Brave by Sara Bareilles

Key: Gm · 92 BPM · 3/4

Brave by Sara Bareilles is written in Bb major. Its chords cycle through the I-vi-IV-V progression — 50s / sensitive pop feel: Bb-Gm-Eb-F. At 92 BPM, it moves at a relaxed, mid-tempo pace, in waltz time. The same chords are equally correct read against Bb major's relative key, Gm — 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-vi-IV-V progression (50s / sensitive pop feel) in Bb major. Read against its relative key, this is equivalently III-i-VI-VII in Gm — the same chords, two valid readings. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Learn more about the I-vi-IV-V progression

Play it in other keys

Capo	Shape key	Chords to play
Capo 1	A	A-F#m-D-E
Capo 3	G	G-Em-C-D
Capo 6	E	E-C#m-A-B

Chord chart

0:20 Gm
0:25 Bb
0:32 Gm
0:37 Eb
0:40 F
0:42 Bb
0:45 Gm
0:47 Eb
0:50 F
0:53 Bb
0:55 Gm
0:58 Eb
1:00 F
1:03 Bb
1:05 Eb
1:08 Gm
1:11 F
1:13 Bb
1:16 Eb
1:18 Gm
1:21 F
1:26 Bb
1:32 Gm
1:37 Eb
1:39 F
1:42 Bb
1:47 Gm
1:52 Eb
1:55 F
1:58 Bb
2:00 Gm
2:03 Eb
2:05 F
2:08 Bb
2:10 Gm
2:13 Eb
2:15 F
2:18 Gm
2:21 Bb
2:25 Eb
2:27 Bb
2:29 Gm
2:31 Bb
2:34 F
2:50 Bb
2:51 Gm
2:55 Eb
2:57 F
3:00 Bb
3:02 Eb
3:05 Gm
3:07 F
3:10 Bb
3:13 Eb
3:15 Gm
3:18 F
3:20 Bb
3:23 Eb
3:26 Gm
3:28 F
3:31 Bb
3:33 Eb
3:36 Gm
3:39 F

Frequently asked questions

What key is Brave in?

Brave is in Bb major — its chords are also equally valid read against its relative key, Gm, since the two share the same notes.

What chords does Brave use?

The core of Brave cycles through Bb, Gm, Eb, F (4 chords).

What is the tempo of Brave?

Brave runs at 92 BPM in 3/4 time.

What chord progression does Brave use?

Brave follows the I-vi-IV-V progression. It's a 50s / sensitive pop feel.

What capo should I use for Brave?

Capo 1 and play A major shapes — that gets you open chords instead of barring in Bb major.