play

Gtap to play

Dmtap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Capo

None

Chords

C · Am · F · G · Dm

New York State of Mind Chords – Guitar

Billy Joel’s classic piano-driven ode to returning to the energy and familiarity of New York City. Intermediate difficulty in the key of C.

Swing Ballad (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a gentle, swinging strum to mimic the piano’s rolling feel, and let the chords ring out.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

F G

Some folks like to get away

C Am

Take a holiday from the neighborhood

F G

Hop a flight to Miami Beach

C

Or to Hollywood

F G

But I’m taking a Greyhound

C Am

On the Hudson River line

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Verse 2

F G

I’ve seen all the movie stars

C Am

In their fancy cars and their limousines

F G C

Been high in the Rockies under the evergreens

F G

But I know what I’m needing

C Am

And I don’t want to waste more time

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Chorus

F G

It was so easy living day by day

C Am

Out of touch with the rhythm and blues

F G

But now I need a little give and take

C Am

The New York Times, The Daily News

F G C

It comes down to reality, and it’s fine with me ’cause I’ve let it slide

F G C

I don’t care if it’s Chinatown or on Riverside

F

I don’t have any reasons

G

I’ve left them all behind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Verse 3

F G

I’m just taking a Greyhound

C Am

On the Hudson River line

F G C

‘Cause I’m in a New York state of mind

Chorus

F G

It was so easy living day by day

C Am

Out of touch with the rhythm and blues

F G

But now I need a little give and take

C Am

The New York Times, The Daily News

F G C

It comes down to reality, and it’s fine with me ’cause I’ve let it slide

F G C

I don’t care if it’s Chinatown or on Riverside

F

I don’t have any reasons

G

I’ve left them all behind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Bridge

F G

I’ve seen all the movie stars

C Am

In their fancy cars and their limousines

F G C

Been high in the Rockies under the evergreens

F G

But I know what I’m needing

C Am

And I don’t want to waste more time

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Chorus

F G

It was so easy living day by day

C Am

Out of touch with the rhythm and blues

F G

But now I need a little give and take

C Am

The New York Times, The Daily News

F G C

It comes down to reality, and it’s fine with me ’cause I’ve let it slide

F G C

I don’t care if it’s Chinatown or on Riverside

F

I don’t have any reasons

G

I’ve left them all behind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Outro

F G

I’m just taking a Greyhound

C Am

On the Hudson River line

F G C

‘Cause I’m in a New York state of mind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Practice tip: Master the F to G to C progression, as it’s the core of the song; practice the chorus slowly to get the chord changes in sync with the lyrical phrasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "New York State of Mind"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: C, Am, F, G and Dm.

Is "New York State of Mind" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "New York State of Mind" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "New York State of Mind"?

It was written by Billy Joel, and released in 1976.

Ctap to play

Amtap to play

Ftap to play

Gtap to play

Dmtap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

C · Am · F · G · Dm

New York State of Mind Chords – Ukulele

Billy Joel’s classic piano-driven ode to returning to the energy and familiarity of New York City. Intermediate difficulty in the key of C.

Swing Ballad (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a gentle, swinging strum to mimic the piano’s rolling feel, and let the chords ring out.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

F G

Some folks like to get away

C Am

Take a holiday from the neighborhood

F G

Hop a flight to Miami Beach

C

Or to Hollywood

F G

But I’m taking a Greyhound

C Am

On the Hudson River line

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Verse 2

F G

I’ve seen all the movie stars

C Am

In their fancy cars and their limousines

F G C

Been high in the Rockies under the evergreens

F G

But I know what I’m needing

C Am

And I don’t want to waste more time

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Chorus

F G

It was so easy living day by day

C Am

Out of touch with the rhythm and blues

F G

But now I need a little give and take

C Am

The New York Times, The Daily News

F G C

It comes down to reality, and it’s fine with me ’cause I’ve let it slide

F G C

I don’t care if it’s Chinatown or on Riverside

F

I don’t have any reasons

G

I’ve left them all behind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Verse 3

