Yellow by Coldplay
Key: B · 86 BPM · 3/4
Yellow by Coldplay is written in B major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-I-V progression — plagal + authentic mix: B-E-B-F#. At 86 BPM, it moves at a relaxed, mid-tempo pace, in waltz time.
The progression
This song follows the I-IV-I-V progression (Plagal + authentic mix) in B major. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.
Play it in other keys
| Capo | Shape key | Chords to play |
|---|---|---|
| Capo 2 | A | A-D-E |
| Capo 4 | G | G-C-D |
| Capo 7 | E | E-A-B |
Chord chart
- 0:02 B
- 0:24 E
- 0:29 B
- 0:41 F#
- 0:45 B
- 0:46 E
- 0:51 B
- 0:57 F#
- 1:02 E
- 1:08 B
- 1:19 Emaj7
- 1:24 B
- 1:30 E
- 1:33 G#m
- 1:34 B
- 1:36 E
- 1:38 G#m7
- 1:41 E
- 1:44 G#m7
- 1:45 B
- 1:47 Emaj7
- 1:52 B
- 2:03 E
- 2:09 B
- 2:20 F#
- 2:26 E
- 2:31 B
- 2:37 F#
- 2:42 E
- 2:48 B
- 2:53 E
- 2:56 G#m7
- 2:57 F#
- 2:59 Emaj7
- 3:01 G#m7
- 3:03 B
- 3:04 Emaj7
- 3:07 G#m7
- 3:09 F#
- 3:10 E
- 3:15 B
- 3:26 E
- 3:32 B
- 3:49 E
- 3:54 B
- 4:01 F#
- 4:05 E
- 4:11 B
- 4:16 F#m7
- 4:22 Emaj7
Frequently asked questions
What key is Yellow in?
Yellow is in B major.
What chords does Yellow use?
The core of Yellow cycles through B, E, F# (3 chords).
What is the tempo of Yellow?
Yellow runs at 86 BPM in 3/4 time.
What chord progression does Yellow use?
Yellow follows the I-IV-I-V progression. It's a plagal + authentic mix.
What capo should I use for Yellow?
Capo 2 and play A major shapes — that gets you open chords instead of barring in B major.