The Scientist by Coldplay
Key: F · 144 BPM · 4/4
The Scientist by Coldplay is written in F 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 — Bb-F — repeating with its own internal logic instead of borrowing a familiar shape. At 144 BPM, it moves at a brisk, upbeat pace.
The progression
This song cycles a 2-chord progression in F major: Bb-F. 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 | A-E |
| Capo 3 | D | G-D |
| Capo 5 | C | F-C |
Chord chart
- 0:00 Dm7
- 0:03 Bb
- 0:06 F
- 0:16 Bb
- 0:20 F
- 0:26 Dm7
- 0:29 Bb
- 0:33 F
- 0:42 Bb
- 0:46 F
- 0:52 Bb
- 0:59 F
- 1:05 Bb
- 1:12 F
- 1:18 C
- 1:25 F
- 1:28 Bb
- 1:32 F
- 1:38 Dm
- 1:41 Bb
- 1:45 F
- 1:51 Dm
- 1:54 Bb
- 1:58 F
- 2:04 Dm
- 2:08 Bb
- 2:11 F
- 2:17 Dm
- 2:21 Bb
- 2:24 F
- 2:29 C
- 2:31 Bb
- 2:37 F
- 2:44 Bb
- 2:50 F
- 2:57 C
- 3:03 F
- 3:07 Bb
- 3:10 F
- 3:16 Dm7
- 3:20 Bb
- 3:23 F
- 3:30 Dm7
- 3:33 Bb
- 3:36 F
- 3:43 Dm7
- 3:46 Bb
- 3:49 F
- 3:56 Dm7
- 3:59 Bb
- 4:02 F
- 4:09 Dm7
- 4:12 Bb
- 4:15 F
Frequently asked questions
What key is The Scientist in?
The Scientist is in F major.
What chords does The Scientist use?
The core of The Scientist cycles through Bb, F (2 chords).
What is the tempo of The Scientist?
The Scientist runs at 144 BPM in 4/4 time.
What chord progression does The Scientist use?
The Scientist doesn't follow one of the common named progressions — it cycles its own 2-chord loop: Bb-F.
What capo should I use for The Scientist?
Capo 1 and play E major shapes — that gets you open chords instead of barring in F major.