American Idiot by Green Day
Key: G# · 92 BPM · 3/4
American Idiot by Green Day is written in Ab major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-I-V progression — plagal + authentic mix: Ab-Db-Ab-Eb. At 92 BPM, it moves at a relaxed, mid-tempo pace, in waltz time.
The progression
This song follows the I-IV-I-V progression (Plagal + authentic mix) in Ab major. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.
Play it in other keys
| Capo | Shape key | Chords to play |
|---|---|---|
| Capo 1 | G | G-C-D |
| Capo 4 | E | E-A-B |
| Capo 6 | D | D-G-A |
Chord chart
- 0:01 Db
- 0:05 Ab
- 0:06 Db
- 0:07 Ab
- 0:08 Db
- 0:10 Ab
- 0:10 Eb
- 0:12 Ab
- 0:13 Db
- 0:15 Ab
- 0:19 Db
- 0:20 Ab
- 0:21 Eb
- 0:24 Db
- 0:25 Ab
- 0:29 Db
- 0:30 Ab
- 0:31 Db
- 0:34 Ab
- 0:36 Eb
- 0:39 Ab
- 0:41 Db
- 0:44 Ab
- 0:46 Eb
- 0:51 Ab
- 0:52 Db
- 0:56 Ab
- 0:57 Eb
- 1:00 Db
- 1:02 Ab
- 1:05 Db
- 1:06 Ab
- 1:10 Db
- 1:12 Ab
- 1:15 Db
- 1:17 Ab
- 1:17 Db
- 1:20 Ab
- 1:23 Eb
- 1:25 Ab
- 1:28 Db
- 1:30 Ab
- 1:33 Eb
- 1:38 Db
- 1:43 Ab
- 1:44 Db
- 1:51 Ab
- 1:54 Eb
- 1:56 Ab
- 1:59 Db
- 2:01 Ab
- 2:04 Eb
- 2:07 Db
- 2:14 Fm
- 2:18 Db
- 2:25 Ab
- 2:27 Eb
- 2:30 Ab
- 2:32 Db
- 2:35 Ab
- 2:38 Eb
- 2:40 Db
Frequently asked questions
What key is American Idiot in?
American Idiot is in Ab major.
What chords does American Idiot use?
The core of American Idiot cycles through Ab, Db, Eb (3 chords).
What is the tempo of American Idiot?
American Idiot runs at 92 BPM in 3/4 time.
What chord progression does American Idiot use?
American Idiot follows the I-IV-I-V progression. It's a plagal + authentic mix.
What capo should I use for American Idiot?
Capo 1 and play G major shapes — that gets you open chords instead of barring in Ab major.