American Girl by Tom Petty

Key: D · 112 BPM · 3/4

American Girl by Tom Petty is written in D major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-V progression — classic resolving progression (1-4-5), played as a IV-V-I rotation: G-A-D. At 112 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace, in waltz time.

The progression

This song follows the I-IV-V progression (Classic resolving progression (1-4-5)), played as a IV-V-I rotation in D 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
No capoDG-A-D
Capo 2CF-G-C
Capo 5AD-E-A
Capo 7GC-D-G

Chord chart

  • 0:00 D
  • 0:36 E
  • 0:38 G
  • 0:40 A
  • 0:42 D
  • 0:44 E
  • 0:46 G
  • 0:48 A
  • 0:53 D
  • 0:55 G
  • 0:57 Em
  • 0:59 A
  • 1:07 G
  • 1:09 A
  • 1:12 D
  • 1:14 Bm
  • 1:16 G
  • 1:18 A
  • 1:20 D
  • 1:26 E
  • 1:28 G
  • 1:30 A
  • 1:32 D
  • 1:35 E
  • 1:37 G
  • 1:39 A
  • 1:43 D
  • 1:45 G
  • 1:47 Em
  • 1:49 A
  • 1:58 G
  • 2:00 A
  • 2:02 D
  • 2:04 Bm
  • 2:06 G
  • 2:08 A
  • 2:10 D
  • 2:15 G
  • 2:17 A
  • 2:19 G
  • 2:21 A
  • 2:23 G7
  • 2:25 A
  • 2:27 G
  • 2:29 Am7
  • 2:31 D
  • 2:44 G
  • 2:47 Asus4
  • 2:49 D
  • 2:53 G
  • 2:55 A
  • 2:57 D
  • 3:01 G
  • 3:03 A
  • 3:05 D
  • 3:10 G
  • 3:12 D
  • 3:16 E
  • 3:18 G
  • 3:20 A
  • 3:22 D
  • 3:24 E
  • 3:26 G
  • 3:28 A

Frequently asked questions

What key is American Girl in?

American Girl is in D major.

What chords does American Girl use?

The core of American Girl cycles through G, A, D (3 chords).

What is the tempo of American Girl?

American Girl runs at 112 BPM in 3/4 time.

What chord progression does American Girl use?

American Girl follows the I-IV-V progression, played as a IV-V-I rotation. It's a classic resolving progression (1-4-5).

What capo should I use for American Girl?

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

Related songs

Other songs using the I-IV-V progression

Other songs in D major

More by Tom Petty