Bad, Bad Leroy Brown by Jim Croce

Key: Em · 152 BPM · 4/4

Bad, Bad Leroy Brown by Jim Croce is written in G major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-V progression — classic resolving progression (1-4-5), played as a IV-V-I rotation: C-D-G. At 152 BPM, it moves at a brisk, upbeat pace. The same chords are equally correct read against G major's relative key, Em — two valid ways to name the exact same notes, depending on which one the song feels like it's resolving to.

The progression

This song follows the I-IV-V progression (Classic resolving progression (1-4-5)), played as a IV-V-I rotation in G major. Read against its relative key, this is equivalently VI-VII-III in Em — the same chords, two valid readings. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Learn more about the I-IV-V progression

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
No capoGC-D-G
Capo 3EA-B-E
Capo 5DG-A-D
Capo 7CF-G-C

Chord chart

  • 0:00 G
  • 0:12 D
  • 0:13 G
  • 0:16 A
  • 0:19 B
  • 0:21 C
  • 0:23 D
  • 0:24 D7
  • 0:26 G
  • 0:29 A
  • 0:33 B
  • 0:34 C
  • 0:37 D7
  • 0:39 G
  • 0:42 A
  • 0:46 B7
  • 0:47 C
  • 0:51 D7
  • 0:52 G
  • 0:55 A
  • 0:58 B
  • 1:00 C
  • 1:02 D
  • 1:02 C
  • 1:04 D
  • 1:05 G
  • 1:08 A
  • 1:11 B
  • 1:13 C
  • 1:15 D
  • 1:16 D7
  • 1:18 G
  • 1:21 A
  • 1:24 B
  • 1:26 C
  • 1:28 D
  • 1:28 C
  • 1:30 D
  • 1:31 G
  • 1:34 A
  • 1:37 B
  • 1:39 C
  • 1:41 D
  • 1:44 G
  • 1:47 A
  • 1:50 B
  • 1:52 C
  • 1:53 D
  • 1:57 G
  • 2:00 A
  • 2:03 B
  • 2:05 C
  • 2:06 D
  • 2:07 C
  • 2:08 D
  • 2:10 G
  • 2:13 A
  • 2:16 B
  • 2:18 C
  • 2:21 D
  • 2:23 G
  • 2:26 A
  • 2:29 C
  • 2:32 D
  • 2:35 G
  • 2:39 A
  • 2:42 B
  • 2:44 C
  • 2:45 D
  • 2:47 G
  • 2:50 C
  • 2:52 D
  • 2:53 G

Frequently asked questions

What key is Bad, Bad Leroy Brown in?

Bad, Bad Leroy Brown is in G major — its chords are also equally valid read against its relative key, Em, since the two share the same notes.

What chords does Bad, Bad Leroy Brown use?

The core of Bad, Bad Leroy Brown cycles through C, D, G (3 chords).

What is the tempo of Bad, Bad Leroy Brown?

Bad, Bad Leroy Brown runs at 152 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does Bad, Bad Leroy Brown use?

Bad, Bad Leroy Brown follows the I-IV-V progression, played as a IV-V-I rotation. It's a classic resolving progression (1-4-5).

What capo should I use for Bad, Bad Leroy Brown?

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

Related songs

Other songs using the I-IV-V progression

Other songs in Em