Mama Tried by Merle Haggard
Key: D · 99 BPM · 3/4
Mama Tried by Merle Haggard is written in D major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-I-V progression — plagal + authentic mix: D-G-D-A. At 99 BPM, it moves at a relaxed, mid-tempo pace, in waltz time.
The progression
This song follows the I-IV-I-V progression (Plagal + authentic mix) in D 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 | D | D-G-A |
| Capo 2 | C | C-F-G |
| Capo 5 | A | A-D-E |
| Capo 7 | G | G-C-D |
Chord chart
- 0:00 D
- 0:13 G
- 0:15 D
- 0:16 G
- 0:17 D
- 0:20 A
- 0:22 D
- 0:23 G
- 0:25 D
- 0:26 G
- 0:27 D
- 0:28 A
- 0:29 D
- 0:33 G
- 0:34 D
- 0:36 G
- 0:37 D
- 0:39 A7
- 0:42 D
- 0:43 G
- 0:44 D
- 0:45 G
- 0:47 D
- 0:48 A7
- 0:49 D
- 0:54 G
- 0:55 D
- 0:57 Bm
- 0:59 A7
- 1:01 D
- 1:04 G
- 1:05 D
- 1:11 D7
- 1:14 G
- 1:16 D
- 1:18 A7
- 1:19 D
- 1:22 G
- 1:24 D
- 1:25 G
- 1:26 D
- 1:28 A
- 1:31 D
- 1:32 G
- 1:33 D
- 1:35 G
- 1:36 D
- 1:37 A
- 1:38 D
- 1:43 G
- 1:44 D
- 1:46 Bm
- 1:48 A
- 1:50 D
- 1:53 G
- 1:54 D
- 1:57 A
- 1:58 D
Frequently asked questions
What key is Mama Tried in?
Mama Tried is in D major.
What chords does Mama Tried use?
The core of Mama Tried cycles through D, G, A (3 chords).
What is the tempo of Mama Tried?
Mama Tried runs at 99 BPM in 3/4 time.
What chord progression does Mama Tried use?
Mama Tried follows the I-IV-I-V progression. It's a plagal + authentic mix.
What capo should I use for Mama Tried?
No capo needed — D major already sits in standard open-chord shapes.