Carefree Highway by Gordon Lightfoot

Key: E · 86 BPM · 3/4

Carefree Highway by Gordon Lightfoot is written in E major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-V progression — classic resolving progression (1-4-5): E-A-B. At 86 BPM, it moves at a relaxed, mid-tempo pace, in waltz time.

The progression

This song follows the I-IV-V progression (Classic resolving progression (1-4-5)) in E 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
No capoEE-A-B
Capo 2DD-G-A
Capo 4CC-F-G
Capo 7AA-D-E

Chord chart

  • 0:00 E
  • 0:03 A
  • 0:04 B
  • 0:07 E
  • 0:09 B
  • 0:11 C#m
  • 0:13 A
  • 0:14 E
  • 0:15 B
  • 0:18 E
  • 0:20 B
  • 0:22 C#m
  • 0:24 A
  • 0:25 B
  • 0:27 E
  • 0:29 A
  • 0:31 B
  • 0:32 E
  • 0:35 A
  • 0:36 B
  • 0:38 C#m
  • 0:39 B
  • 0:41 A
  • 0:41 E
  • 0:42 F#
  • 0:45 E
  • 0:48 A
  • 0:49 B
  • 0:52 E
  • 0:55 A
  • 0:56 B
  • 0:58 E
  • 1:00 A
  • 1:02 B
  • 1:05 E
  • 1:06 B
  • 1:09 C#m
  • 1:10 A
  • 1:12 E
  • 1:13 B7
  • 1:16 E
  • 1:18 B
  • 1:20 C#m
  • 1:22 A
  • 1:23 B
  • 1:24 E
  • 1:27 A
  • 1:29 B
  • 1:30 E
  • 1:33 A
  • 1:34 B
  • 1:36 C#m
  • 1:37 B
  • 1:39 A
  • 1:39 E
  • 1:41 F#
  • 1:43 E
  • 1:46 A
  • 1:47 B
  • 1:50 E
  • 1:53 A
  • 1:54 B
  • 1:56 E
  • 1:58 A
  • 2:00 B
  • 2:03 E
  • 2:04 B
  • 2:07 C#m
  • 2:08 A
  • 2:10 E
  • 2:11 B
  • 2:14 E
  • 2:15 B
  • 2:18 C#m
  • 2:19 A
  • 2:21 B
  • 2:22 E
  • 2:25 A
  • 2:27 B
  • 2:28 E
  • 2:31 A
  • 2:32 B
  • 2:34 C#m
  • 2:35 B
  • 2:36 A
  • 2:37 E
  • 2:38 F#
  • 2:41 E
  • 2:43 A
  • 2:45 B
  • 2:48 E
  • 2:51 A
  • 2:52 B
  • 2:53 E
  • 2:56 A
  • 2:58 B
  • 2:59 E
  • 3:02 A
  • 3:03 B
  • 3:05 C#m
  • 3:06 B
  • 3:07 A
  • 3:08 E
  • 3:10 F#
  • 3:12 E
  • 3:15 A
  • 3:16 B
  • 3:19 E
  • 3:22 A
  • 3:23 B
  • 3:24 E
  • 3:27 A
  • 3:29 B
  • 3:30 E
  • 3:33 A
  • 3:34 B
  • 3:36 E
  • 3:37 D

Frequently asked questions

What key is Carefree Highway in?

Carefree Highway is in E major.

What chords does Carefree Highway use?

The core of Carefree Highway cycles through E, A, B (3 chords).

What is the tempo of Carefree Highway?

Carefree Highway runs at 86 BPM in 3/4 time.

What chord progression does Carefree Highway use?

Carefree Highway follows the I-IV-V progression. It's a classic resolving progression (1-4-5).

What capo should I use for Carefree Highway?

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

Related songs

Other songs using the I-IV-V progression

Other songs in E major