The Needle and the Damage Done by Neil Young

Key: G · 108 BPM · 4/4

The Needle and the Damage Done by Neil Young is written in G major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-I-V progression — plagal + authentic mix: D-G-C-E. At 108 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace.

The progression

This song follows the I-IV-I-V progression (Plagal + authentic mix) in G major. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Learn more about the I-IV-I-V progression

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
No capoGD-G-C-E
Capo 3EB-E-A-C#
Capo 5DA-D-G-B
Capo 7CG-C-F-A

Chord chart

  • 0:00 D
  • 0:05 G
  • 0:09 C
  • 0:14 E
  • 0:18 D
  • 0:20 C
  • 0:23 G
  • 0:27 C
  • 0:30 F
  • 0:32 E
  • 0:36 Em
  • 0:36 D
  • 0:41 G
  • 0:46 C
  • 0:48 F
  • 0:50 Em
  • 0:55 D
  • 0:58 C
  • 0:59 G
  • 1:04 C
  • 1:09 E
  • 1:13 D
  • 1:17 G
  • 1:20 Gm
  • 1:22 C
  • 1:24 F
  • 1:26 Em
  • 1:28 E
  • 1:31 D
  • 1:35 G
  • 1:40 C
  • 1:42 F
  • 1:44 Bm7
  • 1:46 Em
  • 1:49 D
  • 1:51 Dsus4
  • 1:53 G

Frequently asked questions

What key is The Needle and the Damage Done in?

The Needle and the Damage Done is in G major.

What chords does The Needle and the Damage Done use?

The core of The Needle and the Damage Done cycles through D, G, C, E (4 chords).

What is the tempo of The Needle and the Damage Done?

The Needle and the Damage Done runs at 108 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does The Needle and the Damage Done use?

The Needle and the Damage Done follows the I-IV-I-V progression. It's a plagal + authentic mix.

What capo should I use for The Needle and the Damage Done?

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