Slow Dancing in a Burning Room by John Mayer

Key: C#m · 136 BPM · 4/4

Slow Dancing in a Burning Room by John Mayer is written in E major. Its chords cycle through the I-V-IV progression — common turnaround / bluesy resolution: C#m-A-E. At 136 BPM, it moves at a brisk, upbeat pace. The same chords are equally correct read against E major's relative key, C#m — 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-IV progression (Common turnaround / bluesy resolution) in E major. Read against its relative key, this is equivalently i-VI-III in C#m — the same chords, two valid readings. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Learn more about the I-V-IV progression

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
No capoEC#m-A-E
Capo 2DBm-G-D
Capo 4CAm-F-C
Capo 7AF#m-D-A

Chord chart

  • 0:00 C#m
  • 0:04 A
  • 0:06 E
  • 0:08 C#m
  • 0:11 A
  • 0:13 E
  • 0:15 C#m
  • 0:18 A
  • 0:20 E
  • 0:22 C#m
  • 0:26 A
  • 0:27 E
  • 0:29 C#m7
  • 0:33 A
  • 0:34 E
  • 0:36 C#m
  • 0:40 A
  • 0:41 E
  • 0:43 C#m
  • 0:47 A
  • 0:49 E
  • 0:51 C#m
  • 0:54 A
  • 0:56 E
  • 0:58 B
  • 1:01 C#m
  • 1:03 A
  • 1:05 B
  • 1:09 C#m
  • 1:10 F#m7
  • 1:12 C#m7
  • 1:16 A
  • 1:17 E
  • 1:19 C#m
  • 1:23 A
  • 1:24 E
  • 1:27 C#m
  • 1:30 A
  • 1:31 E
  • 1:34 C#m
  • 1:37 B
  • 1:39 E
  • 1:41 C#m7
  • 1:45 A
  • 1:46 E
  • 1:48 C#m7
  • 1:52 A
  • 1:53 E
  • 1:55 C#m
  • 1:59 A
  • 2:00 E
  • 2:02 B
  • 2:06 C#m
  • 2:07 A
  • 2:10 B
  • 2:11 Emaj7
  • 2:12 B
  • 2:13 C#m
  • 2:15 F#m7
  • 2:17 C#m
  • 2:20 A
  • 2:22 E
  • 2:24 C#m
  • 2:28 A
  • 2:29 E
  • 2:31 C#m
  • 2:35 A
  • 2:36 E
  • 2:38 F#m7
  • 2:40 C#m7
  • 2:42 B7
  • 2:43 F#m7
  • 2:47 C#m7
  • 2:49 B
  • 2:50 F#m7
  • 2:53 C#m7
  • 2:56 Bmaj6
  • 2:58 Amaj7
  • 2:59 B
  • 3:00 C#m
  • 3:03 A
  • 3:05 E
  • 3:07 C#m
  • 3:11 A
  • 3:12 E
  • 3:14 C#m
  • 3:18 A
  • 3:19 E
  • 3:21 C#m
  • 3:25 Amaj7
  • 3:26 B
  • 3:26 E
  • 3:28 C#m
  • 3:32 Amaj7
  • 3:34 E
  • 3:37 C#m
  • 3:39 A
  • 3:40 E
  • 3:43 C#m
  • 3:46 Amaj7
  • 3:48 E
  • 3:50 C#m
  • 3:54 Amaj7
  • 3:54 B
  • 3:55 E
  • 3:57 C#m
  • 4:01 Amaj7
  • 4:02 Bsus4
  • 4:03 E
  • 4:04 C#m
  • 4:08 Amaj7
  • 4:09 E
  • 4:11 C#m
  • 4:15 Amaj7
  • 4:17 E
  • 4:19 C#m
  • 4:22 Amaj7
  • 4:24 E
  • 4:26 C#m
  • 4:29 A
  • 4:31 E
  • 4:33 C#m
  • 4:37 Amaj7
  • 4:37 Bsus4
  • 4:38 E
  • 4:40 C#m
  • 4:44 Amaj7
  • 4:45 E
  • 4:46 C#m
  • 4:51 Amaj7
  • 4:52 E
  • 4:54 C#m
  • 4:58 A
  • 5:00 Bsus4
  • 5:01 Emaj7
  • 5:04 E

Frequently asked questions

What key is Slow Dancing in a Burning Room in?

Slow Dancing in a Burning Room is in E major — its chords are also equally valid read against its relative key, C#m, since the two share the same notes.

What chords does Slow Dancing in a Burning Room use?

The core of Slow Dancing in a Burning Room cycles through C#m, A, E (3 chords).

What is the tempo of Slow Dancing in a Burning Room?

Slow Dancing in a Burning Room runs at 136 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does Slow Dancing in a Burning Room use?

Slow Dancing in a Burning Room follows the I-V-IV progression. It's a common turnaround / bluesy resolution.

What capo should I use for Slow Dancing in a Burning Room?

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

Related songs

Other songs using the I-V-IV progression

Other songs in C#m