Fingernails
View chords used in this chart
Intro: C7
[Verso 1]
C7
I keep my fingernails long
C7
So they click when I play the piano
F7
I keep my fingernails long
C7
So they click when I play the piano
G7
I'm gonna keep 'em that way
F7 C7 G7
Till the swallows get back from Texarkana
[Verso 2]
C7
I keep my fingernails long
F7 C7
So they click when I play the piano
F7
I keep my fingernails long
C7
So they click when I play the piano
G7
I'm gonna keep 'em that way
F7 C7 G7
Till the swallows get back from Louisiana
[Ponte]
C7
Well, I used to chew 'em off
C7
I was nervous over you
D7
I missed that clickin', tickin' sound
G7
Honey, what am I gonna do?
[Verso 3]
C7
I keep my fingernails long
F7 C7
So they click when I play the piano
F7
I keep my fingernails long
C7
So they click when I play the piano
G7
I'm gonna keep 'em that way
F7 C7 G7
Till the swallows get back from Alabama
C7
There he goes
Piano Solo
C7 F7 C7 F7 C7
G7 F7 C7 G7
[Ponte]
C7
Well, I used to chew 'em off
C7
I was nervous over you
D7
I missed that clickin', tickin' sound
G7
Honey, what am I gonna do?
[Verso 4]
C7
I keep my fingernails long
F7 C7
So they click when I play the piano
F7
I keep my fingernails long
C7
So they click when I play the piano
G7
I'm gonna keep 'em that way
F7 C7
Till the swallows get back
How to play Fingernails
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is C7. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.