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London Calling

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The Clash-London Calling
So many people seem to think there is a C chord in London Calling and there
simply is not. It is the bass that plays the C (Which is the 5th instead of
the root) while the guitar is playing the F. When you play this at home without
a bass it might sound weird because you want to hear that C but it's not the
guitar playing it. This is explained in greater detail by Marcus Gray in his book,
"Route 19 Revisited: The Clash and London Calling," which disects London Calling
track by track. I've also pulled up every live video I can find with any sort of
detail as to what Joe is playing. - Gharms85
This is the main rhythm guitar that is loudest in the mix.
Intro Chords:
Em: x 7 9 9 8 7
F: 8 8 10 10 10 8
Verse Chords:
Em: x 7 9 9 8 7
F: 8 8 10 10 10 8
G: 10 10 12 12 12 10
Chorus Chords:
Em: 0 2 2 0 0 0
G: 3 5 5 4 3 3
D: x x 0 2 3 2
[Intro](staccato strumming, all downstrokes)
Em   Em   Em   Em   F   F   F   Fx6
[Verse 1]
EmLondon calling to the Ffaraway towns
Now Emwar is declared, and Gbattle come down
EmLondon calling to the Funderworld
EmCome out of the cupboard, you Gboys and girls
EmLondon calling, now Fdon't look to us
EmPhoney Beatlemania has Gbitten the dust
EmLondon calling, see we Fain't got no swing
Em'Cept for the ring of that Gtruncheon thing
[Chorus 1]
EmThe ice age is coming, the Gsun's zooming in
EmMeltdown expected, the Gwheat is growing thin
EmEngines stop running, but GI have no fear
Em D (let ring)
'Cause London is drowning, and I live by the river
[Verse 2]
EmLondon calling to the Fimitation zone
EmForget it, brother, you can Ggo it alone
EmLondon calling to the Fzombies of death
EmQuit holding out, and Gdraw another breath
EmLondon calling, and I Fdon't wanna shout
But Emwhile we were talking, I Gsaw you nodding out
EmLondon calling, see we Fain't got no high
EmExcept for that one with the Gyellowy eyes
[Chorus 2]
EmThe ice age is coming, the Gsun's zooming in
EmEngines stop running, the Gwheat is growing thin
EmA nuclear error, but GI have no fear
Em D (let ring)
'Cause London is drowning, and I live by the river
[Interlude] (Play the same as the verse)
Em   F   Em   Gx4
[Chorus 2]
EmThe ice age is coming, the Gsun's zooming in
EmEngines stop running, the Gwheat is growing thin
EmA nuclear error, but GI have no fear
Em D (let ring)
'Cause London is drowning, and I live by the river
[Instrumental]
Em   Em   Em   Em   F   F   F   Fx4
Now get this
[Verse 3]
EmLondon calling, yes, FI was there, too
EmAn' you know what they said? GWell, some of it was true!
EmLondon calling at the Ftop of the dial
EmAfter all this, Gwon't you give me a smile?
EmLondon callingF  
Em F
[Outro]
Em
I never felt so much alike fadingalike alike alike
All chords in this song (3)

The story behind the song

"London Calling" is a politically charged rant that captures a feeling of apocalyptic dread. The lyrics reflect concerns about world events, including a nuclear error, and the fear that London itself could drown. It also channels the band's own struggles, feeling like they were grasping with their fingernails, with no one to help them, and references police brutality. At its heart, this song plays like a desperate cry into an uncertain future.

AI-written from these sources:London Calling (song) — Wikipedia ↗The Clash — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

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About London Calling Chords by The Clash

Learn how to play London Calling by The Clash with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “London Calling chords”, “London Calling guitar chords”, or “The Clash London Calling chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy London Calling chords and for experienced players who want accurate London Calling lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include C, F, Em, G, D, A.

FAQ — London Calling by The Clash

How do I play "London Calling" by The Clash on guitar?

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Are the chords for "London Calling" by The Clash free?

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Can I transpose "London Calling" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "London Calling" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "London Calling"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "London Calling" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "London Calling" easy to play on guitar?

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What key is "London Calling" in?

The chords for "London Calling" show the original chord names (including C, F, Em, G, D, A). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.