Goodnight Irene by Lead Belly
Key: Fm · 136 BPM · 4/4
Goodnight Irene by Lead Belly is written in Ab major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-I-V progression — plagal + authentic mix, played as a I-V-I-IV rotation: Ab-Eb-Ab-Db. At 136 BPM, it moves at a brisk, upbeat pace. The same chords are equally correct read against Ab major's relative key, Fm — 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-IV-I-V progression (Plagal + authentic mix), played as a I-V-I-IV rotation in Ab major. Read against its relative key, this is equivalently III-VII-III-VI in Fm — the same chords, two valid readings. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.
Play it in other keys
| Capo | Shape key | Chords to play |
|---|---|---|
| Capo 1 | G | G-D-C |
| Capo 4 | E | E-B-A |
| Capo 6 | D | D-A-G |
Chord chart
- 0:00 Ab
- 0:04 Eb
- 0:09 Ab
- 0:15 Db
- 0:18 Ab
- 0:28 Eb
- 0:32 Ab
- 0:35 Ab7
- 0:38 Db
- 0:41 Ab
- 0:50 Eb
- 0:55 Ab
- 1:00 Db
- 1:03 Ab
- 1:11 Bbm
- 1:13 Eb
- 1:16 Ab
- 1:22 Db
- 1:25 Ab
- 1:26 Eb
- 1:27 Ab
- 1:33 Eb
- 1:38 Ab
- 1:43 Db
- 1:46 Ab
- 1:54 Bbm
- 1:55 Eb
- 1:58 Ab
- 2:04 Db
- 2:06 Ab
- 2:07 Eb
- 2:09 Ab
- 2:24 Db
- 2:26 Ab
Frequently asked questions
What key is Goodnight Irene in?
Goodnight Irene is in Ab major — its chords are also equally valid read against its relative key, Fm, since the two share the same notes.
What chords does Goodnight Irene use?
The core of Goodnight Irene cycles through Ab, Eb, Db (3 chords).
What is the tempo of Goodnight Irene?
Goodnight Irene runs at 136 BPM in 4/4 time.
What chord progression does Goodnight Irene use?
Goodnight Irene follows the I-IV-I-V progression, played as a I-V-I-IV rotation. It's a plagal + authentic mix.
What capo should I use for Goodnight Irene?
Capo 1 and play G major shapes — that gets you open chords instead of barring in Ab major.