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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
C · D · G · Em
Viva la Vida Chords – Guitar
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
C · D · G · Em
Viva la Vida Chords – Ukulele
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
C · D · G · Em
Viva la Vida Chords – Piano
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
C · D · G · Em
Viva la Vida Chords – Banjo
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
C · D · G · Em
Viva la Vida Chords – Mandolin
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
C · D · G · Em
Viva la Vida Chords – Harmonica
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
C · D · G · Em
Viva la Vida Chords – Violin
Coldplay’s anthemic hit about a fallen king. Four chords that repeat throughout with massive orchestral energy.
Orchestral Pop-Rock (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
C – D – G
Em – C
D – G – Em
C – D – G – Em
Chorus
C – D – G
Em – C – D
G – Em
C – D – G – Em
How to Play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the chords
This song uses 4 chords in the key of G: C D G Em. 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: Loop the two hardest chord changes slowly before adding any strumming — clean, in-time changes matter more than speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Viva la Vida"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: C, D, G and Em.
Is "Viva la Vida" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Viva la Vida" in?
It is in the key of G.
Who wrote "Viva la Vida"?
It was written by Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion, and released in 2008.