Running on Empty by Jackson Browne

Key: A · 136 BPM · 4/4

Running on Empty by Jackson Browne is written in A major. Rather than one of the handful of progressions that show up again and again across pop and rock, it settles into its own 2-chord loop — D-A — repeating with its own internal logic instead of borrowing a familiar shape. At 136 BPM, it moves at a brisk, upbeat pace.

The progression

This song cycles a 2-chord progression in A major: D-A. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Play it in other keys

Capo	Shape key	Chords to play
No capo	A	D-A
Capo 2	G	C-G
Capo 5	E	A-E
Capo 7	D	G-D

Chord chart

0:00 D
0:05 A
0:06 D
0:08 A
0:10 F#m
0:14 D
0:15 A
0:17 E
0:21 D
0:26 A
0:28 D
0:36 A
0:38 D
0:40 A
0:41 D
0:43 A
0:45 E
0:49 D
0:50 A
0:56 D
0:57 A
0:59 F#m
1:03 D
1:08 A
1:10 D
1:11 A
1:13 D
1:15 A
1:17 D
1:22 A
1:24 D
1:26 A
1:26 C#m
1:27 E
1:31 A
1:42 F#m
1:45 D
1:47 A
1:49 D
1:50 A
1:52 D
1:54 A
1:56 F#m
1:59 D
2:01 A
2:03 E
2:06 F#m
2:08 D
2:10 E
2:11 A
2:13 F#m
2:15 E
2:17 D
2:19 A
2:20 F#m
2:22 D
2:24 E
2:26 A
2:27 D
2:29 E
2:31 D
2:33 A
2:35 D
2:40 A
2:45 D
2:47 A
2:49 D
2:50 A
2:52 D
2:54 A
2:56 D
2:57 A
2:59 E
3:03 D
3:04 A
3:13 F#m
3:17 D
3:19 A
3:20 D
3:22 A
3:24 D
3:26 E
3:27 D
3:29 A
3:31 D
3:33 E
3:35 D
3:35 A
3:38 D
3:40 A
3:42 D
3:44 A
3:47 D
3:56 A
3:58 D
4:00 A
4:08 D
4:14 A
4:19 D
4:28 A
4:29 D
4:31 E
4:33 D
4:34 A

Frequently asked questions

What key is Running on Empty in?

Running on Empty is in A major.

What chords does Running on Empty use?

The core of Running on Empty cycles through D, A (2 chords).

What is the tempo of Running on Empty?

Running on Empty runs at 136 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does Running on Empty use?

Running on Empty doesn't follow one of the common named progressions — it cycles its own 2-chord loop: D-A.

What capo should I use for Running on Empty?

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