Bright Lights, Big City by Jimmy Reed
Key: A · 92 BPM · 3/4
Bright Lights, Big City by Jimmy Reed is written in A major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-I-V progression — plagal + authentic mix: A-D-A-E. At 92 BPM, it moves at a relaxed, mid-tempo pace, in waltz time.
The progression
This song follows the I-IV-I-V progression (Plagal + authentic mix) in A 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 | A | A-D-E |
| Capo 2 | G | G-C-D |
| Capo 5 | E | E-A-B |
| Capo 7 | D | D-G-A |
Chord chart
- 0:00 A7
- 0:01 D
- 0:03 A7
- 0:09 Eaug
- 0:11 Am7
- 0:16 A7
- 0:18 Am7
- 0:20 D7
- 0:26 Am7
- 0:32 Bm
- 0:32 G
- 0:34 D7
- 0:37 A7
- 0:40 E7
- 0:43 A7
- 0:52 D7
- 0:58 Am
- 1:03 A7
- 1:04 D7
- 1:08 A7
- 1:12 E7
- 1:13 A
- 1:15 A7
- 1:24 D7
- 1:29 A
- 1:30 Am
- 1:34 E7
- 1:36 D7
- 1:39 A7
- 1:43 E7
- 1:45 A7
- 1:55 D7
- 2:00 A7
- 2:06 E7
- 2:08 D7
- 2:11 A7
- 2:14 E7
- 2:16 A7
- 2:26 D7
- 2:31 A7
Frequently asked questions
What key is Bright Lights, Big City in?
Bright Lights, Big City is in A major.
What chords does Bright Lights, Big City use?
The core of Bright Lights, Big City cycles through A, D, E (3 chords).
What is the tempo of Bright Lights, Big City?
Bright Lights, Big City runs at 92 BPM in 3/4 time.
What chord progression does Bright Lights, Big City use?
Bright Lights, Big City follows the I-IV-I-V progression. It's a plagal + authentic mix.
What capo should I use for Bright Lights, Big City?
No capo needed — A major already sits in standard open-chord shapes.