Carnival by Natalie Merchant

Key: F#m · 92 BPM · 4/4

Carnival by Natalie Merchant is written in A major. Its chords cycle through the I-V-IV progression — common turnaround / bluesy resolution: A-E-D. At 92 BPM, it moves at a relaxed, mid-tempo pace. The same chords are equally correct read against A major's relative key, F#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 I-V-IV progression (Common turnaround / bluesy resolution) in A major. Read against its relative key, this is equivalently III-VII-VI in F#m — the same chords, two valid readings. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Learn more about the I-V-IV progression

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
No capoAA-E-D
Capo 2GG-D-C
Capo 5EE-B-A
Capo 7DD-A-G

Chord chart

  • 0:08 F#m
  • 0:10 E
  • 0:15 D
  • 0:21 F#m
  • 0:31 E
  • 0:36 D
  • 0:41 F#m
  • 0:45 F#m7
  • 0:46 E
  • 0:47 A
  • 0:52 E
  • 0:57 D
  • 1:02 F#m
  • 1:13 E
  • 1:18 D
  • 1:23 F#m
  • 1:34 E
  • 1:39 D
  • 1:44 F#m
  • 1:49 E
  • 1:49 A
  • 1:54 E
  • 2:00 D
  • 2:05 F#m
  • 2:09 E
  • 2:10 A
  • 2:15 E
  • 2:21 D
  • 2:25 A
  • 2:26 F#m
  • 2:28 D
  • 2:31 E
  • 2:36 F#m
  • 2:41 E
  • 2:43 F#m
  • 2:45 E
  • 2:47 D
  • 2:49 E
  • 2:53 F#m
  • 3:02 E
  • 3:08 D
  • 3:09 E
  • 3:13 F#m
  • 3:17 E
  • 3:18 A
  • 3:21 E
  • 3:23 D
  • 3:28 A
  • 3:31 E
  • 3:34 D
  • 3:39 A
  • 3:41 E
  • 3:44 D
  • 3:49 F#m
  • 3:52 D
  • 3:55 E
  • 4:00 A
  • 4:02 E
  • 4:05 D
  • 4:10 A
  • 4:13 E
  • 4:15 D
  • 4:20 A
  • 4:23 E
  • 4:26 D
  • 4:31 F#m
  • 4:34 D
  • 4:36 E
  • 4:42 Fdim

Frequently asked questions

What key is Carnival in?

Carnival is in A major — its chords are also equally valid read against its relative key, F#m, since the two share the same notes.

What chords does Carnival use?

The core of Carnival cycles through A, E, D (3 chords).

What is the tempo of Carnival?

Carnival runs at 92 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does Carnival use?

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

What capo should I use for Carnival?

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

Related songs

Other songs using the I-V-IV progression

Other songs in F#m