Rock, Folk

Piano Man Chords

Billy Joel Intermediate Key of C 6 Chords 2 min read Updated Jul 2026

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Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Capo

None

Chords

C · G · F · Am · D · E

Piano Man Chords – Guitar

Billy Joel’s signature song. A masterful story told in waltz time that works beautifully on guitar.

Waltz (3/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑↓↑

123456

Tip: This is in 3/4 time (waltz). Count 1-2-3, 1-2-3. Strum down on beat 1, lighter on beats 2 and 3. The harmonica intro can be played as a C-G-F pattern.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G F C

It’s nine o'clock on a Saturday

F C D G

The regular crowd shuffles in

C G F C

There’s an old man sitting next to me

F G C

Makin’ love to his tonic and gin

Chorus

Am D Am D

Sing us a song, you’re the piano man

Am D G G

Sing us a song tonight

C G F C

Well, we’re all in the mood for a melody

F G C

And you’ve got us feelin’ alright

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the chords

This song uses 6 chords in the key of C: C G F Am D E. Get each shape clean on its own first.

2

Practice the changes

Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.

3

Add the strumming

Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.

4

Play along

Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.

Tip: The F barre chord is the tricky one — use Fmaj7 (skip the low E and A strings) while you build finger strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Piano Man"?

You need 6 intermediate-friendly chords: C, G, F, Am, D and E.

Is "Piano Man" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 6 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Piano Man" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "Piano Man"?

It was written by Billy Joel, and released in 1973.

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Ftap to play

Amtap to play

Dtap to play

Etap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

C · G · F · Am · D · E

Piano Man Chords – Ukulele

Billy Joel’s signature song. A masterful story told in waltz time that works beautifully on guitar.

Waltz (3/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑↓↑

123456

Tip: This is in 3/4 time (waltz). Count 1-2-3, 1-2-3. Strum down on beat 1, lighter on beats 2 and 3. The harmonica intro can be played as a C-G-F pattern.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G F C

It’s nine o'clock on a Saturday

F C D G

The regular crowd shuffles in

C G F C

There’s an old man sitting next to me

F G C

Makin’ love to his tonic and gin

Chorus

Am D Am D

Sing us a song, you’re the piano man

Am D G G

Sing us a song tonight

C G F C

Well, we’re all in the mood for a melody

F G C

And you’ve got us feelin’ alright

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the chords

This song uses 6 chords in the key of C: C G F Am D E. Get each shape clean on its own first.

2

Practice the changes

Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.

3

Add the strumming

Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.

4

Play along

Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.

Tip: The F barre chord is the tricky one — use Fmaj7 (skip the low E and A strings) while you build finger strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Piano Man"?

You need 6 intermediate-friendly chords: C, G, F, Am, D and E.

Is "Piano Man" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 6 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Piano Man" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "Piano Man"?

It was written by Billy Joel, and released in 1973.

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Ftap to play

Amtap to play

Dtap to play

Etap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

C · G · F · Am · D · E

Piano Man Chords – Piano

Billy Joel’s signature song. A masterful story told in waltz time that works beautifully on guitar.

Waltz (3/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑↓↑

123456

Tip: This is in 3/4 time (waltz). Count 1-2-3, 1-2-3. Strum down on beat 1, lighter on beats 2 and 3. The harmonica intro can be played as a C-G-F pattern.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G F C

It’s nine o'clock on a Saturday

F C D G

The regular crowd shuffles in

C G F C

There’s an old man sitting next to me

F G C

Makin’ love to his tonic and gin

Chorus

Am D Am D

Sing us a song, you’re the piano man

Am D G G

Sing us a song tonight

C G F C

Well, we’re all in the mood for a melody

F G C

And you’ve got us feelin’ alright

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the chords

This song uses 6 chords in the key of C: C G F Am D E. Get each shape clean on its own first.

2

Practice the changes

Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.

3

Add the strumming

Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.

4

Play along

Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.

Tip: The F barre chord is the tricky one — use Fmaj7 (skip the low E and A strings) while you build finger strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Piano Man"?

You need 6 intermediate-friendly chords: C, G, F, Am, D and E.

Is "Piano Man" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 6 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Piano Man" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "Piano Man"?