F G

I’m just taking a Greyhound

C Am

On the Hudson River line

F G C

‘Cause I’m in a New York state of mind

Chorus

F G

It was so easy living day by day

C Am

Out of touch with the rhythm and blues

F G

But now I need a little give and take

C Am

The New York Times, The Daily News

F G C

It comes down to reality, and it’s fine with me ’cause I’ve let it slide

F G C

I don’t care if it’s Chinatown or on Riverside

F

I don’t have any reasons

G

I’ve left them all behind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Bridge

F G

I’ve seen all the movie stars

C Am

In their fancy cars and their limousines

F G C

Been high in the Rockies under the evergreens

F G

But I know what I’m needing

C Am

And I don’t want to waste more time

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Chorus

F G

It was so easy living day by day

C Am

Out of touch with the rhythm and blues

F G

But now I need a little give and take

C Am

The New York Times, The Daily News

F G C

It comes down to reality, and it’s fine with me ’cause I’ve let it slide

F G C

I don’t care if it’s Chinatown or on Riverside

F

I don’t have any reasons

G

I’ve left them all behind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Outro

F G

I’m just taking a Greyhound

C Am

On the Hudson River line

F G C

‘Cause I’m in a New York state of mind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Practice tip: Master the F to G to C progression, as it’s the core of the song; practice the chorus slowly to get the chord changes in sync with the lyrical phrasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "New York State of Mind"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: C, Am, F, G and Dm.

Is "New York State of Mind" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "New York State of Mind" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "New York State of Mind"?

It was written by Billy Joel, and released in 1976.

Ctap to play

Amtap to play

Ftap to play

Gtap to play

Dmtap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

C · Am · F · G · Dm

New York State of Mind Chords – Piano

Billy Joel’s classic piano-driven ode to returning to the energy and familiarity of New York City. Intermediate difficulty in the key of C.

Swing Ballad (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a gentle, swinging strum to mimic the piano’s rolling feel, and let the chords ring out.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

F G

Some folks like to get away

C Am

Take a holiday from the neighborhood

F G

Hop a flight to Miami Beach

C

Or to Hollywood

F G

But I’m taking a Greyhound

C Am

On the Hudson River line

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Verse 2

F G

I’ve seen all the movie stars

C Am

In their fancy cars and their limousines

F G C

Been high in the Rockies under the evergreens

F G

But I know what I’m needing

C Am

And I don’t want to waste more time

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Chorus

F G

It was so easy living day by day

C Am

Out of touch with the rhythm and blues

F G

But now I need a little give and take

C Am

The New York Times, The Daily News

F G C

It comes down to reality, and it’s fine with me ’cause I’ve let it slide

F G C

I don’t care if it’s Chinatown or on Riverside

F

I don’t have any reasons

G

I’ve left them all behind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Verse 3

F G

I’m just taking a Greyhound

C Am

On the Hudson River line

F G C

‘Cause I’m in a New York state of mind

Chorus

F G

It was so easy living day by day

C Am

Out of touch with the rhythm and blues

F G

But now I need a little give and take

C Am

The New York Times, The Daily News

F G C

It comes down to reality, and it’s fine with me ’cause I’ve let it slide

F G C

I don’t care if it’s Chinatown or on Riverside

F

I don’t have any reasons

G

I’ve left them all behind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Bridge

F G

I’ve seen all the movie stars

C Am

In their fancy cars and their limousines

F G C

Been high in the Rockies under the evergreens

F G

But I know what I’m needing

C Am

And I don’t want to waste more time

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Chorus

F G

It was so easy living day by day

C Am

Out of touch with the rhythm and blues

F G

But now I need a little give and take

C Am

The New York Times, The Daily News

F G C

It comes down to reality, and it’s fine with me ’cause I’ve let it slide

F G C

I don’t care if it’s Chinatown or on Riverside

F

I don’t have any reasons

G

I’ve left them all behind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Outro

F G

I’m just taking a Greyhound

C Am

On the Hudson River line

F G C

‘Cause I’m in a New York state of mind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Practice tip: Master the F to G to C progression, as it’s the core of the song; practice the chorus slowly to get the chord changes in sync with the lyrical phrasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "New York State of Mind"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: C, Am, F, G and Dm.

Is "New York State of Mind" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "New York State of Mind" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "New York State of Mind"?

It was written by Billy Joel, and released in 1976.

