Gimme Shelter by The Rolling Stones

Key: C#m · 117 BPM · 4/4

Gimme Shelter by The Rolling Stones is written in E major. Its chords cycle through the I-V-IV progression — common turnaround / bluesy resolution: C#m-B-A. At 117 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace. The same chords are equally correct read against E major's relative key, C#m — two valid ways to name the exact same notes, depending on which one the song feels like it's resolving to.

The progression

This song follows the I-V-IV progression (Common turnaround / bluesy resolution) in E major. Read against its relative key, this is equivalently i-VII-VI in C#m — the same chords, two valid readings. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Learn more about the I-V-IV progression

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
No capoEC#m-B-A
Capo 2DBm-A-G
Capo 4CAm-G-F
Capo 7AF#m-E-D

Chord chart

  • 0:01 B
  • 0:03 E
  • 0:05 B
  • 0:09 C#m
  • 0:10 E
  • 0:13 A
  • 0:15 B
  • 0:18 F#m
  • 0:19 C#m
  • 0:21 A
  • 0:24 B
  • 0:25 C#m
  • 0:29 A
  • 0:32 B
  • 0:33 C#m
  • 0:43 B
  • 0:45 A
  • 0:49 E
  • 0:50 C#m
  • 1:08 B
  • 1:10 A
  • 1:13 E
  • 1:14 C#m
  • 1:16 B
  • 1:18 A
  • 1:21 E
  • 1:22 C#m
  • 1:48 B
  • 1:50 A
  • 1:53 E
  • 1:54 C#m
  • 1:57 B
  • 1:58 A
  • 2:03 C#m
  • 2:21 B
  • 2:23 A
  • 2:26 E
  • 2:27 C#m
  • 2:29 B
  • 2:31 A
  • 2:34 B
  • 2:35 C#m
  • 2:37 B
  • 2:39 A
  • 2:42 E
  • 2:43 C#m
  • 2:45 B
  • 2:47 A
  • 2:50 B
  • 2:51 C#m
  • 2:53 B
  • 2:55 A
  • 2:58 B
  • 2:59 C#m
  • 3:01 B
  • 3:03 A
  • 3:06 E
  • 3:07 C#m
  • 3:33 B
  • 3:35 A
  • 3:38 E
  • 3:39 C#m
  • 3:41 B
  • 3:43 A
  • 3:46 B
  • 3:47 C#m
  • 3:49 B
  • 3:51 A
  • 3:54 E
  • 3:55 C#m
  • 3:57 B
  • 3:59 A
  • 4:03 C#m
  • 4:07 A
  • 4:10 E
  • 4:11 C#m
  • 4:15 A
  • 4:19 C#m
  • 4:21 B
  • 4:23 A

Frequently asked questions

What key is Gimme Shelter in?

Gimme Shelter is in E major — its chords are also equally valid read against its relative key, C#m, since the two share the same notes.

What chords does Gimme Shelter use?

The core of Gimme Shelter cycles through C#m, B, A (3 chords).

What is the tempo of Gimme Shelter?

Gimme Shelter runs at 117 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does Gimme Shelter use?

Gimme Shelter follows the I-V-IV progression. It's a common turnaround / bluesy resolution.

What capo should I use for Gimme Shelter?

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

Related songs

Other songs using the I-V-IV progression

Other songs in C#m

More by The Rolling Stones