Smoking Gun by Robert Cray
Key: Em · 123 BPM · 4/4
Smoking Gun by Robert Cray sits in Em, giving it a darker, more unresolved color than a major-key song would have. 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 — Em-Am — repeating with its own internal logic instead of borrowing a familiar shape. At 123 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace.
The progression
This song cycles a 2-chord progression in Em: Em-Am. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.
Play it in other keys
| Capo | Shape key | Chords to play |
|---|---|---|
| No capo | Em | Em-Am |
| Capo 2 | Dm | Dm-Gm |
| Capo 7 | Am | Am-Dm |
Chord chart
- 0:04 Em7
- 0:35 Am7
- 0:39 Em
- 0:43 Am7
- 0:48 Em
- 0:57 Em7
- 1:04 Em
- 1:11 Am7
- 1:15 Em
- 1:19 Am7
- 1:22 Em
- 1:30 Em7
- 1:47 Am7
- 1:51 Em
- 1:55 Am7
- 1:58 Em
- 2:10 Em7
- 2:24 Am7
- 2:27 Em7
- 2:31 Am7
- 2:34 Em
- 2:39 Em7
- 2:56 Em
- 3:00 Am7
- 3:04 Em7
- 3:07 Am7
- 3:11 A7
- 3:13 Em
- 3:28 Em7
Frequently asked questions
What key is Smoking Gun in?
Smoking Gun is in Em.
What chords does Smoking Gun use?
The core of Smoking Gun cycles through Em, Am (2 chords).
What is the tempo of Smoking Gun?
Smoking Gun runs at 123 BPM in 4/4 time.
What chord progression does Smoking Gun use?
Smoking Gun doesn't follow one of the common named progressions — it cycles its own 2-chord loop: Em-Am.
What capo should I use for Smoking Gun?
No capo needed — Em already sits in standard open-chord shapes.