Vincent by Don McLean
Key: G · 108 BPM · 4/4
Vincent by Don McLean is written in G major. Its chords cycle through the I-vi-ii-V progression — doo-wop turnaround (very common in older pop and jazz standards), played as a ii-V-I-vi rotation: Am-D-G-Em. At 108 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace.
The progression
This song follows the I-vi-ii-V progression (Doo-wop turnaround (very common in older pop and jazz standards)), played as a ii-V-I-vi rotation in G major. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.
Play it in other keys
| Capo | Shape key | Chords to play |
|---|---|---|
| No capo | G | Am-D-G-Em |
| Capo 3 | E | F#m-B-E-C#m |
| Capo 5 | D | Em-A-D-Bm |
| Capo 7 | C | Dm-G-C-Am |
Chord chart
- 0:01 G
- 0:05 Am
- 0:11 Em
- 0:13 D
- 0:16 G
- 0:23 Am
- 0:28 C
- 0:30 D
- 0:33 G
- 0:34 C
- 0:35 G
- 0:38 Am
- 0:40 D
- 0:43 G
- 0:45 Em
- 0:48 Am
- 0:50 D
- 0:53 Em
- 0:56 Am
- 1:00 D
- 1:02 G
- 1:11 Am
- 1:18 Em
- 1:19 D
- 1:22 G
- 1:24 Em
- 1:25 G
- 1:29 Am
- 1:35 C
- 1:37 D
- 1:40 G
- 1:42 Am
- 1:45 D
- 1:48 G
- 1:50 Em
- 1:53 Am
- 1:55 D
- 1:58 Em
- 2:01 Am
- 2:05 D
- 2:06 G
- 2:09 Am
- 2:11 D
- 2:14 G
- 2:16 Em
- 2:18 Am
- 2:21 C
- 2:25 G
- 2:27 E7
- 2:30 Am
- 2:36 Dsus4
- 2:37 D
- 2:38 G
- 2:48 Am
- 2:55 C
- 2:56 D
- 2:59 G
- 3:01 C
- 3:02 G
- 3:03 C
- 3:05 G
- 3:06 Am
- 3:11 C
- 3:14 D
- 3:17 G
- 3:19 Em
- 3:20 Am
- 3:23 D
- 3:25 G
- 3:27 Em
- 3:30 Am
- 3:33 D
- 3:35 Em
- 3:39 Am
- 3:43 D
- 3:44 G
Frequently asked questions
What key is Vincent in?
Vincent is in G major.
What chords does Vincent use?
The core of Vincent cycles through Am, D, G, Em (4 chords).
What is the tempo of Vincent?
Vincent runs at 108 BPM in 4/4 time.
What chord progression does Vincent use?
Vincent follows the I-vi-ii-V progression, played as a ii-V-I-vi rotation. It's a doo-wop turnaround (very common in older pop and jazz standards).
What capo should I use for Vincent?
No capo needed — G major already sits in standard open-chord shapes.