Something's Got a Hold on Me by Etta James
Key: C# · 152 BPM · 4/4
Something's Got a Hold on Me by Etta James is written in C# major. Rather than one of the handful of progressions that show up again and again across pop and rock, it settles into its own 2-chord loop — C#-F# — repeating with its own internal logic instead of borrowing a familiar shape. At 152 BPM, it moves at a brisk, upbeat pace.
The progression
This song cycles a 2-chord progression in C# major: C#-F#. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.
Play it in other keys
| Capo | Shape key | Chords to play |
|---|---|---|
| Capo 1 | C | C-F |
| Capo 4 | A | A-D |
| Capo 6 | G | G-C |
Chord chart
- 0:06 C#7
- 0:26 F#
- 0:33 C#
- 0:38 F#
- 0:38 C#
- 0:40 F#
- 0:43 C#
- 0:50 F#
- 0:53 C#
- 0:56 F#
- 1:00 C#
- 1:01 G#
- 1:03 C#
- 1:05 F#
- 1:06 C#
- 1:08 D#m
- 1:09 C#
- 1:19 F#
- 1:22 C#
- 1:28 F#
- 1:32 C#
- 1:35 F#
- 1:38 C#
- 1:40 G#7
- 1:41 C#
- 1:43 F#
- 1:44 C#
- 1:54 F#
- 1:57 C#
- 2:00 F#
- 2:03 C#
- 2:06 F#
- 2:10 C#
- 2:15 G#
- 2:16 C#
- 2:17 G#7
- 2:19 C#
- 2:21 F#
- 2:22 C#
- 2:24 G#7
- 2:25 C#
- 2:27 G#7
- 2:28 C#
- 2:30 G#7
- 2:35 C#
- 2:36 G#7
- 2:38 C#
Frequently asked questions
What key is Something's Got a Hold on Me in?
Something's Got a Hold on Me is in C# major.
What chords does Something's Got a Hold on Me use?
The core of Something's Got a Hold on Me cycles through C#, F# (2 chords).
What is the tempo of Something's Got a Hold on Me?
Something's Got a Hold on Me runs at 152 BPM in 4/4 time.
What chord progression does Something's Got a Hold on Me use?
Something's Got a Hold on Me doesn't follow one of the common named progressions — it cycles its own 2-chord loop: C#-F#.
What capo should I use for Something's Got a Hold on Me?
Capo 1 and play C major shapes — that gets you open chords instead of barring in C# major.