High and Dry by Radiohead
Key: E · 172 BPM · 4/4
High and Dry by Radiohead is written in E major. Rather than one of the handful of progressions that show up again and again across pop and rock, it settles into its own 2-chord loop — E-A — repeating with its own internal logic instead of borrowing a familiar shape. At 172 BPM, it moves at a fast, high-energy pace.
The progression
This song cycles a 2-chord progression in E major: E-A. 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-A |
| Capo 2 | D | D-G |
| Capo 4 | C | C-F |
| Capo 7 | A | A-D |
Chord chart
- 0:05 E
- 0:08 A
- 0:11 E
- 0:19 A
- 0:22 E
- 0:27 F#m7
- 0:30 A
- 0:33 E
- 0:39 F#m7
- 0:41 A
- 0:44 E
- 0:52 A
- 0:55 E
- 1:03 A
- 1:06 E
- 1:14 A
- 1:17 E
- 1:25 A
- 1:28 E
- 1:36 A
- 1:39 E
- 1:44 F#m7
- 1:47 A
- 1:50 E
- 1:55 F#m7
- 1:58 A
- 2:01 E
- 2:07 F#m7
- 2:09 A
- 2:12 E
- 2:17 F#m7
- 2:20 A
- 2:23 E
- 2:31 A
- 2:33 E
- 2:41 A
- 2:44 E
- 2:52 A
- 2:55 E
- 3:03 A
- 3:05 E
- 3:11 F#m7
- 3:14 A
- 3:16 E
- 3:22 F#m7
- 3:24 A
- 3:27 E
- 3:35 A
- 3:38 E
- 3:46 A
- 3:48 E
- 3:54 F#m7
- 3:56 A
- 3:59 E
- 4:07 A
- 4:10 E
Frequently asked questions
What key is High and Dry in?
High and Dry is in E major.
What chords does High and Dry use?
The core of High and Dry cycles through E, A (2 chords).
What is the tempo of High and Dry?
High and Dry runs at 172 BPM in 4/4 time.
What chord progression does High and Dry use?
High and Dry doesn't follow one of the common named progressions — it cycles its own 2-chord loop: E-A.
What capo should I use for High and Dry?
No capo needed — E major already sits in standard open-chord shapes.