Break On Through (To the Other Side) by The Doors
Key: A · 185 BPM · 4/4
Break On Through (To the Other Side) by The Doors is written in A major. Rather than one of the handful of progressions that show up again and again across pop and rock, it settles into its own 5-chord loop — D-Em-E-D-Em — repeating with its own internal logic instead of borrowing a familiar shape. At 185 BPM, it moves at a fast, high-energy pace.
The progression
This song cycles a 5-chord progression in A major: D-Em-E-D-Em. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.
Play it in other keys
| Capo | Shape key | Chords to play |
|---|---|---|
| No capo | A | D-Em-E |
| Capo 2 | G | C-Dm-D |
| Capo 5 | E | A-Bm-B |
| Capo 7 | D | G-Am-A |
Chord chart
- 0:00 E
- 0:13 D
- 0:17 Em
- 0:22 E
- 0:35 D
- 0:39 Em
- 1:05 D
- 1:07 Em
- 1:22 D
- 1:23 E
- 1:25 Em
- 1:38 D
- 1:41 Em
- 2:01 E
- 2:03 D
- 2:06 Em
Frequently asked questions
What key is Break On Through (To the Other Side) in?
Break On Through (To the Other Side) is in A major.
What chords does Break On Through (To the Other Side) use?
The core of Break On Through (To the Other Side) cycles through D, Em, E (3 chords).
What is the tempo of Break On Through (To the Other Side)?
Break On Through (To the Other Side) runs at 185 BPM in 4/4 time.
What chord progression does Break On Through (To the Other Side) use?
Break On Through (To the Other Side) doesn't follow one of the common named progressions — it cycles its own 5-chord loop: D-Em-E-D-Em.
What capo should I use for Break On Through (To the Other Side)?
No capo needed — A major already sits in standard open-chord shapes.