Jackson by Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash

Key: Fm · 129 BPM · 4/4

Jackson by Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash sits in Fm, giving it a darker, more unresolved color than a major-key song would have. Rather than one of the handful of progressions that show up again and again across pop and rock, it settles into its own 5-chord loop — C-F-C-F-G — repeating with its own internal logic instead of borrowing a familiar shape. At 129 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace.

The progression

This song cycles a 5-chord progression in Fm: C-F-C-F-G. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
Capo 1EmB-E-F#
Capo 3DmA-D-E

Chord chart

  • 0:00 C
  • 0:22 F
  • 0:26 C
  • 0:29 F
  • 0:31 G
  • 0:33 C
  • 0:50 F
  • 0:53 C
  • 0:56 F
  • 0:58 G
  • 1:00 C
  • 1:17 F
  • 1:20 C
  • 1:24 F
  • 1:26 G
  • 1:28 C
  • 1:45 F
  • 1:49 C
  • 1:52 F
  • 1:54 G
  • 1:56 C
  • 2:15 F
  • 2:19 C
  • 2:22 F
  • 2:24 G
  • 2:26 C

Frequently asked questions

What key is Jackson in?

Jackson is in Fm.

What chords does Jackson use?

The core of Jackson cycles through C, F, G (3 chords).

What is the tempo of Jackson?

Jackson runs at 129 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does Jackson use?

Jackson doesn't follow one of the common named progressions — it cycles its own 5-chord loop: C-F-C-F-G.

What capo should I use for Jackson?

Capo 1 and play Em shapes — that gets you open chords instead of barring in Fm.