Counting Stars by OneRepublic
Key: C#m · 123 BPM · 4/4
Counting Stars by OneRepublic is written in E major. Its chords cycle through the I-V-IV progression — common turnaround / bluesy resolution: E-B-A. At 123 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace. The same chords are equally correct read against E major's relative key, C#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 E major. Read against its relative key, this is equivalently III-VII-VI in C#m — the same chords, two valid readings. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.
Play it in other keys
| Capo | Shape key | Chords to play |
|---|---|---|
| No capo | E | E-B-A |
| Capo 2 | D | D-A-G |
| Capo 4 | C | C-G-F |
| Capo 7 | A | A-E-D |
Chord chart
- 0:00 C#m
- 0:02 E
- 0:04 B
- 0:06 A
- 0:09 C#m
- 0:11 E
- 0:13 B
- 0:15 A
- 0:21 C#m
- 0:24 E
- 0:26 B
- 0:28 A
- 0:30 C#m
- 0:32 E
- 0:34 B
- 0:36 A
- 0:38 C#m
- 0:40 E
- 0:41 B
- 0:44 A
- 0:45 C#m
- 0:47 E
- 0:51 A
- 0:53 C#m
- 0:55 E
- 0:57 B
- 0:59 A
- 1:01 C#m
- 1:03 E
- 1:05 B
- 1:07 A
- 1:17 C#m
- 1:19 E
- 1:21 B
- 1:23 A
- 1:25 C#m
- 1:27 E
- 1:29 B
- 1:31 A
- 1:33 C#m
- 1:35 E
- 1:37 B
- 1:39 A
- 1:41 C#m
- 1:43 E
- 1:44 B
- 1:46 A
- 1:48 C#m
- 1:50 E
- 1:52 B
- 1:54 A
- 1:56 C#m
- 1:58 E
- 2:00 B
- 2:02 A
- 2:04 C#m
- 2:06 E
- 2:08 B
- 2:10 A
- 2:12 C#m
- 2:14 E
- 2:16 B
- 2:18 A
- 2:27 C#m
- 2:30 E
- 2:32 B
- 2:34 A
- 2:36 C#m
- 2:38 E
- 2:40 B
- 2:42 A
- 2:44 C#m
- 2:45 E
- 2:47 B
- 2:49 A
- 2:51 C#m
- 2:53 E
- 2:56 B
- 2:57 A
- 3:13 C#m
- 3:19 A
- 3:21 F#m
- 3:26 C#m
- 3:28 E
- 3:30 B
- 3:32 A
- 3:34 C#m
- 3:36 E
- 3:38 B
- 3:40 A
- 3:42 C#m
- 3:43 E
- 3:45 B
- 3:47 A
- 3:49 C#m
- 3:51 E
- 3:53 B
- 3:55 A
- 3:57 C#m
- 3:59 E
- 4:01 B
- 4:03 A
- 4:05 C#m
- 4:07 E
- 4:09 B
Frequently asked questions
What key is Counting Stars in?
Counting Stars is in E major — its chords are also equally valid read against its relative key, C#m, since the two share the same notes.
What chords does Counting Stars use?
The core of Counting Stars cycles through E, B, A (3 chords).
What is the tempo of Counting Stars?
Counting Stars runs at 123 BPM in 4/4 time.
What chord progression does Counting Stars use?
Counting Stars follows the I-V-IV progression. It's a common turnaround / bluesy resolution.
What capo should I use for Counting Stars?
No capo needed — E major already sits in standard open-chord shapes.