Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding

Key: G · 103 BPM · 3/4

Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding is written in G major. Its chords cycle through the I-vi-IV-V progression — 50s / sensitive pop feel: G-B-C-A. At 103 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace, in waltz time.

The progression

This song follows the I-vi-IV-V progression (50s / sensitive pop feel) in G major. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

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

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
No capoGG-B-C-A
Capo 3EE-G#-A-F#
Capo 5DD-F#-G-E
Capo 7CC-E-F-D

Chord chart

  • 0:00 G
  • 0:11 B
  • 0:13 C
  • 0:15 A
  • 0:18 G
  • 0:20 B
  • 0:23 C
  • 0:25 A
  • 0:27 G
  • 0:30 Em
  • 0:32 G
  • 0:34 Em
  • 0:36 G
  • 0:39 A
  • 0:41 G
  • 0:43 E
  • 0:46 G
  • 0:48 B
  • 0:50 C
  • 0:53 A
  • 0:55 G
  • 0:57 B
  • 1:00 C
  • 1:02 A
  • 1:05 G
  • 1:07 Em
  • 1:09 G
  • 1:11 Em
  • 1:14 G
  • 1:16 A
  • 1:18 G
  • 1:21 E
  • 1:23 G
  • 1:24 D
  • 1:25 C
  • 1:28 G
  • 1:29 D
  • 1:30 C
  • 1:32 G
  • 1:34 D
  • 1:35 C
  • 1:36 G
  • 1:37 F
  • 1:39 D
  • 1:42 G
  • 1:44 B
  • 1:46 C
  • 1:49 A
  • 1:51 G
  • 1:53 B
  • 1:56 C
  • 1:58 A
  • 2:00 G
  • 2:02 Em
  • 2:05 G
  • 2:07 Em
  • 2:10 G
  • 2:12 A
  • 2:14 G
  • 2:16 E
  • 2:19 G
  • 2:26 Em
  • 2:28 G
  • 2:35 Em
  • 2:37 G

Frequently asked questions

What key is Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay in?

Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay is in G major.

What chords does Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay use?

The core of Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay cycles through G, B, C, A (4 chords).

What is the tempo of Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay?

Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay runs at 103 BPM in 3/4 time.

What chord progression does Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay use?

Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay follows the I-vi-IV-V progression. It's a 50s / sensitive pop feel.

What capo should I use for Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay?

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