Riptide Chords

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Key
Am
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
Am · G · C

Riptide Chords – Guitar

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Key
Am
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Am · G · C

Riptide Chords – Ukulele

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Key
Am
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Am · G · C

Riptide Chords – Piano

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Key
Am
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Am · G · C

Riptide Chords – Banjo

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Key
Am
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Am · G · C

Riptide Chords – Mandolin

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Key
Am
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Am · G · C

Riptide Chords – Harmonica

Vance Joy’s indie hit took the world by storm with its catchy ukulele-driven melody. On guitar, the three minor and major chords create a breezy, infectious groove.

Chords used: Am, G, C  ·  Key: Am  ·  Difficulty: Beginner  ·  More 3-chord songs →

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)
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Tip: This song sounds great on both guitar and ukulele. The quick muted strum between chords gives it that percussive island vibe.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide


1
Learn the three chords
You need Am, G, and C. Three of the most common open chords in music.

2
Get the tempo
This song moves quickly. The chord changes come fast — Am to G is only two beats. Practice the switches until they are instant.

3
Learn the pattern
The whole song is Am-G-C. Two beats on Am, two beats on G, four beats on C. This pattern repeats through verse and chorus.

4
Make it bounce
Add a slight mute between chords by lifting your fretting hand briefly. This percussive technique gives the song its characteristic bounce.


Song Details

Key, Tuning & Capo

Original key: B♭m  ·  Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E)  ·  Capo: 1st fret to play along with the original recording.

Chords & Structure

Full Song — Guitar Version

Verse 1

 
Am – G – C (×4)
 

Chorus

 
Am – G – C
Am
G – C
 

Practice tip: The Am-G transition is the trickiest since it comes so fast. Practice just Am-G-Am-G at full speed until it is completely automatic before adding the C.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Riptide"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: Am, G and C.

Is "Riptide" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of Am, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Riptide" in?

It is in the key of Am.

Who wrote "Riptide"?

It was written by Vance Joy.