A Boy Named Sue by Johnny Cash
Key: A# · 103 BPM · 4/4
A Boy Named Sue by Johnny Cash is written in Bb major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-V progression — classic resolving progression (1-4-5): Bb-Eb-F. At 103 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace.
The progression
This song follows the I-IV-V progression (Classic resolving progression (1-4-5)) in Bb major. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.
Play it in other keys
| Capo | Shape key | Chords to play |
|---|---|---|
| Capo 1 | A | A-D-E |
| Capo 3 | G | G-C-D |
| Capo 6 | E | E-A-B |
Chord chart
- 0:00 Bb
- 0:07 Eb
- 0:09 F7
- 0:12 Bb
- 0:16 Eb
- 0:19 F7
- 0:21 Bb
- 0:27 Eb
- 0:30 F
- 0:32 Bb
- 0:36 Eb
- 0:39 F7
- 0:41 Bb
- 0:48 Eb
- 0:51 F7
- 0:53 Bb
- 0:58 Eb
- 1:00 F7
- 1:02 Bb
- 1:07 Eb
- 1:09 F7
- 1:12 Bb
- 1:16 Eb7
- 1:19 F7
- 1:21 Bb
- 1:26 Eb
- 1:28 F7
- 1:31 Bb
- 1:35 Eb
- 1:38 F7
- 1:40 Bb
- 1:52 Eb
- 1:54 F7
- 1:56 Bb
- 2:01 Eb
- 2:03 F7
- 2:06 Bb
- 2:12 Eb
- 2:13 F7
- 2:15 Bb
- 2:20 Eb
- 2:22 F7
- 2:25 Bb
- 2:39 Eb
- 2:41 F7
- 2:44 Bb
- 2:50 Eb
- 2:52 F7
- 2:55 Bb
- 2:59 Eb
- 3:02 F7
- 3:04 Bb
- 3:09 Eb
- 3:11 F
- 3:14 Bb
- 3:22 Eb
- 3:24 F
- 3:32 Bb
Frequently asked questions
What key is A Boy Named Sue in?
A Boy Named Sue is in Bb major.
What chords does A Boy Named Sue use?
The core of A Boy Named Sue cycles through Bb, Eb, F (3 chords).
What is the tempo of A Boy Named Sue?
A Boy Named Sue runs at 103 BPM in 4/4 time.
What chord progression does A Boy Named Sue use?
A Boy Named Sue follows the I-IV-V progression. It's a classic resolving progression (1-4-5).
What capo should I use for A Boy Named Sue?
Capo 1 and play A major shapes — that gets you open chords instead of barring in Bb major.