The Only Exception by Paramore

Key: B · 136 BPM · 3/4

The Only Exception by Paramore is written in B major. Its chords cycle through the I-V-IV progression — common turnaround / bluesy resolution: B-F#m-E. At 136 BPM, it moves at a brisk, upbeat pace, in waltz time.

The progression

This song follows the I-V-IV progression (Common turnaround / bluesy resolution) in B major. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Learn more about the I-V-IV progression

Play it in other keys

Capo	Shape key	Chords to play
Capo 2	A	A-Em-D
Capo 4	G	G-Dm-C
Capo 7	E	E-Bm-A

Chord chart

0:01 B
0:06 F#m
0:09 E
0:11 B
0:16 F#m
0:19 E
0:22 B
0:27 F#m
0:30 Emaj7
0:32 B
0:37 F#m
0:40 Emaj7
0:43 B
0:48 F#m
0:50 E
0:53 B
0:58 F#m
1:01 E
1:03 B
1:09 F#m
1:11 Emaj7
1:14 B
1:20 F#m
1:22 E
1:24 B
1:35 F#m
1:37 E
1:40 B
1:45 F#m
1:48 E
1:50 B
1:56 F#m
1:58 E
2:01 B
2:06 F#m
2:09 E
2:14 B
2:19 F#m
2:22 Emaj7
2:24 B
2:30 F#m
2:32 Emaj7
2:35 C#m7
2:40 B
2:43 F#
2:45 C#m7
2:50 B
2:53 F#
2:56 C#m7
3:01 B
3:03 F#
3:06 C#m7
3:11 B
3:14 F#
3:16 E
3:22 B
3:27 F#m
3:30 Emaj7
3:32 B
3:40 E
3:43 B
3:48 F#m
3:50 Emaj7
3:53 B
3:58 F#m7
4:01 Emaj7
4:03 A
4:06 E
4:09 B
4:14 A
4:16 E
4:19 B

Frequently asked questions

What key is The Only Exception in?

The Only Exception is in B major.

What chords does The Only Exception use?

The core of The Only Exception cycles through B, F#m, E (3 chords).

What is the tempo of The Only Exception?

The Only Exception runs at 136 BPM in 3/4 time.

What chord progression does The Only Exception use?

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

What capo should I use for The Only Exception?

Capo 2 and play A major shapes — that gets you open chords instead of barring in B major.