The Reason by Hoobastank
Key: E · 83 BPM · 4/4
The Reason by Hoobastank is written in E major. Its chords cycle through the I-vi-IV-V progression — 50s / sensitive pop feel: E-C#m-A-B. At 83 BPM, it moves at a relaxed, mid-tempo pace.
The progression
This song follows the I-vi-IV-V progression (50s / sensitive pop feel) in E major. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.
Play it in other keys
| Capo | Shape key | Chords to play |
|---|---|---|
| No capo | E | E-C#m-A-B |
| Capo 2 | D | D-Bm-G-A |
| Capo 4 | C | C-Am-F-G |
| Capo 7 | A | A-F#m-D-E |
Chord chart
- 0:22 E
- 0:33 C#m
- 0:39 E
- 0:44 C#m
- 0:50 A
- 0:56 B
- 1:02 E
- 1:07 C#m
- 1:13 A
- 1:19 B
- 1:25 E
- 1:31 C#m
- 1:36 E
- 1:42 C#m
- 1:48 A
- 1:54 B
- 2:00 E
- 2:05 C#m
- 2:11 A
- 2:17 B
- 2:23 D
- 2:28 E
- 2:34 D
- 2:40 E
- 2:52 C#m
- 2:57 A
- 3:03 B
- 3:09 E
- 3:15 C#m
- 3:20 A
- 3:26 B
- 3:32 E
- 3:38 C#m
- 3:44 A
- 3:49 B
- 3:55 E
Frequently asked questions
What key is The Reason in?
The Reason is in E major.
What chords does The Reason use?
The core of The Reason cycles through E, C#m, A, B (4 chords).
What is the tempo of The Reason?
The Reason runs at 83 BPM in 4/4 time.
What chord progression does The Reason use?
The Reason follows the I-vi-IV-V progression. It's a 50s / sensitive pop feel.
What capo should I use for The Reason?
No capo needed — E major already sits in standard open-chord shapes.