Dirty Work by Steely Dan

Key: C# · 74 BPM · 4/4

Dirty Work by Steely Dan is written in C# major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-V progression — classic resolving progression (1-4-5): C#-F#-A#m. At 74 BPM, it moves at a relaxed, mid-tempo pace.

The progression

This song follows the I-IV-V progression (Classic resolving progression (1-4-5)) in C# major. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Learn more about the I-IV-V progression

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
Capo 1CC-F-Am
Capo 4AA-D-F#m
Capo 6GG-C-Em

Chord chart

  • 0:00 C#
  • 0:02 F#
  • 0:03 A#m7
  • 0:06 C#
  • 0:08 F#
  • 0:10 A#m7
  • 0:11 B
  • 0:13 C#
  • 0:14 F#
  • 0:16 A#m7
  • 0:19 C#
  • 0:21 F#
  • 0:23 A#m
  • 0:24 D#m
  • 0:26 G#
  • 0:27 C#
  • 0:29 F#
  • 0:31 B
  • 0:32 C#
  • 0:34 G#
  • 0:35 A#m7
  • 0:36 G#
  • 0:37 F#
  • 0:37 A#m
  • 0:39 D#m
  • 0:41 G#
  • 0:42 C#
  • 0:44 F#
  • 0:46 B
  • 0:47 C#
  • 0:49 D#m
  • 0:51 C#
  • 0:53 F#
  • 0:55 A#m
  • 0:56 B
  • 0:58 C#
  • 1:00 F#maj7
  • 1:01 A#m
  • 1:03 B
  • 1:05 C#
  • 1:06 F#maj7
  • 1:08 A#m
  • 1:10 B
  • 1:11 C#
  • 1:13 F#
  • 1:14 A#m7
  • 1:16 D#m
  • 1:18 G#7
  • 1:19 C#maj7
  • 1:21 F#
  • 1:23 B
  • 1:24 C#
  • 1:26 G#
  • 1:27 A#m
  • 1:28 G#
  • 1:28 F#
  • 1:29 A#m
  • 1:31 D#m7
  • 1:33 G#
  • 1:34 C#
  • 1:36 F#
  • 1:38 B
  • 1:39 C#
  • 1:41 D#m
  • 1:43 C#
  • 1:45 F#
  • 1:47 A#m
  • 1:48 B
  • 1:50 C#
  • 1:52 F#
  • 1:53 A#m
  • 1:55 B
  • 1:57 C#
  • 1:58 F#
  • 2:00 A#m
  • 2:02 B
  • 2:03 C#
  • 2:05 F#
  • 2:06 G#
  • 2:10 Fm
  • 2:13 G#
  • 2:16 Fm
  • 2:19 F#
  • 2:23 G#
  • 2:26 D#m
  • 2:28 C#
  • 2:30 F#
  • 2:32 A#m
  • 2:33 B
  • 2:35 C#
  • 2:36 F#
  • 2:38 A#m7
  • 2:40 B
  • 2:41 C#
  • 2:43 F#
  • 2:45 A#m7
  • 2:46 B
  • 2:48 C#
  • 2:49 F#
  • 2:51 A#m7
  • 2:53 B
  • 2:54 C#
  • 2:56 F#
  • 2:58 A#m7
  • 2:59 B
  • 3:01 C#

Frequently asked questions

What key is Dirty Work in?

Dirty Work is in C# major.

What chords does Dirty Work use?

The core of Dirty Work cycles through C#, F#, A#m (3 chords).

What is the tempo of Dirty Work?

Dirty Work runs at 74 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does Dirty Work use?

Dirty Work follows the I-IV-V progression. It's a classic resolving progression (1-4-5).

What capo should I use for Dirty Work?

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

Related songs

Other songs using the I-IV-V progression

Other songs in C# major

More by Steely Dan