Lean on Me by Bill Withers
Key: C · 152 BPM · 4/4
Lean on Me by Bill Withers is written in C major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-I-V progression — plagal + authentic mix: C-F-C-G. At 152 BPM, it moves at a brisk, upbeat pace.
The progression
This song follows the I-IV-I-V progression (Plagal + authentic mix) in C major. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.
Play it in other keys
| Capo | Shape key | Chords to play |
|---|---|---|
| No capo | C | C-F-G |
| Capo 3 | A | A-D-E |
| Capo 5 | G | G-C-D |
Chord chart
- 0:00 C
- 0:02 F
- 0:06 C
- 0:09 G
- 0:13 C
- 0:16 F
- 0:19 C
- 0:23 G7
- 0:24 C
- 0:30 F
- 0:32 C
- 0:38 G7
- 0:39 C
- 0:43 F
- 0:45 C
- 0:49 G
- 0:51 C
- 0:56 F
- 0:59 C
- 1:03 G
- 1:04 G7
- 1:06 C
- 1:09 F
- 1:12 C
- 1:16 G7
- 1:17 C
- 1:22 F
- 1:25 C
- 1:29 G
- 1:31 F
- 1:32 C
- 1:35 F
- 1:37 C
- 1:41 G7
- 1:43 C
- 1:47 Am
- 1:55 C
- 2:02 F
- 2:04 C
- 2:07 G7
- 2:09 C
- 2:13 F
- 2:16 C
- 2:21 G7
- 2:23 C
- 2:26 F
- 2:29 C
- 2:33 G7
- 2:34 C
- 2:58 G7
- 3:00 C
- 3:04 F
- 3:07 C
- 3:12 G7
- 3:14 C
- 3:17 F
- 3:20 C
- 3:24 G7
- 3:25 C
Frequently asked questions
What key is Lean on Me in?
Lean on Me is in C major.
What chords does Lean on Me use?
The core of Lean on Me cycles through C, F, G (3 chords).
What is the tempo of Lean on Me?
Lean on Me runs at 152 BPM in 4/4 time.
What chord progression does Lean on Me use?
Lean on Me follows the I-IV-I-V progression. It's a plagal + authentic mix.
What capo should I use for Lean on Me?
No capo needed — C major already sits in standard open-chord shapes.