“Riptide” by Vance Joy is a catchy and beloved song, and great news for beginner guitarists – it’s incredibly easy to learn on guitar! Using just a few simple chords and a straightforward strumming pattern, you’ll be playing this tune in no time. This guide will break down the guitar chords for “Riptide,” making it accessible for anyone just starting their guitar journey.
Guitar Chords for Riptide
To play “Riptide,” you only need to master these four chords. The best part? Three of them are used throughout most of the song, with the fourth making a brief appearance in the bridge.
- Am (A minor)
- C (C major)
- G (G major)
- F (F major)
| Am Chord | C Chord | G Chord | F Chord |
|---|---|---|---|
| A minor chord diagram | C major chord diagram | G major chord diagram | F major chord diagram |
Note: Diagrams are for illustrative purposes. Refer to reliable online resources for detailed chord finger positions if needed.
You’ll also need a capo for playing “Riptide” in the original key. Place the capo on the 1st fret. This effectively raises the pitch of each string, allowing you to play along with the recording using the chords listed.
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern for “Riptide” is rhythmic and quite simple, contributing to the song’s relaxed and upbeat feel. It’s based on a down-down, up-down-up pattern.
Let’s break it down:
- Down: Strum downwards across the strings, emphasizing the bass note of the chord slightly on this first downstroke.
- Down: Another down strum, with less emphasis.
- Up: Strum upwards across the strings.
- Down: Down strum.
- Up: Up strum.
You can count this rhythm as “1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &” where the “1, 2, 3, 4” are the down strums and the “&” are the up strums. Practicing slowly at first is key to getting the rhythm ingrained. Once you’re comfortable, gradually increase your speed.
Song Structure and Chord Progression
“Riptide” follows a classic song structure, making it easy to follow along and learn. The majority of the song revolves around just three chords: Am, G, and C. The F chord comes in during the bridge section, adding a bit of variation.
Here’s a breakdown of the song structure and chord progression:
Intro:
Am G C
Am G C
Verse 1:
Am G C
I was scared of dentists and the dark,
Am G C
I was scared of pretty girls and starting conversations,
Am G C
Oh, all my friends are turning green,
Am G C
You’re the magicians assistant in their dreams.
Chorus Lead In:
Am G C
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Am G C
Ooh, ooh and they come unstuck
Chorus:
Am G C
Lady, running down to the riptide,
Am
Taken away to the dark side,
G C
I wanna be your left hand man.
Am G C
I love you when you’re singing that song and,
Am
I got a lump in my throat ‘cause
G C
You’re gonna sing the words wrong
Verse 2: (Same chords as Verse 1)
Am G C
There’s this movie that I think you’ll like,
Am G C
This guy decides to quit his job and heads to New York City,
Am G C
This cowboy’s running from himself.
Am G C
And she’s been living on the highest shelf
Chorus Lead In: (Same chords as before)
Am G C
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Am G C
Ooh, ooh and they come unstuck
Chorus: (Same chords as before)
Am G C
Lady, running down to the riptide,
Am
Taken away to the dark side,
G C
I wanna be your left hand man.
Am G C
I love you when you’re singing that song and,
Am
I got a lump in my throat ‘cause
G C
You’re gonna sing the words wrong
Bridge: (Here’s where the F chord comes in)
Am G
I just wanna, I just wanna know,
C F
If you’re gonna, if you’re gonna stay,
Am G
I just gotta, I just gotta know,
C F
I can’t have it, I can’t have it any other way
Am G C
I swear she’s destined for the screen,
Am G C
Closest thing to Michelle Pfeiffer that you’ve ever seen, oh
Chorus: (Same chords as before – repeated multiple times to fade out)
Am G C
Lady, running down to the riptide,
Am
Taken away to the dark side,
G C
I wanna be your left hand man.
Am G C
I love you when you’re singing that song and,
Am
I got a lump in my throat ‘cause
G C
You’re gonna sing the words wrong
… (Chorus repeats and fades) …
Tips for Learning Riptide
- Start Slow: Don’t rush! Begin by practicing the chords individually and then slowly transition between them.
- Capo is Key: Remember to use a capo on the 1st fret to play in the correct key and match Vance Joy’s recording.
- Focus on Strumming: Practice the down-down, up-down-up strumming pattern separately until it becomes natural. Then, incorporate it with the chord changes.
- Listen to the Song: Play “Riptide” frequently to internalize the rhythm and timing. Try playing along with the song once you’re comfortable with the chords and strumming.
- Practice Chord Transitions: Smooth transitions between Am, G, and C are crucial for making the song flow. Practice switching between these chords repeatedly.
Conclusion
“Riptide” is an excellent song for beginner guitarists to learn. With its simple chord progression and repetitive structure, you’ll be able to master it quickly and impress your friends. So grab your guitar, put on a capo, and start practicing these “Riptide Chords Guitar” – you’ll be playing along to Vance Joy in no time!
Disclaimer: This chord transcription is intended for educational purposes. For accurate sheet music, please refer to official publications.
