Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Key: G#m · 129 BPM · 4/4

Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd is written in B major. Its chords cycle through the V-IV-I progression — common turnaround / bluesy resolution: B-F#-G#m. At 129 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace. The same chords are equally correct read against B major's relative key, G#m — 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 V-IV-I progression (Common turnaround / bluesy resolution) in B major. Read against its relative key, this is equivalently III-VII-i in G#m — the same chords, two valid readings. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Learn more about the V-IV-I progression

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
Capo 2AA-E-F#m
Capo 4GG-D-Em
Capo 7EE-B-C#m

Chord chart

  • 0:00 B
  • 0:02 F#
  • 0:04 G#m
  • 0:08 B
  • 0:10 F#
  • 0:12 G#m
  • 0:16 B
  • 0:17 F#
  • 0:19 G#m
  • 0:23 B
  • 0:25 F#
  • 0:27 G#m
  • 0:31 B
  • 0:32 F#
  • 0:35 G#m
  • 0:38 B
  • 0:40 F#
  • 0:42 G#m
  • 0:46 B
  • 0:48 F#
  • 0:49 G#m
  • 0:53 B
  • 0:55 F#
  • 0:57 G#m
  • 1:01 B
  • 1:03 F#
  • 1:05 G#
  • 1:08 B
  • 1:10 F#
  • 1:12 G#m
  • 1:16 B
  • 1:18 F#
  • 1:20 G#m
  • 1:23 B
  • 1:25 F#
  • 1:27 G#m
  • 1:31 B
  • 1:33 F#
  • 1:35 G#m
  • 1:38 B
  • 1:40 F#
  • 1:42 G#
  • 1:46 B
  • 1:48 F#
  • 1:50 G#
  • 1:53 B
  • 1:55 F#
  • 1:57 G#m
  • 1:59 G#
  • 2:01 B
  • 2:03 F#
  • 2:05 G#
  • 2:08 B
  • 2:10 F#
  • 2:12 G#
  • 2:16 B
  • 2:18 F#
  • 2:20 G#m
  • 2:21 G#m7
  • 2:23 B
  • 2:25 F#
  • 2:27 G#m
  • 2:31 B
  • 2:33 F#
  • 2:35 G#m
  • 2:38 B
  • 2:40 F#
  • 2:42 G#m
  • 2:46 B
  • 2:48 F#
  • 2:50 G#m
  • 2:52 G#
  • 2:53 B
  • 2:55 F#
  • 2:57 G#
  • 3:01 B
  • 3:03 F#
  • 3:05 G#
  • 3:08 B
  • 3:10 F#
  • 3:12 G#
  • 3:16 B
  • 3:18 F#
  • 3:20 G#
  • 3:23 B
  • 3:25 F#
  • 3:30 B
  • 3:32 F#
  • 3:37 G#m
  • 3:37 B
  • 3:40 F#
  • 3:45 B
  • 3:47 F#
  • 3:52 B
  • 3:54 F#
  • 3:57 G#m
  • 3:58 F#
  • 3:59 G#m
  • 4:00 B
  • 4:02 F#
  • 4:04 G#m
  • 4:07 B
  • 4:09 F#
  • 4:11 G#m
  • 4:15 B
  • 4:17 F#
  • 4:19 G#m
  • 4:22 B
  • 4:24 F#
  • 4:26 G#m7
  • 4:30 B
  • 4:32 F#
  • 4:34 G#m
  • 4:37 B
  • 4:39 F#
  • 4:41 G#m
  • 4:45 B
  • 4:47 F#
  • 4:49 G#
  • 4:52 B
  • 4:54 F#
  • 4:56 G#
  • 5:00 B
  • 5:02 F#
  • 5:03 G#
  • 5:07 B
  • 5:09 F#
  • 5:11 G#
  • 5:15 B
  • 5:16 F#
  • 5:18 G#

Frequently asked questions

What key is Simple Man in?

Simple Man is in B major — its chords are also equally valid read against its relative key, G#m, since the two share the same notes.

What chords does Simple Man use?

The core of Simple Man cycles through B, F#, G#m (3 chords).

What is the tempo of Simple Man?

Simple Man runs at 129 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does Simple Man use?

Simple Man follows the V-IV-I progression. It's a common turnaround / bluesy resolution.

What capo should I use for Simple Man?

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

Related songs

Other songs using the V-IV-I progression

More by Lynyrd Skynyrd