Have you ever picked up your guitar to learn a song, only to find that the chords you’re playing just don’t sound quite right? It’s a common frustration for guitarists, and sometimes, the mystery lies within the chords themselves. While pop music often relies on familiar major, minor, and seventh chords, occasionally, a song throws a curveball with a chord progression that’s uniquely intriguing and difficult to decipher.
In the world of iconic songs with enigmatic chords, The Clash’s “London Calling” stands out. For years, guitar players have puzzled over the second chord in the intro, sparking debates and leaving many scratching their heads. Is it a C? Is it an Em with a bass note walking down? Or perhaps an Fsus2? Unlike the famously debated opening chord of The Beatles’ “A Hard Day’s Night,” the “London Calling” mystery often flies under the radar, yet it’s equally captivating for those who seek harmonic accuracy in their playing.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the sonic puzzle of “London Calling” guitar chords. We’ll explore why this particular chord progression has remained so elusive, dissecting the arrangement, the recording nuances, and the interplay between the guitars and bass. Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or just starting out, understanding the intricacies of these chords will not only enhance your rendition of this classic punk anthem but also deepen your appreciation for the subtle artistry within seemingly simple songs. Let’s embark on a chord-deciphering journey to finally solve the “London Calling” guitar chord mystery.
The Elusive Second Chord in “London Calling”: Why Is It So Mysterious?
The intrigue surrounding the second chord in “London Calling” echoes the mystery of the opening chord in “A Hard Day’s Night,” albeit in a different sonic landscape. Several factors contribute to its enigmatic nature, making it more than just a simple strum-along progression.
One key element is the use of a slash chord. Just like in “A Hard Day’s Night,” where the bass plays a D against an Fadd9, “London Calling” features bassist Paul Simonon laying down a C note beneath what the guitarists are playing. This immediately creates a harmonic complexity that moves beyond basic chord shapes.
Adding to the complexity are what we might call “recording artifacts.” These subtle sonic anomalies, present in the higher frequencies of the recording, contribute to the song’s overall atmosphere but also muddy the waters when trying to clearly identify the guitar chords. Furthermore, the guitar tracks themselves are mixed relatively low in the overall mix, with the drums and bass taking center stage. This mixing choice makes it even more challenging to isolate and pinpoint the exact notes being played by Joe Strummer and Mick Jones.
Arrangement Insights: Unpacking the Guitar Layers
Unlike “A Hard Day’s Night,” where the mystery chord is largely attributed to a dense arrangement played in unison, “London Calling” seems to derive its unique sound from the interplay of two distinct guitar parts, possibly even three on the recorded version.
Live performances offer some clues, though camera angles often obscure a clear view of the fretboards at crucial moments. However, observations suggest that Joe Strummer and Mick Jones are playing different chords during the intro. Adding another layer to the puzzle, a third guitar seems to enter around the 14-second mark of the recording, emphasizing a G note and further complicating the harmonic picture.
To better understand the guitar layers, listening to isolated guitar tracks can be illuminating. While still somewhat indistinct, these isolated tracks hint that Mick Jones maintains an Em chord shape throughout the intro and verse. You can hear this Em chord clearly when the verse begins around the 0:22 mark. Meanwhile, Joe Strummer appears to switch to an Fsus2 chord for that second, mysterious chord in the progression.
In live performances, you can indeed observe Strummer making the change to what looks like an F chord shape. Interestingly, it also appears that Jones might deviate from a standard Em barre chord (at the 7th fret) to something closer to a C major shape (potentially x-10-9-7-8-7 in tab notation) for certain live renditions. The subtle variations and the less-than-perfect camera work leave room for some interpretation.
The “London Calling” Mystery Chord: Dissecting the Notes
Based on careful listening and analysis of various sources, including isolated tracks and live performance observations, we can piece together the likely chord voicings for the second chord in the “London Calling” intro on the original recording:
| Guitarist | Chord Shape (Tab – Low to High) | Notes in Chord |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Strummer | x-8-10-10-8-8 | F-C-F-G-C |
| Mick Jones | x-7-9-9-8-7 | E-B-E-G-B |
| Mick Jones (Lead – enters ~0:18) | x-x-x-x-8-x | G |
| Paul Simonon | x-x-10-x to 8-x-x-x | C |
This table breaks down the individual contributions to the composite “London Calling” second chord. Strummer’s voicing provides the F, C, and G notes, while Jones’ part contributes E, B, and G. Simonon anchors the chord with a C in the bass. The additional guitar entry by Jones further emphasizes the G note.
Joe Strummer performing live with The Clash, capturing the raw energy of “London Calling.”
Naming the Chord: Cmaj7add4 – A Punk Rock Sophistication
Putting all the notes together – C, E, F, G, and B – we arrive at a chord that, in music theory terms, is best described as a Cmaj7add4. While “punk rock” and “Cmaj7add4” might seem like an unlikely pairing, this chord perfectly encapsulates the subtle sophistication hidden within the raw energy of “London Calling.”
The Cmaj7add4 chord is essentially a C major 7th chord with an added 4th (or 11th). The major 7th (B) adds a jazzy, slightly melancholic quality, while the added 4th (F) creates a suspended, unresolved tension. This combination of elements perfectly mirrors the anxious, urgent, yet strangely beautiful atmosphere of “London Calling.”
It’s this unexpected harmonic richness that elevates “London Calling” beyond typical three-chord punk. The “mystery chord” isn’t some obscure, unidentifiable voicing; it’s a beautifully constructed Cmaj7add4, cleverly disguised within the mix and arrangement, waiting to be discovered by curious guitar players. So, the next time you pick up your guitar to play “London Calling,” you’ll not only have the chords but also a deeper understanding of the sonic artistry behind this iconic song.
The iconic album cover of “London Calling,” symbolizing the energy and urgency of the music within.
