Mr. Pitiful by Otis Redding
Key: C · 123 BPM · 3/4
Mr. Pitiful by Otis Redding is written in C major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-I-V progression — plagal + authentic mix, played as a I-V-I-IV rotation: C-G-C-F. At 123 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace, in waltz time.
The progression
This song follows the I-IV-I-V progression (Plagal + authentic mix), played as a I-V-I-IV rotation in C 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 | C | C-G-F |
| Capo 3 | A | A-E-D |
| Capo 5 | G | G-D-C |
Chord chart
- 0:01 C7
- 0:21 G7
- 0:25 C7
- 0:29 F7
- 0:33 C7
- 0:34 G7
- 0:36 C7
- 0:52 G7
- 0:56 C7
- 1:00 F7
- 1:04 C7
- 1:06 G7
- 1:07 C7
- 1:19 G7
- 1:23 C7
- 1:27 G7
- 1:31 C7
- 1:46 G7
- 1:50 C7
- 1:54 F7
- 1:58 C7
- 2:00 G7
- 2:02 C7
- 2:04 C
Frequently asked questions
What key is Mr. Pitiful in?
Mr. Pitiful is in C major.
What chords does Mr. Pitiful use?
The core of Mr. Pitiful cycles through C, G, F (3 chords).
What is the tempo of Mr. Pitiful?
Mr. Pitiful runs at 123 BPM in 3/4 time.
What chord progression does Mr. Pitiful use?
Mr. Pitiful follows the I-IV-I-V progression, played as a I-V-I-IV rotation. It's a plagal + authentic mix.
What capo should I use for Mr. Pitiful?
No capo needed — C major already sits in standard open-chord shapes.