Emmylou by First Aid Kit
Key: D#m · 117 BPM · 4/4
Emmylou by First Aid Kit is written in F# major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-vi-V progression — variation of the Axis progression, played as a V-I-IV-vi rotation: C#-F#-B-D#m. At 117 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace. The same chords are equally correct read against F# major's relative key, D#m — two valid ways to name the exact same notes, depending on which one the song feels like it's resolving to.
The progression
This song follows the I-IV-vi-V progression (Variation of the Axis progression), played as a V-I-IV-vi rotation in F# major. Read against its relative key, this is equivalently VII-III-VI-i in D#m — the same chords, two valid readings. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.
Play it in other keys
| Capo | Shape key | Chords to play |
|---|---|---|
| Capo 2 | E | B-E-A-C#m |
| Capo 4 | D | A-D-G-Bm |
| Capo 6 | C | G-C-F-Am |
Chord chart
- 0:01 F#
- 0:04 A#m
- 0:06 D#m
- 0:09 B
- 0:12 F#
- 0:15 A#m
- 0:17 D#m
- 0:20 B
- 0:23 F#
- 0:24 A#m
- 0:25 D#m
- 0:27 B
- 0:28 F#
- 0:30 A#m
- 0:31 D#m
- 0:32 B
- 0:34 F#
- 0:35 A#m
- 0:36 D#m
- 0:38 B
- 0:39 F#
- 0:40 A#m
- 0:42 D#m
- 0:43 B
- 0:44 F#
- 0:46 A#m
- 0:47 D#m
- 0:48 B
- 0:50 F#
- 0:51 A#m
- 0:53 C#
- 0:58 F#
- 1:01 B
- 1:03 D#m
- 1:06 C#
- 1:09 F#
- 1:12 B
- 1:14 D#m
- 1:16 C#
- 1:17 F#
- 1:24 A#m
- 1:25 D#m
- 1:27 B
- 1:28 F#
- 1:29 A#m
- 1:31 D#m
- 1:32 B
- 1:33 F#
- 1:35 A#m
- 1:36 D#m
- 1:38 B
- 1:39 F#
- 1:40 A#m
- 1:42 D#m
- 1:43 B
- 1:44 F#
- 1:46 A#m
- 1:47 D#m
- 1:49 B
- 1:50 F#
- 1:51 A#m
- 1:52 D#m
- 1:54 B
- 1:55 F#
- 1:57 A#m
- 1:58 D#m
- 1:59 B
- 2:01 F#
- 2:03 C#
- 2:09 F#
- 2:12 B
- 2:14 D#m
- 2:17 C#
- 2:20 F#
- 2:22 B
- 2:25 D#m
- 2:27 C#
- 2:28 F#
- 2:33 D#m
- 2:36 C#
- 2:39 B
- 2:41 F#
- 2:44 D#m
- 2:47 C#
- 2:50 B
- 2:52 F#
- 2:55 D#m
- 2:58 C#
- 3:00 B
- 3:03 F#
- 3:06 D#m
- 3:09 C#
- 3:11 B
- 3:14 F#
- 3:23 B
- 3:25 D#m
- 3:28 C#
- 3:30 F#
- 3:33 B
- 3:36 D#m
- 3:37 C#
- 3:39 F#
- 3:44 B
- 3:47 D#m
- 3:50 C#
- 3:53 F#
- 3:55 B
- 3:58 D#m
- 3:59 C#
- 4:01 B
- 4:03 D#m
- 4:05 C#
- 4:06 F#
Frequently asked questions
What key is Emmylou in?
Emmylou is in F# major — its chords are also equally valid read against its relative key, D#m, since the two share the same notes.
What chords does Emmylou use?
The core of Emmylou cycles through C#, F#, B, D#m (4 chords).
What is the tempo of Emmylou?
Emmylou runs at 117 BPM in 4/4 time.
What chord progression does Emmylou use?
Emmylou follows the I-IV-vi-V progression, played as a V-I-IV-vi rotation. It's a variation of the Axis progression.
What capo should I use for Emmylou?
Capo 2 and play E major shapes — that gets you open chords instead of barring in F# major.