Man in the Box by Alice in Chains

Key: A#m · 112 BPM · 3/4

Man in the Box by Alice in Chains is written in C# major. Its chords cycle through the I-V-vi-IV progression — modern pop / Axis progression (extremely common, often looped): Eb-Gb-Db-Ab. At 112 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace, in waltz time. The same chords are equally correct read against C# major's relative key, A#m — two valid ways to name the exact same notes, depending on which one the song feels like it's resolving to.

The progression

This song follows the I-V-vi-IV progression (Modern pop / Axis progression (extremely common, often looped)) in C# major. Read against its relative key, this is equivalently ?-VI-III-VII in A#m — the same chords, two valid readings. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Learn more about the I-V-vi-IV progression

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
Capo 1CD-F-C-G
Capo 4AB-D-A-E
Capo 6GA-C-G-D

Chord chart

  • 0:00 Bb
  • 0:02 Eb
  • 0:04 Eb7
  • 0:48 Gb
  • 0:57 Eb7
  • 1:07 Gb
  • 1:10 Db
  • 1:12 Ab
  • 1:14 Eb
  • 1:16 Gb
  • 1:18 Db
  • 1:20 Ab
  • 1:23 Ebm
  • 1:25 Gb
  • 1:27 Db
  • 1:29 Ab
  • 1:32 Eb
  • 1:33 Gb
  • 1:36 Db
  • 1:38 Ab
  • 1:40 Eb7
  • 2:07 Gb
  • 2:16 Eb
  • 2:27 Gb
  • 2:29 Db
  • 2:31 Ab
  • 2:33 Eb
  • 2:35 Gb
  • 2:37 Db
  • 2:40 Ab
  • 2:42 Ebm
  • 2:44 Gb
  • 2:46 Db
  • 2:48 Ab
  • 2:51 Eb
  • 2:52 Gb
  • 2:55 Db
  • 2:57 Ab
  • 2:59 Eb7
  • 3:18 Ebm
  • 3:20 Gb
  • 3:26 Ebm
  • 3:36 Gb
  • 3:39 Db
  • 3:41 Ab
  • 3:43 Eb
  • 3:45 Gb
  • 3:47 Db
  • 3:49 Ab
  • 3:52 Ebm
  • 3:54 Gb
  • 3:56 Db
  • 3:58 Ab
  • 4:00 Eb
  • 4:02 Gb
  • 4:04 Db
  • 4:07 Ab
  • 4:09 Eb7
  • 4:26 Ebm

Frequently asked questions

What key is Man in the Box in?

Man in the Box is in C# major — its chords are also equally valid read against its relative key, A#m, since the two share the same notes.

What chords does Man in the Box use?

The core of Man in the Box cycles through Eb, Gb, Db, Ab (4 chords).

What is the tempo of Man in the Box?

Man in the Box runs at 112 BPM in 3/4 time.

What chord progression does Man in the Box use?

Man in the Box follows the I-V-vi-IV progression. It's a modern pop / Axis progression (extremely common, often looped).

What capo should I use for Man in the Box?

Capo 1 and play C major shapes — that gets you open chords instead of barring in C# major.

Related songs

Other songs using the I-V-vi-IV progression

Other songs in A#m