Ctap to play

Amtap to play

Ftap to play

Gtap to play

Dmtap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

C · Am · F · G · Dm

New York State of Mind Chords – Banjo

Billy Joel’s classic piano-driven ode to returning to the energy and familiarity of New York City. Intermediate difficulty in the key of C.

Swing Ballad (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a gentle, swinging strum to mimic the piano’s rolling feel, and let the chords ring out.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

F G

Some folks like to get away

C Am

Take a holiday from the neighborhood

F G

Hop a flight to Miami Beach

C

Or to Hollywood

F G

But I’m taking a Greyhound

C Am

On the Hudson River line

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Verse 2

F G

I’ve seen all the movie stars

C Am

In their fancy cars and their limousines

F G C

Been high in the Rockies under the evergreens

F G

But I know what I’m needing

C Am

And I don’t want to waste more time

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Chorus

F G

It was so easy living day by day

C Am

Out of touch with the rhythm and blues

F G

But now I need a little give and take

C Am

The New York Times, The Daily News

F G C

It comes down to reality, and it’s fine with me ’cause I’ve let it slide

F G C

I don’t care if it’s Chinatown or on Riverside

F

I don’t have any reasons

G

I’ve left them all behind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Verse 3

F G

I’m just taking a Greyhound

C Am

On the Hudson River line

F G C

‘Cause I’m in a New York state of mind

Chorus

F G

It was so easy living day by day

C Am

Out of touch with the rhythm and blues

F G

But now I need a little give and take

C Am

The New York Times, The Daily News

F G C

It comes down to reality, and it’s fine with me ’cause I’ve let it slide

F G C

I don’t care if it’s Chinatown or on Riverside

F

I don’t have any reasons

G

I’ve left them all behind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Bridge

F G

I’ve seen all the movie stars

C Am

In their fancy cars and their limousines

F G C

Been high in the Rockies under the evergreens

F G

But I know what I’m needing

C Am

And I don’t want to waste more time

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Chorus

F G

It was so easy living day by day

C Am

Out of touch with the rhythm and blues

F G

But now I need a little give and take

C Am

The New York Times, The Daily News

F G C

It comes down to reality, and it’s fine with me ’cause I’ve let it slide

F G C

I don’t care if it’s Chinatown or on Riverside

F

I don’t have any reasons

G

I’ve left them all behind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Outro

F G

I’m just taking a Greyhound

C Am

On the Hudson River line

F G C

‘Cause I’m in a New York state of mind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Practice tip: Master the F to G to C progression, as it’s the core of the song; practice the chorus slowly to get the chord changes in sync with the lyrical phrasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "New York State of Mind"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: C, Am, F, G and Dm.

Is "New York State of Mind" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "New York State of Mind" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "New York State of Mind"?

It was written by Billy Joel, and released in 1976.

Ctap to play

Amtap to play

Ftap to play

Gtap to play

Dmtap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

C · Am · F · G · Dm

New York State of Mind Chords – Mandolin

Billy Joel’s classic piano-driven ode to returning to the energy and familiarity of New York City. Intermediate difficulty in the key of C.

Swing Ballad (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a gentle, swinging strum to mimic the piano’s rolling feel, and let the chords ring out.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

F G

Some folks like to get away

C Am

Take a holiday from the neighborhood

F G

Hop a flight to Miami Beach

C

Or to Hollywood

F G

But I’m taking a Greyhound

C Am

On the Hudson River line

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Verse 2

F G

I’ve seen all the movie stars

C Am

In their fancy cars and their limousines

F G C

Been high in the Rockies under the evergreens

F G

But I know what I’m needing

C Am

And I don’t want to waste more time

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Chorus

F G

It was so easy living day by day

C Am

Out of touch with the rhythm and blues

F G

But now I need a little give and take

C Am

The New York Times, The Daily News

F G C

It comes down to reality, and it’s fine with me ’cause I’ve let it slide

F G C

I don’t care if it’s Chinatown or on Riverside

F

I don’t have any reasons

G

I’ve left them all behind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Verse 3

