Use Me by Bill Withers

Key: Em · 152 BPM · 4/4

Use Me by Bill Withers sits in Em, giving it a darker, more unresolved color than a major-key song would have. Rather than one of the handful of progressions that show up again and again across pop and rock, it settles into its own 2-chord loop — Em-A — repeating with its own internal logic instead of borrowing a familiar shape. At 152 BPM, it moves at a brisk, upbeat pace.

The progression

This song cycles a 2-chord progression in Em: Em-A. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
No capoEmEm-A
Capo 2DmDm-G
Capo 7AmAm-D

Chord chart

  • 0:00 Em7
  • 0:03 A7
  • 0:06 Em7
  • 0:09 A7
  • 0:12 Em7
  • 0:15 A7
  • 0:17 Em7
  • 0:21 A7
  • 0:24 Em7
  • 0:27 A7
  • 0:30 Em7
  • 0:34 A7
  • 0:35 Bm7
  • 0:36 Em7
  • 0:40 A7
  • 0:43 Em7
  • 0:46 A7
  • 0:48 Em
  • 1:02 Em7
  • 1:05 A7
  • 1:07 Em7
  • 1:11 A7
  • 1:13 Bm7
  • 1:14 Em7
  • 1:17 A7
  • 1:20 Em7
  • 1:23 A7
  • 1:26 Em7
  • 1:30 A7
  • 1:31 Em7
  • 1:36 A7
  • 1:39 Em7
  • 1:42 A7
  • 1:45 Em7
  • 1:48 A7
  • 1:51 Em7
  • 2:07 A7
  • 2:10 Em7
  • 2:13 A7
  • 2:16 Em7
  • 2:19 A7
  • 2:22 Em7
  • 2:26 A7
  • 2:27 Bm7
  • 2:28 Em7
  • 2:32 A7
  • 2:34 Em7
  • 2:38 A7
  • 2:41 Em7
  • 2:44 A7
  • 2:47 Em7
  • 2:50 A7
  • 2:52 Bm7
  • 2:54 Em7
  • 2:57 Em
  • 3:05 Em7
  • 3:09 A7
  • 3:11 Em7
  • 3:15 A7
  • 3:17 Em7
  • 3:21 A7
  • 3:24 Em7
  • 3:27 A7
  • 3:29 Em7
  • 3:33 A7
  • 3:35 Em7

Frequently asked questions

What key is Use Me in?

Use Me is in Em.

What chords does Use Me use?

The core of Use Me cycles through Em, A (2 chords).

What is the tempo of Use Me?

Use Me runs at 152 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does Use Me use?

Use Me doesn't follow one of the common named progressions — it cycles its own 2-chord loop: Em-A.

What capo should I use for Use Me?

No capo needed — Em already sits in standard open-chord shapes.