If Not for You by Bob Dylan
Key: E · 92 BPM · 4/4
If Not for You by Bob Dylan is written in E major. 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 — E-A — repeating with its own internal logic instead of borrowing a familiar shape. At 92 BPM, it moves at a relaxed, mid-tempo pace.
The progression
This song cycles a 2-chord progression in E major: E-A. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.
Play it in other keys
| Capo | Shape key | Chords to play |
|---|---|---|
| No capo | E | E-A |
| Capo 2 | D | D-G |
| Capo 4 | C | C-F |
| Capo 7 | A | A-D |
Chord chart
- 0:00 E
- 0:01 A
- 0:02 E
- 0:05 A
- 0:06 E
- 0:08 A
- 0:09 E
- 0:18 A
- 0:20 E
- 0:22 A
- 0:24 E
- 0:25 A
- 0:27 E
- 0:29 A
- 0:31 E
- 0:32 A
- 0:34 E
- 0:36 F#m
- 0:36 B
- 0:38 E
- 0:39 A
- 0:41 E
- 0:43 A
- 0:44 E
- 0:46 A
- 0:48 E
- 0:50 A
- 0:51 E
- 0:53 A
- 0:55 E
- 1:00 F#m
- 1:01 B
- 1:02 E
- 1:03 A
- 1:05 E
- 1:07 A
- 1:10 E
- 1:12 B
- 1:14 E
- 1:15 A
- 1:17 E
- 1:20 B
- 1:21 A
- 1:22 E
- 1:24 B
- 1:25 A
- 1:25 E
- 1:27 B
- 1:28 A
- 1:29 E
- 1:37 A
- 1:39 E
- 1:41 B
- 1:43 E
- 1:44 A
- 1:46 E
- 1:50 B
- 1:50 A
- 1:51 E
- 1:53 B
- 1:54 A
- 1:54 E
- 2:08 A
- 2:10 E
- 2:12 A
- 2:13 E
- 2:15 A
- 2:17 E
- 2:19 F#m
- 2:20 E
- 2:25 A
- 2:27 E
- 2:29 A
- 2:31 E
- 2:32 A
- 2:34 E
- 2:36 A
Frequently asked questions
What key is If Not for You in?
If Not for You is in E major.
What chords does If Not for You use?
The core of If Not for You cycles through E, A (2 chords).
What is the tempo of If Not for You?
If Not for You runs at 92 BPM in 4/4 time.
What chord progression does If Not for You use?
If Not for You doesn't follow one of the common named progressions — it cycles its own 2-chord loop: E-A.
What capo should I use for If Not for You?
No capo needed — E major already sits in standard open-chord shapes.