Killing Floor by Howlin' Wolf

Key: A · 117 BPM · 3/4

Killing Floor by Howlin' Wolf is written in A major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-I-V progression — plagal + authentic mix, played as a IV-I-V-I rotation: D-A-E-A. At 117 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace, in waltz time.

The progression

This song follows the I-IV-I-V progression (Plagal + authentic mix), played as a IV-I-V-I rotation in A major. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Learn more about the I-IV-I-V progression

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
No capoAD-A-E
Capo 2GC-G-D
Capo 5EA-E-B
Capo 7DG-D-A

Chord chart

  • 0:00 E7
  • 0:02 D
  • 0:04 A7
  • 0:06 E7
  • 0:08 A7
  • 0:15 D
  • 0:19 A7
  • 0:24 E7
  • 0:26 D
  • 0:28 A7
  • 0:40 D7
  • 0:44 A7
  • 0:48 E7
  • 0:52 A7
  • 0:54 E7
  • 0:57 A7
  • 1:04 D7
  • 1:08 A7
  • 1:13 E7
  • 1:15 D
  • 1:16 A7
  • 1:18 D
  • 1:19 E7
  • 1:21 A7
  • 1:29 D
  • 1:34 A
  • 1:37 E7
  • 1:40 A7
  • 1:43 E7
  • 1:45 A7
  • 1:53 D7
  • 1:57 A7
  • 2:01 E7
  • 2:03 D
  • 2:05 A
  • 2:06 D
  • 2:07 E7
  • 2:09 A
  • 2:10 D
  • 2:11 A7
  • 2:17 D
  • 2:21 A
  • 2:25 E7
  • 2:27 D
  • 2:29 A
  • 2:30 D
  • 2:31 E7
  • 2:33 A
  • 2:40 D

Frequently asked questions

What key is Killing Floor in?

Killing Floor is in A major.

What chords does Killing Floor use?

The core of Killing Floor cycles through D, A, E (3 chords).

What is the tempo of Killing Floor?

Killing Floor runs at 117 BPM in 3/4 time.

What chord progression does Killing Floor use?

Killing Floor follows the I-IV-I-V progression, played as a IV-I-V-I rotation. It's a plagal + authentic mix.

What capo should I use for Killing Floor?

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

Related songs

Other songs using the I-IV-I-V progression

Other songs in A major

More by Howlin' Wolf