Yesterday by The Beatles

Key: F · 96 BPM · 4/4

Yesterday by The Beatles is written in F major. Its chords cycle through the I-vi-IV-V progression — 50s / sensitive pop feel, played as a vi-IV-V-I rotation: Dm-Bb-C-F. At 96 BPM, it moves at a relaxed, mid-tempo pace.

The progression

This song follows the I-vi-IV-V progression (50s / sensitive pop feel), played as a vi-IV-V-I rotation in F major. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

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

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
Capo 1EC#m-A-B-E
Capo 3DBm-G-A-D
Capo 5CAm-F-G-C

Chord chart

  • 0:00 F
  • 0:08 Am
  • 0:10 Dm
  • 0:12 Bb
  • 0:14 C
  • 0:15 F
  • 0:17 Dm
  • 0:20 Bb
  • 0:20 F
  • 0:27 Dm
  • 0:30 Bb
  • 0:31 C7
  • 0:32 F
  • 0:34 Dm
  • 0:37 Bb
  • 0:37 F
  • 0:39 A
  • 0:42 Dm
  • 0:43 Bb
  • 0:44 Gm
  • 0:45 C7
  • 0:47 F
  • 0:49 A
  • 0:52 Dm
  • 0:53 Bb
  • 0:54 Gm
  • 0:55 C7
  • 0:57 F
  • 1:04 Dm
  • 1:07 Bb
  • 1:08 C
  • 1:09 F
  • 1:12 Dm
  • 1:14 Bb
  • 1:15 F
  • 1:17 A7
  • 1:19 Dm
  • 1:21 Bb
  • 1:22 C7
  • 1:24 F
  • 1:27 A7
  • 1:29 Dm
  • 1:32 C7
  • 1:34 F
  • 1:41 Am
  • 1:42 Dm
  • 1:44 Bb
  • 1:46 C
  • 1:47 F
  • 1:49 Dm
  • 1:52 Bb
  • 1:52 F
  • 1:57 Bb
  • 1:58 F

Frequently asked questions

What key is Yesterday in?

Yesterday is in F major.

What chords does Yesterday use?

The core of Yesterday cycles through Dm, Bb, C, F (4 chords).

What is the tempo of Yesterday?

Yesterday runs at 96 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does Yesterday use?

Yesterday follows the I-vi-IV-V progression, played as a vi-IV-V-I rotation. It's a 50s / sensitive pop feel.

What capo should I use for Yesterday?

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