F G

I’m just taking a Greyhound

C Am

On the Hudson River line

F G C

‘Cause I’m in a New York state of mind

Chorus

F G

It was so easy living day by day

C Am

Out of touch with the rhythm and blues

F G

But now I need a little give and take

C Am

The New York Times, The Daily News

F G C

It comes down to reality, and it’s fine with me ’cause I’ve let it slide

F G C

I don’t care if it’s Chinatown or on Riverside

F

I don’t have any reasons

G

I’ve left them all behind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Bridge

F G

I’ve seen all the movie stars

C Am

In their fancy cars and their limousines

F G C

Been high in the Rockies under the evergreens

F G

But I know what I’m needing

C Am

And I don’t want to waste more time

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Chorus

F G

It was so easy living day by day

C Am

Out of touch with the rhythm and blues

F G

But now I need a little give and take

C Am

The New York Times, The Daily News

F G C

It comes down to reality, and it’s fine with me ’cause I’ve let it slide

F G C

I don’t care if it’s Chinatown or on Riverside

F

I don’t have any reasons

G

I’ve left them all behind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Outro

F G

I’m just taking a Greyhound

C Am

On the Hudson River line

F G C

‘Cause I’m in a New York state of mind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Practice tip: Master the F to G to C progression, as it’s the core of the song; practice the chorus slowly to get the chord changes in sync with the lyrical phrasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "New York State of Mind"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: C, Am, F, G and Dm.

Is "New York State of Mind" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "New York State of Mind" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "New York State of Mind"?

It was written by Billy Joel, and released in 1976.

Ctap to play

Amtap to play

Ftap to play

Gtap to play

Dmtap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

C · Am · F · G · Dm

New York State of Mind Chords – Harmonica

Billy Joel’s classic piano-driven ode to returning to the energy and familiarity of New York City. Intermediate difficulty in the key of C.

Swing Ballad (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a gentle, swinging strum to mimic the piano’s rolling feel, and let the chords ring out.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

F G

Some folks like to get away

C Am

Take a holiday from the neighborhood

F G

Hop a flight to Miami Beach

C

Or to Hollywood

F G

But I’m taking a Greyhound

C Am

On the Hudson River line

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Verse 2

F G

I’ve seen all the movie stars

C Am

In their fancy cars and their limousines

F G C

Been high in the Rockies under the evergreens

F G

But I know what I’m needing

C Am

And I don’t want to waste more time

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Chorus

F G

It was so easy living day by day

C Am

Out of touch with the rhythm and blues

F G

But now I need a little give and take

C Am

The New York Times, The Daily News

F G C

It comes down to reality, and it’s fine with me ’cause I’ve let it slide

F G C

I don’t care if it’s Chinatown or on Riverside

F

I don’t have any reasons

G

I’ve left them all behind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Verse 3

F G

I’m just taking a Greyhound

C Am

On the Hudson River line

F G C

‘Cause I’m in a New York state of mind

Chorus

F G

It was so easy living day by day

C Am

Out of touch with the rhythm and blues

F G

But now I need a little give and take

C Am

The New York Times, The Daily News

F G C

It comes down to reality, and it’s fine with me ’cause I’ve let it slide

F G C

I don’t care if it’s Chinatown or on Riverside

F

I don’t have any reasons

G

I’ve left them all behind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Bridge

F G

I’ve seen all the movie stars

C Am

In their fancy cars and their limousines

F G C

Been high in the Rockies under the evergreens

F G

But I know what I’m needing

C Am

And I don’t want to waste more time

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Chorus

F G

It was so easy living day by day

C Am

Out of touch with the rhythm and blues

F G

But now I need a little give and take

C Am

The New York Times, The Daily News

F G C

It comes down to reality, and it’s fine with me ’cause I’ve let it slide

F G C

I don’t care if it’s Chinatown or on Riverside

F

I don’t have any reasons

G

I’ve left them all behind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Outro

F G

I’m just taking a Greyhound

C Am

On the Hudson River line

F G C

‘Cause I’m in a New York state of mind

F G C

I’m in a New York state of mind

Practice tip: Master the F to G to C progression, as it’s the core of the song; practice the chorus slowly to get the chord changes in sync with the lyrical phrasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "New York State of Mind"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: C, Am, F, G and Dm.

Is "New York State of Mind" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "New York State of Mind" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "New York State of Mind"?

It was written by Billy Joel, and released in 1976.