Chain Gang by Sam Cooke
Key: G · 129 BPM · 4/4
Chain Gang by Sam Cooke is written in G major. Its chords cycle through the I-vi-IV-V progression — 50s / sensitive pop feel: G-Em-C-D. At 129 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace.
The progression
This song follows the I-vi-IV-V progression (50s / sensitive pop feel) in G major. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.
Play it in other keys
| Capo | Shape key | Chords to play |
|---|---|---|
| No capo | G | G-Em-C-D |
| Capo 3 | E | E-C#m-A-B |
| Capo 5 | D | D-Bm-G-A |
| Capo 7 | C | C-Am-F-G |
Chord chart
- 0:00 G
- 0:01 Em
- 0:03 G
- 0:09 Em
- 0:11 C
- 0:12 D
- 0:14 G
- 0:16 Em
- 0:18 C
- 0:20 D
- 0:21 G
- 0:23 C
- 0:25 G
- 0:27 Em
- 0:29 G
- 0:31 C
- 0:32 D
- 0:34 G
- 0:38 Em
- 0:40 C
- 0:41 D
- 0:43 G
- 0:45 Em
- 0:47 C
- 0:49 D
- 0:50 G
- 0:52 C
- 0:54 G
- 0:56 Em
- 0:58 G
- 1:00 C
- 1:02 D
- 1:03 G
- 1:07 Em
- 1:09 Am
- 1:11 D
- 1:13 G
- 1:14 Em
- 1:16 C
- 1:18 D
- 1:20 G
- 1:22 Em
- 1:24 Am
- 1:25 D
- 1:27 G
- 1:29 C
- 1:31 G
- 1:33 Em
- 1:34 G
- 1:36 C
- 1:38 D
- 1:40 G
- 1:44 Em
- 1:46 C
- 1:47 D
- 1:49 G
- 1:51 Em
- 1:55 D
- 1:56 G
- 1:58 C
- 2:00 G
- 2:05 C
- 2:07 D
- 2:09 G
- 2:13 Em
- 2:15 C
- 2:16 D
- 2:19 G
- 2:20 Em
- 2:23 C
- 2:24 D7
- 2:26 G
- 2:29 C
- 2:31 D
Frequently asked questions
What key is Chain Gang in?
Chain Gang is in G major.
What chords does Chain Gang use?
The core of Chain Gang cycles through G, Em, C, D (4 chords).
What is the tempo of Chain Gang?
Chain Gang runs at 129 BPM in 4/4 time.
What chord progression does Chain Gang use?
Chain Gang follows the I-vi-IV-V progression. It's a 50s / sensitive pop feel.
What capo should I use for Chain Gang?
No capo needed — G major already sits in standard open-chord shapes.