Joni Mitchell - Carey Chords

ChordsC, G, F

Strumming↓-↑-↓-↑

Before you play, tune your guitar and use the tools below to set up your view and flow. Using the Transpose tool, switch to D,A,G keys to play this song with easier chords.

CThewindisinfromAfrica,GlastnightIcouldn’tsleep

Oh,youknowitFsureishardtoCleavehereCarey

Butit’sreallyGnotmyhome

CMyfingernailsarefilthy,IgotGbeachtaronmyfeet

AndIFmissmycleanwhiteClinenandmyfancyFrench Gcologne

OhCareygetoutyourcane,CandI’llputonsomeGsilver

FOhyou’reameanoldDaddy,butIGlikeCyoufine

ComeondowntotheMermaidCaféandIwillGbuyyouabottleofwine

Andwe’llFlaughandtoasttoCnothingandsmashourGemptyglassesdown

Let’shaveaCroundforthesefreaksandthesesoldiers

AGroundforthesefriendsofmine

Let’shaveanotherFroundforthebrightredCdevil

WhokeepsmeGinthistouristtown

ComeonCareygetoutCyourcane,I’llputonsomeGsilver

FOhyou’reameanoldDaddy,CbutIGlikeCyou

CMaybeI’llgotoAmsterdam,

GMaybeI’llgotoRomeandFrentmeagrand Cpiano

AndputsomeGflowers’roundmyroom

ButClet’snottalkaboutfaretheewellsnow

TheGnightisastarrydome

Andthey’reFplayingthatscratchyCrockandroll

BeneaththeGMatalaMoon

ComeonCareygetoutyourCcane,I’llputonsomeGsilver

FOhyou’reameanoldDaddy,CbutIGlikeCyou

ThewindisinfromAfrica,GlastnightIcouldn’tsleep

OhyouknowitFsureishardtoCleavehere

Butit’sreallynotGmyhome

CMaybeit’sbeentoolongatime

SinceIwasGscramblingdowninthestreet

EverybodyFlookforthatcleanwhiteClinen

AndthatfancyGFrenchcologne

OhCareygetoutyourCcane,I’llputonmyfinestGsilver

We’llFgototheMermaidCCafé,haveGfun Ctonight

Isaid,FOh,you’reameanoldCDaddy

Butyou’reGoutofCsight

ArtistJoni Mitchell

AlbumBlue

GenresFolk, Folk Rock, Rock, Soft Rock

Year1971

KeyC

DifficultyIntermediate

How to play Carey on Guitar (Step-by-step)

Joni Mitchell - Carey on guitar requires 3 chords and 3 core chord transitions. You can find the full step-by-step guide below. Before you start, tune your instrument. The song uses the ↓-↑-↓-↑ pattern; practice it muted first, or simplify to downstrokes while you learn the changes.

Carey uses these transitions most often: C → G (24), G → C (13), and F → C (12). These transitions may feel a little challenging at first, but with steady practice you can play this song quickly.When you are ready, begin with C - G chord transition.

1. C → G chord transition

Switching from C to G:

Lift your index finger from B string fret 1 and place it on A string fret 2.
Slide your middle finger from D string fret 2 to E string fret 3.
Lift your ring finger from A string fret 3 and place it on E string fret 3.

This transition appears in the verse, played 24 times.

2. G → F chord transition

Switching from G to F:

Lift your index finger from A string fret 2 and place it on E string fret 1.
Slide your middle finger from E string fret 3 to G string fret 2.
Lift your ring finger from E string fret 3 and place it on A string fret 3.
Place pinky on D string fret 3.

This transition appears in the verse, played 12 times.

3. F → C chord transition

To move from F to C:

While playing F, lift your pinky from D string fret 3.
Lift your index finger from E string fret 1 and place it on B string fret 1.
Slide your middle finger from G string fret 2 to D string fret 2.
Keep ring finger on A string fret 3.

This transition appears in the verse, played 12 times.

Carey chord transition analysis

A short, data-driven summary of the chord flow in Carey.

Carey includes 63 chord transitions, 3 of them unique.
These transitions represent 0.02% of all chord transitions in Chordier.
Carey contains 3 of the top 10 transitions across Chordier.
These transition patterns show how Carey connects to the rest of Chordier. Mastering them helps you move to similar songs faster.
After C, the most likely next chords across Chordier are G (35%), F (16%), and D (11%).
- C → G: 35%
- C → F: 16%
After G, the most likely next chords across Chordier are C (25%), D (24%), and Am (13%).
- G → C: 25%
- G → F: 9%