Salty Dog Blues by Flatt & Scruggs

Key: D# · 123 BPM · 4/4

Salty Dog Blues by Flatt & Scruggs is written in Eb major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-V progression — classic resolving progression (1-4-5), played as a IV-V-I rotation: Ab-Bb-Eb. At 123 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace.

The progression

This song follows the I-IV-V progression (Classic resolving progression (1-4-5)), played as a IV-V-I rotation in Eb major. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Learn more about the I-IV-V progression

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
Capo 1DG-A-D
Capo 3CF-G-C
Capo 6AD-E-A

Chord chart

  • 0:00 Ab
  • 0:03 Bb
  • 0:05 Eb
  • 0:06 Ab
  • 0:10 Bb
  • 0:12 Eb
  • 0:14 Ab
  • 0:18 Bb
  • 0:20 Eb
  • 0:22 Ab
  • 0:25 Bb
  • 0:28 Eb
  • 0:29 Ab
  • 0:33 Bb
  • 0:35 Eb
  • 0:37 Ab
  • 0:40 Fm
  • 0:41 Bb
  • 0:43 Eb
  • 0:45 Ab
  • 0:48 Bb
  • 0:50 Eb
  • 0:52 Ab
  • 0:56 Bb
  • 0:58 Eb
  • 1:00 Ab
  • 1:04 Bb
  • 1:06 Eb
  • 1:07 Ab
  • 1:10 Fm
  • 1:11 Bb
  • 1:13 Eb
  • 1:15 Ab
  • 1:19 Bb
  • 1:21 Eb
  • 1:23 Ab
  • 1:27 Bb
  • 1:29 Eb
  • 1:31 Ab
  • 1:35 Bb
  • 1:36 Eb
  • 1:38 Ab
  • 1:41 Fm
  • 1:42 Bb
  • 1:44 Eb
  • 1:45 Ab
  • 1:49 Bb
  • 1:52 Eb
  • 1:53 Ab
  • 1:56 Bb
  • 1:59 Eb
  • 2:01 Ab
  • 2:05 Bb
  • 2:07 Eb
  • 2:08 Ab
  • 2:12 Bb
  • 2:14 Eb
  • 2:16 Ab
  • 2:20 Bb
  • 2:22 Eb
  • 2:24 Ab

Frequently asked questions

What key is Salty Dog Blues in?

Salty Dog Blues is in Eb major.

What chords does Salty Dog Blues use?

The core of Salty Dog Blues cycles through Ab, Bb, Eb (3 chords).

What is the tempo of Salty Dog Blues?

Salty Dog Blues runs at 123 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does Salty Dog Blues use?

Salty Dog Blues follows the I-IV-V progression, played as a IV-V-I rotation. It's a classic resolving progression (1-4-5).

What capo should I use for Salty Dog Blues?

Capo 1 and play D major shapes — that gets you open chords instead of barring in Eb major.