Midnight Rider by The Allman Brothers Band
Key: Dm · 96 BPM · 4/4
Midnight Rider by The Allman Brothers Band is written in F major. Its chords cycle through the ii-V-I progression — jazz core resolution (the strongest, most common movement in jazz and musical theater): D-Gm-C. At 96 BPM, it moves at a relaxed, mid-tempo pace. The same chords are equally correct read against F major's relative key, Dm — 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 ii-V-I progression (Jazz core resolution (the strongest, most common movement in jazz and musical theater)) in F major. Read against its relative key, this is equivalently ?-iv-VII in Dm — the same chords, two valid readings. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.
Play it in other keys
| Capo | Shape key | Chords to play |
|---|---|---|
| Capo 1 | E | C#-F#m-B |
| Capo 3 | D | B-Em-A |
| Capo 5 | C | A-Dm-G |
Chord chart
- 0:00 D
- 0:30 Gm
- 0:33 C
- 0:35 D
- 1:00 Gm
- 1:03 C
- 1:06 D
- 1:26 C
- 1:28 Bb
- 1:31 C
- 1:33 Bb
- 1:36 C
- 1:38 Bb
- 1:44 D
- 2:09 Gm
- 2:12 C
- 2:14 D
- 2:19 Gm
- 2:22 C
- 2:24 D
- 2:30 Gm
- 2:32 C
- 2:35 D
- 2:40 Gm
- 2:42 C
- 2:45 D
- 2:50 Gm
- 2:52 C
Frequently asked questions
What key is Midnight Rider in?
Midnight Rider is in F major — its chords are also equally valid read against its relative key, Dm, since the two share the same notes.
What chords does Midnight Rider use?
The core of Midnight Rider cycles through D, Gm, C (3 chords).
What is the tempo of Midnight Rider?
Midnight Rider runs at 96 BPM in 4/4 time.
What chord progression does Midnight Rider use?
Midnight Rider follows the ii-V-I progression. It's a jazz core resolution (the strongest, most common movement in jazz and musical theater).
What capo should I use for Midnight Rider?
Capo 1 and play E major shapes — that gets you open chords instead of barring in F major.