Bird on the Wire by Leonard Cohen
Key: G · 123 BPM · 4/4
Bird on the Wire by Leonard Cohen is written in G major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-I-V progression — plagal + authentic mix, played as a I-V-I-IV rotation: G-D-G-C. At 123 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace.
The progression
This song follows the I-IV-I-V progression (Plagal + authentic mix), played as a I-V-I-IV rotation in G major. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.
Play it in other keys
| Capo | Shape key | Chords to play |
|---|---|---|
| No capo | G | G-D-C |
| Capo 3 | E | E-B-A |
| Capo 5 | D | D-A-G |
| Capo 7 | C | C-G-F |
Chord chart
- 0:01 G
- 0:21 D
- 0:24 G
- 0:27 C
- 0:30 G
- 0:32 D
- 0:35 G
- 0:44 D
- 0:47 G
- 0:50 C
- 0:53 G
- 0:56 D
- 0:59 G
- 1:07 D
- 1:10 G
- 1:13 C
- 1:16 G
- 1:19 D7
- 1:22 G
- 1:25 G7
- 1:28 C
- 1:34 G
- 1:40 Am7
- 1:46 G
- 1:52 C
- 1:58 G
- 2:04 Am
- 2:10 D
- 2:19 G
- 2:23 D
- 2:26 G
- 2:29 C
- 2:31 G
- 2:34 D
- 2:37 G
- 2:46 D
- 2:49 G
- 2:52 C
- 2:55 G
- 2:58 D
- 3:00 G
- 3:06 C
- 3:12 G
- 3:18 Am
- 3:24 G
- 3:27 G7
- 3:30 C
- 3:36 G
- 3:42 Am
- 3:48 D
- 3:57 G
- 4:00 D
- 4:03 G
- 4:06 C
- 4:09 G
- 4:12 D
- 4:16 C
Frequently asked questions
What key is Bird on the Wire in?
Bird on the Wire is in G major.
What chords does Bird on the Wire use?
The core of Bird on the Wire cycles through G, D, C (3 chords).
What is the tempo of Bird on the Wire?
Bird on the Wire runs at 123 BPM in 4/4 time.
What chord progression does Bird on the Wire use?
Bird on the Wire 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 Bird on the Wire?
No capo needed — G major already sits in standard open-chord shapes.