The Circle Game by Joni Mitchell

Key: B · 117 BPM · 4/4

The Circle Game by Joni Mitchell is written in B major. Rather than one of the handful of progressions that show up again and again across pop and rock, it settles into its own 2-chord loop — B-E — repeating with its own internal logic instead of borrowing a familiar shape. At 117 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace.

The progression

This song cycles a 2-chord progression in B major: B-E. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Play it in other keys

Capo	Shape key	Chords to play
Capo 2	A	A-D
Capo 4	G	G-C
Capo 7	E	E-A

Chord chart

0:00 B
0:07 E
0:08 B
0:12 E
0:14 B
0:20 E
0:23 F#
0:26 B
0:31 D#m
0:35 E
0:37 B
0:51 E
0:55 B
0:59 E
1:03 D#m
1:06 E
1:08 B
1:19 E
1:20 B
1:26 E
1:28 F#
1:32 B
1:34 E
1:36 D#m
1:40 E
1:43 B
1:57 E
2:01 B
2:05 E
2:09 D#m
2:11 E
2:13 B
2:23 E
2:25 B
2:32 E
2:33 F#
2:37 B
2:39 E
2:41 B
2:42 D#m
2:46 E
2:48 B
3:02 E
3:06 B
3:10 E
3:14 D#m
3:16 E
3:18 B
3:23 E
3:24 B
3:29 E
3:31 B
3:37 E
3:38 F#
3:43 B
3:45 E
3:46 D#m
3:51 E
3:53 B
4:07 E
4:11 B
4:15 E
4:19 D#m
4:21 E
4:24 B
4:34 C#m7
4:36 B
4:40 E
4:41 B

Frequently asked questions

What key is The Circle Game in?

The Circle Game is in B major.

What chords does The Circle Game use?

The core of The Circle Game cycles through B, E (2 chords).

What is the tempo of The Circle Game?

The Circle Game runs at 117 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does The Circle Game use?

The Circle Game doesn't follow one of the common named progressions — it cycles its own 2-chord loop: B-E.

What capo should I use for The Circle Game?

Capo 2 and play A major shapes — that gets you open chords instead of barring in B major.