Walk of Life by Dire Straits

Key: E · 86 BPM · 4/4

Walk of Life by Dire Straits is written in E major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-V progression — classic resolving progression (1-4-5), played as a IV-V-I rotation: A-B-E. At 86 BPM, it moves at a relaxed, mid-tempo pace.

The progression

This song follows the I-IV-V progression (Classic resolving progression (1-4-5)), played as a IV-V-I rotation in E major. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Learn more about the I-IV-V progression

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
No capoEA-B-E
Capo 2DG-A-D
Capo 4CF-G-C
Capo 7AD-E-A

Chord chart

  • 0:00 E
  • 0:02 B
  • 0:03 A
  • 0:05 B
  • 0:08 G#m
  • 0:08 A
  • 0:10 B
  • 0:11 E
  • 0:14 A
  • 0:17 B
  • 0:20 A
  • 0:21 B
  • 0:23 E
  • 0:26 A
  • 0:29 B
  • 0:31 A
  • 0:33 B
  • 0:34 E
  • 0:37 A
  • 0:40 B
  • 0:43 A
  • 0:44 B
  • 0:45 E
  • 0:48 A
  • 0:51 B
  • 0:54 A
  • 0:55 B
  • 0:57 E
  • 1:08 A
  • 1:11 E
  • 1:13 A
  • 1:16 E
  • 1:20 B
  • 1:22 E
  • 1:23 A
  • 1:24 E
  • 1:26 B
  • 1:27 A
  • 1:28 F#m7
  • 1:29 B
  • 1:30 E
  • 1:33 A
  • 1:36 B
  • 1:38 A
  • 1:40 B
  • 1:41 E
  • 1:52 A
  • 1:55 E
  • 1:58 A
  • 2:01 E
  • 2:05 B
  • 2:06 E
  • 2:08 A
  • 2:09 E
  • 2:10 B
  • 2:12 A
  • 2:13 B
  • 2:15 E
  • 2:17 A
  • 2:20 B
  • 2:23 A
  • 2:24 B
  • 2:26 E
  • 2:28 A
  • 2:31 B
  • 2:34 A
  • 2:35 B
  • 2:36 E
  • 2:48 A
  • 2:51 E
  • 2:53 A
  • 2:56 E
  • 3:00 B
  • 3:02 E
  • 3:03 A
  • 3:05 E
  • 3:06 B
  • 3:07 A
  • 3:08 F#m
  • 3:09 B7
  • 3:10 E
  • 3:13 A
  • 3:16 B
  • 3:19 A
  • 3:20 B
  • 3:21 E
  • 3:24 A
  • 3:27 B
  • 3:30 A
  • 3:31 B
  • 3:32 E
  • 3:35 A
  • 3:38 B
  • 3:41 A
  • 3:42 B
  • 3:44 E
  • 3:46 A
  • 3:49 B
  • 3:52 A
  • 3:53 B
  • 3:55 E
  • 3:57 A
  • 4:00 B

Frequently asked questions

What key is Walk of Life in?

Walk of Life is in E major.

What chords does Walk of Life use?

The core of Walk of Life cycles through A, B, E (3 chords).

What is the tempo of Walk of Life?

Walk of Life runs at 86 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does Walk of Life use?

Walk of Life follows the I-IV-V progression, played as a IV-V-I rotation. It's a classic resolving progression (1-4-5).

What capo should I use for Walk of Life?

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

Related songs

Other songs using the I-IV-V progression

Other songs in E major

More by Dire Straits