The Ultimate Guide To 'Anyone Else But You' Chords: The Two-Chord Secret To The Moldy Peaches' Anti-Folk Hit

Learning to play "Anyone Else But You" is arguably the best entry point for any aspiring guitarist or ukulele player in December 2025, thanks to its famously simple, two-chord structure. This iconic anti-folk anthem, originally by The Moldy Peaches, became a global phenomenon after its inclusion in the 2007 film *Juno*, making it one of the most beloved and easiest acoustic songs of the 21st century. The entire song—from the opening verse to the final chorus—revolves around a simple, repetitive, yet charming chord progression that even absolute beginners can master in minutes, not hours.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the exact chords used by The Moldy Peaches, clarifies the subtle differences in the second chord (Cmaj7 vs. Cadd9), provides the essential strumming pattern, and offers tips to capture the authentic, lo-fi charm of the original recording. Whether you're aiming to recreate the heartfelt duet between Michael Cera and Ellen Page or just need a quick win on your acoustic instrument, this is the ultimate, up-to-date tutorial you need.

The Moldy Peaches: The Anti-Folk Duo Behind the Hit

Before diving into the chords, understanding the context of "Anyone Else But You" is key to mastering its quirky, heartfelt delivery. The song is the signature track of the American indie group The Moldy Peaches, founded by singer-songwriters Adam Green and Kimya Dawson.

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The duo emerged from the New York City anti-folk scene in the mid-1990s, a genre known for its deliberately lo-fi sound, humorous, often self-deprecating lyrics, and raw, punk-inspired energy that satirized traditional folk music. Their music was simple, direct, and focused heavily on storytelling, often using acoustic guitar and minimal production, which perfectly explains the basic structure of their most famous song.

While originally a duo, The Moldy Peaches expanded into a six-piece live band that included members like Brent Cole, Jack Dishel, and Toby Goodshank. However, the core identity remained with Green and Dawson, whose unique songwriting voices—Green's surreal wit and Dawson's childlike sincerity—are woven throughout "Anyone Else But You."

The *Juno* Effect: From Cult Hit to Global Phenomenon

The song was initially released on The Moldy Peaches' self-titled 2001 album, but it achieved massive mainstream success years later. In 2007, the track was prominently featured in the critically acclaimed film *Juno*, directed by Jason Reitman and written by Diablo Cody. The movie's soundtrack, curated largely by Kimya Dawson's solo work and The Moldy Peaches, became an essential part of the indie coming-of-age aesthetic of the late 2000s.

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The most memorable moment featuring the song is the final scene where the main characters, Juno MacGuff (played by Ellen Page, now Elliot Page) and Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera), perform it as a heartfelt duet, solidifying its status as a quirky, romantic anthem. This exposure made the song a theme for a generation, catapulting the simple two-chord progression into guitar and ukulele tutorials worldwide.

The Two Essential Chords: G and Cmaj7

The magic of "Anyone Else But You" lies in its simplicity. The entire song uses a continuous, two-chord loop. Mastering these two shapes is all you need to play the entire track.

Chord Progression

The song is played in the Key of G and the progression is simply:

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• G
• Cmaj7 (or Cadd9)

The pattern is repeated endlessly throughout the verses and chorus: G - Cmaj7 - G - Cmaj7...

Guitar Chord Diagrams and Finger Placement

The most crucial detail for beginners is the finger placement, particularly how one finger stays anchored, making the transition between the chords incredibly smooth and fast.

1. The G Major Chord (G)

Use the standard three-finger or four-finger G chord. For ease of transition, many players use the "three-finger" G where the pinky is used.

• E String (low): 3rd Fret (Ring Finger or Middle Finger)
• A String: 2nd Fret (Middle Finger or Index Finger)
• D String: Open
• G String: Open
• B String: Open (or 3rd Fret with Pinky)
• E String (high): 3rd Fret (Pinky or Ring Finger)

2. The C Major 7 Chord (Cmaj7) - The Anti-Folk Secret

This is the chord that gives the song its unique, slightly melancholic sound. The key to playing the song easily is to keep your ring finger (or pinky) anchored on the 3rd fret of the high E string throughout both chords.

• E String (low): Muted (X) or Open (0)
• A String: 3rd Fret (Ring Finger)
• D String: 2nd Fret (Middle Finger)
• G String: Open
• B String: Open
• E String (high): Open (0) - *Wait, this is the Cmaj7 variation that works best for the song, often played as a Cadd9 for simplicity.*

The Easiest Two-Finger Cadd9/Cmaj7 Shape:

To capture the authentic sound and make the transition effortless, use this shape, which is often labeled Cmaj7 or Cadd9 in simplified tabs:

• Cadd9 (Simplified): Keep your Middle Finger on the A string, 3rd fret and your Index Finger on the D string, 2nd fret. All other strings are open.

The Transition Trick: When switching from G to the simplified Cadd9, your middle and index fingers simply move down one set of strings (from E/A strings to A/D strings), while your pinky (if used on the high E string) can remain in place, minimizing movement and making the change nearly instantaneous. This is why it’s hailed as one of the best beginner guitar songs.

Strumming Pattern and Tempo

The simplicity of the chords is balanced by a slightly tricky, yet flexible, strumming pattern. The song has a relatively quick tempo, around 120 BPM (Beats Per Minute), and a driving, rhythmic feel.

The Essential Strumming Pattern

While you can start with a simple Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up pattern, a popular and more authentic pattern that captures the anti-folk bounce is often referred to as "The Bouncer" pattern:

Pattern 1 (Faster/Main Riff):

• D D U D U D U

Pattern 2 (Slight Variation):

• D D U D D U &

You can mix and match these, but the key is to maintain a constant, quick rhythm with a slight emphasis on the downstrokes to give it that indie, lo-fi feel. The most important advice is to keep your strumming hand moving consistently, even if you miss a few strings.

Ukulele Chords: Even Easier!

For ukulele players, the song is even simpler, which is why it's a staple in the uke community.

• G Chord (Ukulele): C String (2nd Fret), E String (3rd Fret), A String (2nd Fret)
• C Chord (Ukulele): A String (3rd Fret)

In the ukulele version, the chords are typically played as the standard G and C (or sometimes C7), which is even more accessible than the guitar's Cmaj7 variation. The same strumming rhythm works perfectly.

Lyrical Structure and Performance Tips

The song’s structure is straightforward, consisting of multiple verses and a recurring chorus, all using the same two-chord progression. The lyrics are famously idiosyncratic, featuring lines about being a "part time lover and a full time friend" and finding a "niche in your car."

Tips for an Authentic Performance:

• Embrace the Lo-Fi: Don't strive for perfection. The Moldy Peaches' style is intentionally raw and simple. A few buzzing strings or slightly rough transitions add to the anti-folk charm.
• Vocal Duet: If performing with a friend, try singing it as a duet, alternating lines just like Adam Green and Kimya Dawson, or Michael Cera and Ellen Page. This is the song’s most defining characteristic.
• Tempo Control: While the song is fast, practice the chord changes slowly until they are seamless. Speed will come naturally once the muscle memory for the G to Cmaj7/Cadd9 transition is locked in.

Mastering "Anyone Else But You" is not just about learning two chords; it's about connecting with a piece of indie-film history and a genre that champions simplicity and authenticity over polish. Grab your acoustic guitar or ukulele, and in just a few minutes, you'll be playing one of the most beloved and easiest songs ever written.