Love in Vain by Robert Johnson
Key: G# · 89 BPM · 4/4
Love in Vain by Robert Johnson is written in Ab 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 — Ab-Eb — repeating with its own internal logic instead of borrowing a familiar shape. At 89 BPM, it moves at a relaxed, mid-tempo pace.
The progression
This song cycles a 2-chord progression in Ab major: Ab-Eb. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.
Play it in other keys
| Capo | Shape key | Chords to play |
|---|---|---|
| Capo 1 | G | G-D |
| Capo 4 | E | E-B |
| Capo 6 | D | D-A |
Chord chart
- 0:07 Ab7
- 0:09 Ab
- 0:10 Eb7
- 0:13 Ab7
- 0:43 Eb7
- 0:46 Ab7
- 1:16 Eb7
- 1:19 Ab
- 1:21 Ab7
- 1:36 Eb7
- 1:37 Ab7
- 1:48 Eb7
- 1:50 Ab
- 1:53 Ab7
- 2:09 Eb7
- 2:09 Ab
- 2:14 Bb7
- 2:16 Ab
Frequently asked questions
What key is Love in Vain in?
Love in Vain is in Ab major.
What chords does Love in Vain use?
The core of Love in Vain cycles through Ab, Eb (2 chords).
What is the tempo of Love in Vain?
Love in Vain runs at 89 BPM in 4/4 time.
What chord progression does Love in Vain use?
Love in Vain doesn't follow one of the common named progressions — it cycles its own 2-chord loop: Ab-Eb.
What capo should I use for Love in Vain?
Capo 1 and play G major shapes — that gets you open chords instead of barring in Ab major.