Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett
Key: D · 129 BPM · 4/4
Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett is written in D major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-I-V progression — plagal + authentic mix, played as a I-V-I-IV rotation: D-A-D-G. At 129 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace.
The progression
This song follows the I-IV-I-V progression (Plagal + authentic mix), played as a I-V-I-IV rotation in D 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 | D | D-A-G |
| Capo 2 | C | C-G-F |
| Capo 5 | A | A-E-D |
| Capo 7 | G | G-D-C |
Chord chart
- 0:05 D
- 0:29 A7
- 0:44 D
- 0:48 G
- 0:50 A
- 0:51 D
- 0:55 G
- 0:57 A
- 0:59 D
- 1:03 G
- 1:04 A
- 1:06 D
- 1:08 G
- 1:10 A7
- 1:13 D
- 1:28 A7
- 1:43 D
- 1:46 G
- 1:48 A
- 1:50 D
- 1:54 G
- 1:55 A
- 1:57 D
- 2:01 G
- 2:03 A
- 2:05 D
- 2:06 G
- 2:08 A
- 2:10 A7
- 2:12 D
- 2:26 A
- 2:30 G
- 2:32 A
- 2:34 D
- 2:38 A7
- 2:41 D
- 2:56 A7
- 3:10 D
- 3:14 G
- 3:16 A
- 3:17 D
- 3:21 G
- 3:23 A
- 3:25 D
- 3:28 G
- 3:30 A
- 3:32 D
- 3:34 G
- 3:37 A7
- 3:40 D
- 3:43 G
- 3:45 A
- 3:47 D
- 3:49 G
- 3:50 A
- 3:54 D
- 3:58 A7
- 4:00 D
Frequently asked questions
What key is Margaritaville in?
Margaritaville is in D major.
What chords does Margaritaville use?
The core of Margaritaville cycles through D, A, G (3 chords).
What is the tempo of Margaritaville?
Margaritaville runs at 129 BPM in 4/4 time.
What chord progression does Margaritaville use?
Margaritaville follows the I-IV-I-V progression, played as a I-V-I-IV rotation. It's a plagal + authentic mix.
What capo should I use for Margaritaville?
No capo needed — D major already sits in standard open-chord shapes.