“Vienna” by Billy Joel is a song that resonates with many, known for its poignant lyrics and beautiful melody. If you’re a guitarist looking to add this classic to your repertoire, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will provide you with the guitar chords for “Vienna”, making it easy for you to learn and play along.
Understanding the Chords in Vienna
The song “Vienna” primarily uses a set of common guitar chords, making it accessible for intermediate players and even ambitious beginners. The main chords you’ll need to know are:
- G Major (G)
- D Major (D)
- B7 (B Seventh)
- Em Minor (Em)
- C Major (C)
- F Major (F)
- A7 (A Seventh)
- F#m (F Sharp Minor)
- Bm Minor (B Minor)
While some of these chords like B7 and F#m might seem a bit challenging for beginners, don’t worry! With a bit of practice, you’ll get the hang of them. Focus on clean transitions between chords and maintaining a steady rhythm.
“Vienna” Chord Progression and Lyrics
Here’s the chord progression synced with the lyrics to help you play along with “Vienna”:
(Verse 1)
[G]Slow down, you crazy child, you’re so am[D]bitious for a juvenile,
[C]but, then, if you’re so smart, tell me, why you are still so a[G]fraid, mm.
[Em]Where’s the fire, what’s the hurry a[G]bout ?
You better cool it [D]off before you burn it [F]out,
[C]you got so much to do and only so many [G]hours in a [A]day, hey hey [B7]hey.
[C]But you know that when the truth is [D]told
[G]that you can get what you want or you can just get [Bm]old,
you’re gonna [Em]kick off before you even get [G]halfway [C]through.
[F]When will you re[D]alize Vi[G]enna waits for you ?
(Verse 2)
[Em]Slow down you’re doing [G]fine,
you can’t be every[D]thing you want to be before your [F]time,
[C]although it’s so romantic on the border[G]line tonight, to[A]night. [B7]
[Em]Too bad, but it’s the life you [G]lead,
you’re so ahead of your[D]self that you forgot what you [F]need.
[C]Though you can see when you’re [G]wrong,
but you know you can’t always [A]see when you’re right, you’re [B7]right.
[C]You got your passion, you got your [D]pride,
[G]but don’t you know that only fools are satis[Bm]fied.
[C]Dream on, but don’t imagine they’ll all come [F#m]true. [B7][Em]
[F]When will you re[D]alize Vi[G]enna waits for you
(Bridge)
[Em] [G] [D] [F] [C] [G] [A] [B7]
[C]Slow down, you crazy [D]child,
[G]take the phone off the hook and disap[Bm]pear for a while.
[C]It’s alright, you can afford to lose a day or [F#m]two. [B7][Em]
[F]When will you re[D]alize Vi[G]enna waits for you !
[C]But, you know, that when the truth is [D]told,
[G]that you can get what you want or you can just get [Bm]old.
You’re gonna [Em]kick off before you even get [G]halfway [C]through.
[F]Why dont you re[D]alize Vi[E]enna waits for you ?
[F]When will you re[D]alize Vi[G]enna waits for you !
(Outro)
[G] [D] [B7] [Em] [C] [D] [G]
Tips for Playing “Vienna” on Guitar
- Strumming Pattern: The song generally uses a mellow and rhythmic strumming pattern. A simple down-down-up-down-up pattern in 4/4 time can work well. Feel free to experiment and find what sounds best to you. Listening to the original song will give you a good sense of the rhythm.
- Capo: The original recording of “Vienna” by Billy Joel is played with a capo on the 3rd fret. This raises the pitch of the guitar and changes the key. If you want to play along with the original recording, you’ll need to use a capo on the 3rd fret and use the chords as written above. If you prefer not to use a capo, you can still play the song using these chords, and it will be in a lower key.
- Chord Transitions: Practice smooth transitions between chords. Pay special attention to the transitions involving B7 and F#m, as these can be a bit trickier. Slow practice is key to mastering these changes.
- Simplify Chords (for Beginners): If you are a beginner, you can simplify some chords to make the song easier to play. For example, you can play a simpler B minor (Bm) or even substitute B7 with a regular B major in some instances, though B7 adds a distinct flavor to the song. Similarly, F#m can be challenging, so focus on mastering the other chords first and gradually add F#m as you improve.
- Listen to the Original Song: The best way to learn the feel and timing of “Vienna” is to listen to Billy Joel’s original recording repeatedly. Pay attention to the dynamics and nuances of the song.
The Beauty of “Vienna”
“Vienna” isn’t just a song with great chords; it’s a song with a powerful message about taking life at your own pace and appreciating the present moment. Learning to play “Vienna” on guitar allows you to connect with this timeless message and enjoy the musicality of Billy Joel’s songwriting.
So, pick up your guitar, learn these “Vienna Guitar Chords”, and start playing this beautiful song. Enjoy the journey of learning and making music!
