The Sky Is Crying by Elmore James

Key: D · 185 BPM · 4/4

The Sky Is Crying by Elmore James is written in D major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-I-V progression — plagal + authentic mix: D-G-D-A. At 185 BPM, it moves at a fast, high-energy pace.

The progression

This song follows the I-IV-I-V progression (Plagal + authentic mix) in D major. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Learn more about the I-IV-I-V progression

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
No capoDD-G-A
Capo 2CC-F-G
Capo 5AA-D-E
Capo 7GG-C-D

Chord chart

  • 0:01 D
  • 0:05 G
  • 0:09 D
  • 0:11 G
  • 0:14 D
  • 0:15 A
  • 0:18 D
  • 0:22 G
  • 0:25 D
  • 0:34 G
  • 0:42 D
  • 0:51 A
  • 0:55 G
  • 0:59 D
  • 1:05 A
  • 1:07 D
  • 1:11 G
  • 1:15 D
  • 1:23 G
  • 1:31 D
  • 1:40 A
  • 1:44 G
  • 1:48 D
  • 1:50 G
  • 1:52 D
  • 2:00 G
  • 2:04 D
  • 2:12 G
  • 2:20 D
  • 2:28 A7
  • 2:32 G
  • 2:36 D
  • 2:38 G
  • 2:40 D

Frequently asked questions

What key is The Sky Is Crying in?

The Sky Is Crying is in D major.

What chords does The Sky Is Crying use?

The core of The Sky Is Crying cycles through D, G, A (3 chords).

What is the tempo of The Sky Is Crying?

The Sky Is Crying runs at 185 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does The Sky Is Crying use?

The Sky Is Crying follows the I-IV-I-V progression. It's a plagal + authentic mix.

What capo should I use for The Sky Is Crying?

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

Related songs

Other songs using the I-IV-I-V progression

Other songs in D major

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