Paradise by John Prine

Key: D · 161 BPM · 4/4

Paradise by John Prine is written in D major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-I-V progression — plagal + authentic mix: D-G-D-A. At 161 BPM, it moves at a fast, high-energy pace.

The progression

This song follows the I-IV-I-V progression (Plagal + authentic mix) in D major. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Learn more about the I-IV-I-V progression

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
No capoDD-G-A
Capo 2CC-F-G
Capo 5AA-D-E
Capo 7GG-C-D

Chord chart

  • 0:00 D
  • 0:02 G
  • 0:03 D
  • 0:07 A
  • 0:07 D
  • 0:12 G
  • 0:13 D
  • 0:16 A
  • 0:17 D
  • 0:21 G
  • 0:22 D
  • 0:25 A
  • 0:26 D
  • 0:30 G
  • 0:31 D
  • 0:36 A
  • 0:37 D
  • 0:44 G
  • 0:45 D
  • 0:49 A
  • 0:50 D
  • 0:54 G
  • 0:55 D
  • 1:00 A
  • 1:01 D
  • 1:04 G
  • 1:05 D
  • 1:09 A
  • 1:10 D
  • 1:14 G
  • 1:15 D
  • 1:19 A
  • 1:20 D
  • 1:25 G
  • 1:26 D
  • 1:29 A
  • 1:31 D
  • 1:34 G
  • 1:35 D
  • 1:38 A
  • 1:40 D
  • 1:46 G
  • 1:47 D
  • 1:51 A
  • 1:52 D
  • 1:56 G
  • 1:57 D
  • 2:01 A
  • 2:01 D
  • 2:10 A
  • 2:11 D
  • 2:15 G
  • 2:16 D
  • 2:20 A
  • 2:22 D
  • 2:30 G
  • 2:32 D
  • 2:35 A
  • 2:36 D
  • 2:40 G
  • 2:41 D
  • 2:45 A
  • 2:46 D
  • 2:49 G
  • 2:50 D
  • 2:53 A
  • 2:55 D
  • 2:59 G
  • 3:00 D
  • 3:05 A
  • 3:06 D

Frequently asked questions

What key is Paradise in?

Paradise is in D major.

What chords does Paradise use?

The core of Paradise cycles through D, G, A (3 chords).

What is the tempo of Paradise?

Paradise runs at 161 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does Paradise use?

Paradise follows the I-IV-I-V progression. It's a plagal + authentic mix.

What capo should I use for Paradise?

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

Related songs

Other songs using the I-IV-I-V progression

Other songs in D major

More by John Prine