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Key
C
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
C · Am · F · G · Dm
New York State of Mind Chords – Guitar
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Key
C
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
C · Am · F · G · Dm
New York State of Mind Chords – Ukulele
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Key
C
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
C · Am · F · G · Dm
New York State of Mind Chords – Piano
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Key
C
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
C · Am · F · G · Dm
New York State of Mind Chords – Banjo
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Key
C
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
C · Am · F · G · Dm
New York State of Mind Chords – Mandolin
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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)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a gentle, swinging strum to mimic the piano’s rolling feel, and let the chords ring out.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
F – G
C – Am
F – G
C
F – G
C – Am
F – G – C
Verse 2
F – G
C – Am
F – G – C
F – G
C – Am
F – G – C
Chorus
F – G
C – Am
F – G
C – Am
F – G – C (×2)
F
G
F – G – C
Verse 3
F – G
C – Am
F – G – C
Chorus
F – G
C – Am
F – G
C – Am
F – G – C (×2)
F
G
F – G – C
Bridge
F – G
C – Am
F – G – C
F – G
C – Am
F – G – C
Chorus
F – G
C – Am
F – G
C – Am
F – G – C (×2)
F
G
F – G – C
Outro
F – G
C – Am
F – G – C (×2)
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.