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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
C · F · G · Am
Only the Good Die Young Chords – Guitar
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
C · F · G · Am
Only the Good Die Young Chords – Ukulele
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
C · F · G · Am
Only the Good Die Young Chords – Piano
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
C · F · G · Am
Only the Good Die Young Chords – Banjo
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
C · F · G · Am
Only the Good Die Young Chords – Mandolin
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
C · F · G · Am
Only the Good Die Young Chords – Harmonica
Billy Joel’s classic rock song about a young man trying to persuade a Catholic girl to go out with him. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.
Rock Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Keep the rhythm steady and driving.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
C – G
F
C
G
Verse 2
C – G
F
C
G
Chorus
F – C (×4)
Verse 3
C – G
F
C
G
Chorus
F – C (×4)
Bridge
F – C
G – F
C – G
F
Dm – G
Verse 4
C – G
F
C
G
Chorus
F – C (×4)
Outro
F – C (×9)
C (×2)
Practice tip: Focus on the quick change from C to G and back, as it’s the most common transition in the song.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Only the Good Die Young"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: C, F, G and Am.
Is "Only the Good Die Young" 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 "Only the Good Die Young" in?
It is in the key of C.
Who wrote "Only the Good Die Young"?
It was written by Billy Joel, and released in 1977.