Diamonds & Rust by Joan Baez
Key: Fm · 129 BPM · 4/4
Diamonds & Rust by Joan Baez is written in Ab major. Its chords cycle through the I-V-vi-IV progression — modern pop / Axis progression (extremely common, often looped), played as a vi-IV-I-V rotation: Fm-Db-Ab-Eb. At 129 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace. The same chords are equally correct read against Ab major's relative key, Fm — 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-V-vi-IV progression (Modern pop / Axis progression (extremely common, often looped)), played as a vi-IV-I-V rotation in Ab major. Read against its relative key, this is equivalently i-VI-III-VII in Fm — the same chords, two valid readings. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.
Play it in other keys
| Capo | Shape key | Chords to play |
|---|---|---|
| Capo 1 | G | Em-C-G-D |
| Capo 4 | E | C#m-A-E-B |
| Capo 6 | D | Bm-G-D-A |
Chord chart
- 0:00 Fm
- 0:18 C7
- 0:20 Fm
- 0:31 Db
- 0:35 Ab
- 0:39 Eb
- 0:42 Fm
- 0:50 Db
- 0:54 Ab
- 0:57 Eb
- 1:01 Fm
- 1:12 Db
- 1:16 Ab
- 1:19 Eb
- 1:23 Fm
- 1:30 Db
- 1:34 Ab
- 1:38 Eb
- 1:42 Fm
- 1:55 C
- 1:58 Fm
- 2:09 Db
- 2:13 Ab
- 2:17 Eb
- 2:20 Fm
- 2:28 Db
- 2:31 Ab
- 2:35 Eb
- 2:39 Fm
- 2:46 Cm7
- 2:50 Bbm7
- 2:53 Cm7
- 2:57 Bbm7
- 3:01 Db
- 3:04 Ab
- 3:08 Gbmaj7
- 3:12 Ab
- 3:15 C7
- 3:27 Fm
- 3:38 Db
- 3:41 Ab
- 3:45 Eb
- 3:49 Fm
- 3:56 Db
- 4:00 Ab
- 4:03 Eb
- 4:07 Fm
Frequently asked questions
What key is Diamonds & Rust in?
Diamonds & Rust is in Ab major — its chords are also equally valid read against its relative key, Fm, since the two share the same notes.
What chords does Diamonds & Rust use?
The core of Diamonds & Rust cycles through Fm, Db, Ab, Eb (4 chords).
What is the tempo of Diamonds & Rust?
Diamonds & Rust runs at 129 BPM in 4/4 time.
What chord progression does Diamonds & Rust use?
Diamonds & Rust follows the I-V-vi-IV progression, played as a vi-IV-I-V rotation. It's a modern pop / Axis progression (extremely common, often looped).
What capo should I use for Diamonds & Rust?
Capo 1 and play G major shapes — that gets you open chords instead of barring in Ab major.