Back Door Man by Howlin' Wolf
Key: Em · 99 BPM · 4/4
Back Door Man by Howlin' Wolf sits in Em, giving it a darker, more unresolved color than a major-key song would have. Rather than one of the handful of progressions that show up again and again across pop and rock, it settles into its own 3-chord loop — Em-E-Em — repeating with its own internal logic instead of borrowing a familiar shape. At 99 BPM, it moves at a relaxed, mid-tempo pace.
The progression
This song cycles a 3-chord progression in Em: Em-E-Em. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.
Play it in other keys
| Capo | Shape key | Chords to play |
|---|---|---|
| No capo | Em | Em-E |
| Capo 2 | Dm | Dm-D |
| Capo 7 | Am | Am-A |
Chord chart
- 0:51 E7
- 1:09 Em
- 1:20 E7
- 1:25 Em
- 2:06 A
- 2:07 Em
- 5:45 E7
- 5:58 Em
Frequently asked questions
What key is Back Door Man in?
Back Door Man is in Em.
What chords does Back Door Man use?
The core of Back Door Man cycles through Em, E (2 chords).
What is the tempo of Back Door Man?
Back Door Man runs at 99 BPM in 4/4 time.
What chord progression does Back Door Man use?
Back Door Man doesn't follow one of the common named progressions — it cycles its own 3-chord loop: Em-E-Em.
What capo should I use for Back Door Man?
No capo needed — Em already sits in standard open-chord shapes.