It was written by Billy Joel, and released in 1973.

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Ftap to play

Amtap to play

Dtap to play

Etap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

C · G · F · Am · D · E

Piano Man Chords – Banjo

Billy Joel’s signature song. A masterful story told in waltz time that works beautifully on guitar.

Waltz (3/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑↓↑

123456

Tip: This is in 3/4 time (waltz). Count 1-2-3, 1-2-3. Strum down on beat 1, lighter on beats 2 and 3. The harmonica intro can be played as a C-G-F pattern.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G F C

It’s nine o'clock on a Saturday

F C D G

The regular crowd shuffles in

C G F C

There’s an old man sitting next to me

F G C

Makin’ love to his tonic and gin

Chorus

Am D Am D

Sing us a song, you’re the piano man

Am D G G

Sing us a song tonight

C G F C

Well, we’re all in the mood for a melody

F G C

And you’ve got us feelin’ alright

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the chords

This song uses 6 chords in the key of C: C G F Am D E. Get each shape clean on its own first.

2

Practice the changes

Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.

3

Add the strumming

Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.

4

Play along

Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.

Tip: The F barre chord is the tricky one — use Fmaj7 (skip the low E and A strings) while you build finger strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Piano Man"?

You need 6 intermediate-friendly chords: C, G, F, Am, D and E.

Is "Piano Man" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 6 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Piano Man" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "Piano Man"?

It was written by Billy Joel, and released in 1973.

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Ftap to play

Amtap to play

Dtap to play

Etap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

C · G · F · Am · D · E

Piano Man Chords – Mandolin

Billy Joel’s signature song. A masterful story told in waltz time that works beautifully on guitar.

Waltz (3/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑↓↑

123456

Tip: This is in 3/4 time (waltz). Count 1-2-3, 1-2-3. Strum down on beat 1, lighter on beats 2 and 3. The harmonica intro can be played as a C-G-F pattern.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G F C

It’s nine o'clock on a Saturday

F C D G

The regular crowd shuffles in

C G F C

There’s an old man sitting next to me

F G C

Makin’ love to his tonic and gin

Chorus

Am D Am D

Sing us a song, you’re the piano man

Am D G G

Sing us a song tonight

C G F C

Well, we’re all in the mood for a melody

F G C

And you’ve got us feelin’ alright

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the chords

This song uses 6 chords in the key of C: C G F Am D E. Get each shape clean on its own first.

2

Practice the changes

Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.

3

Add the strumming

Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.

4

Play along

Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.

Tip: The F barre chord is the tricky one — use Fmaj7 (skip the low E and A strings) while you build finger strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Piano Man"?

You need 6 intermediate-friendly chords: C, G, F, Am, D and E.

Is "Piano Man" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 6 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Piano Man" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "Piano Man"?

It was written by Billy Joel, and released in 1973.

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Ftap to play

Amtap to play

Dtap to play

Etap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

C · G · F · Am · D · E

Piano Man Chords – Harmonica

Billy Joel’s signature song. A masterful story told in waltz time that works beautifully on guitar.

Waltz (3/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑↓↑

123456

Tip: This is in 3/4 time (waltz). Count 1-2-3, 1-2-3. Strum down on beat 1, lighter on beats 2 and 3. The harmonica intro can be played as a C-G-F pattern.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G F C

It’s nine o'clock on a Saturday

F C D G

The regular crowd shuffles in

C G F C

There’s an old man sitting next to me

F G C

Makin’ love to his tonic and gin

Chorus

Am D Am D

Sing us a song, you’re the piano man

Am D G G

Sing us a song tonight

C G F C

Well, we’re all in the mood for a melody

F G C

And you’ve got us feelin’ alright

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the chords

This song uses 6 chords in the key of C: C G F Am D E. Get each shape clean on its own first.

2

Practice the changes

Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.

3

Add the strumming

Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.

4

Play along

Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.

Tip: The F barre chord is the tricky one — use Fmaj7 (skip the low E and A strings) while you build finger strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Piano Man"?

You need 6 intermediate-friendly chords: C, G, F, Am, D and E.

Is "Piano Man" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 6 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Piano Man" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "Piano Man"?

It was written by Billy Joel, and released in 1973.