Suzanne by Leonard Cohen

Key: E · 129 BPM · 4/4

Suzanne by Leonard Cohen is written in E major. Rather than one of the handful of progressions that show up again and again across pop and rock, it settles into its own 7-chord loop — E-F#m-E-G#m-A-E-F#m — 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 7-chord progression in E major: E-F#m-E-G#m-A-E-F#m. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
No capoEE-F#m-G#m-A
Capo 2DD-Em-F#m-G
Capo 4CC-Dm-Em-F
Capo 7AA-Bm-C#m-D

Chord chart

  • 0:00 E
  • 0:17 F#m
  • 0:25 E
  • 0:32 G#m
  • 0:35 A
  • 0:39 E
  • 0:42 F#m
  • 0:46 E
  • 0:49 F#m
  • 0:53 E
  • 1:00 G#m
  • 1:03 A
  • 1:06 E
  • 1:10 F#m
  • 1:13 E
  • 1:28 F#m
  • 1:35 E
  • 1:42 G#m
  • 1:45 A
  • 1:49 E
  • 1:52 F#m
  • 1:56 E
  • 1:59 F#m
  • 2:03 E
  • 2:12 G#m
  • 2:14 A
  • 2:17 E
  • 2:21 F#m
  • 2:24 E
  • 2:39 F#m
  • 2:46 E
  • 2:54 G#m
  • 2:57 A
  • 3:00 E
  • 3:04 F#m
  • 3:08 E
  • 3:11 F#m
  • 3:15 E
  • 3:21 G#m
  • 3:25 A
  • 3:28 E
  • 3:32 F#m
  • 3:36 E

Frequently asked questions

What key is Suzanne in?

Suzanne is in E major.

What chords does Suzanne use?

The core of Suzanne cycles through E, F#m, G#m, A (4 chords).

What is the tempo of Suzanne?

Suzanne runs at 129 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does Suzanne use?

Suzanne doesn't follow one of the common named progressions — it cycles its own 7-chord loop: E-F#m-E-G#m-A-E-F#m.

What capo should I use for Suzanne?

No capo needed — E major already sits in standard open-chord shapes.

Related songs

Other songs in E major

More by Leonard Cohen