Yellow is a song that was written and recorded by the British rock band Coldplay in 2000 and was featured on their debut album titled Parachutes. Since the band began their career they have gained popularity amongst musicians, with many people wanting to replicate their songs on their own instruments. One such instrument that the band uses is the guitar.
This was the song that helped the band reach international fame and it’s still a piece today that many guitar players want to learn. To make it a little more challenging, we’re going to give you the full song without using your capo. We include the chord diagrams, strumming pattern and the full set of lyrics with the chords added at the end of this guide. If you need further help, make sure to take a look at the video tutorial we’ve also put here for you below. Let’s get started.
Yellow Chords
From the diagram we’ve included for you above you will be able to see that you will be using the chords of G major, D major, E minor and C major to recreate this Coldplay song. Remember that this is a simpler version of their song so it’s not going to sound exactly like the original would. If that’s the sound you want to achieve then you will have to use your capo and place it on the fourth fret.
Yellow Strumming Pattern
The good news is that the strumming pattern featured in this song is actually very easy. It’s all played on downstrums and you strum the strings downwards once for every beat in the song. This makes it perfect for beginners. If you need a visual representation of how the strumming pattern goes then please refer to the video at the beginning of this guide.
Yellow Chords with Lyrics
Now that you have the basics of the song down you may want to jump in and start playing along with the lyrics. Absolute beginners should learn the chords first, then break the song down section by section. This means you can get each part absolutely perfect before you combine the whole thing together. Below we have given you the full set of lyrics for Yellow. Above the lyrics are the chords you will be playing. The placement of these chords coincides with where they should be played with the lyrics in that part of the song. Once again if you become stuck here then refer to the video tutorial.
Verse 1
G
Look at the stars
D
Look how they shine for you
C
And everything you do,
Yeah, they were all yellow
G
I came along
D
I wrote a song for you
C
And all the things you do
G
And it was called yellow
D
So then I took my turn
C
Oh, what a thing to have done,
G
And it was all yellow
Chorus 1
C Em D
Your skin, oh year, your skin and bones
C Em D
Turn into something beautiful
C Em D
You know, you know I love you so
C
You know I love you so
Instrumental
G D C G
Verse 2
G
I swam across
D
I jumped across for you
C
Oh, what a thing to do
‘Cause you were all yellow
G
I drew a line
D
I drew a line for you
C
Oh, what a thing to do
G
And it was all yellow
Chorus 1
C Em D
Your skin, oh year, your skin and bones
C Em D
Turn into something beautiful
C
And you know
Em D C
For you I’d bleed myself dry
For you I’d bleed myself dry
Instrumental
G D C G
Bridge
G D
It’s true, look how they shine for you
C
Look how they shine for you
G
Look how they shine for,
D
Look how they shine for you
C
Look how they shine for you
Look how they shine
Outro
G
Look at the stars
D
Look how they shine for you
C
And all the things you do
Conclusion
That should give you everything you need to be able to play Yellow chords on your guitar without using your capo. Remember to take a look at the rest of the website to find a whole host of guides, from the best electric guitar for beginners to beginner no capo guitar songs. There’s everything you need right here to be able to play a whole host of different guitar songs, whether you are a beginner or a more advanced player. Happy reading.
FAQs
What key is Yellow by Coldplay in?
The song Yellow by Coldplay is played in the key of B major.