The Waiting by Tom Petty

Key: D · 117 BPM · 4/4

The Waiting by Tom Petty is written in D major. Its chords cycle through the I-V-IV progression — common turnaround / bluesy resolution, played as a IV-I-V rotation: G-D-A. At 117 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace.

The progression

This song follows the I-V-IV progression (Common turnaround / bluesy resolution), played as a IV-I-V rotation in D major. 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 capoDG-D-A
Capo 2CF-C-G
Capo 5AD-A-E
Capo 7GC-G-D

Chord chart

  • 0:04 G
  • 0:05 D
  • 0:10 A
  • 0:13 G
  • 0:13 D
  • 0:19 A
  • 0:25 G
  • 0:25 D
  • 0:27 A
  • 0:29 G
  • 0:29 D
  • 0:31 A
  • 0:33 G
  • 0:33 D
  • 0:35 Bm
  • 0:39 G
  • 0:43 A
  • 0:51 G
  • 0:51 D
  • 0:57 A
  • 0:59 G
  • 1:00 D
  • 1:03 G
  • 1:03 D
  • 1:07 G
  • 1:08 D
  • 1:11 A
  • 1:13 G
  • 1:14 D
  • 1:15 A
  • 1:18 D
  • 1:19 A
  • 1:21 G
  • 1:22 D
  • 1:23 Bm
  • 1:27 G
  • 1:31 A
  • 1:39 G
  • 1:40 D
  • 1:43 G
  • 1:44 D
  • 1:45 A
  • 1:47 G
  • 1:48 D
  • 1:51 G
  • 1:52 D
  • 1:55 G
  • 1:56 D
  • 1:59 Bm
  • 2:07 A
  • 2:09 D
  • 2:11 G
  • 2:13 F#
  • 2:15 A
  • 2:17 G
  • 2:18 D
  • 2:19 A
  • 2:21 G
  • 2:22 D
  • 2:23 A
  • 2:25 G
  • 2:26 D
  • 2:27 Bm
  • 2:31 G
  • 2:35 A
  • 2:43 G
  • 2:44 D
  • 2:48 G
  • 2:48 D
  • 2:50 Asus4
  • 2:52 G
  • 2:52 D
  • 2:56 G
  • 2:56 D
  • 3:00 G
  • 3:00 D
  • 3:02 A
  • 3:03 D
  • 3:04 G
  • 3:05 D
  • 3:08 A
  • 3:10 D
  • 3:16 A
  • 3:18 G
  • 3:19 D
  • 3:22 G
  • 3:23 D
  • 3:24 Asus4
  • 3:26 G
  • 3:27 D
  • 3:30 G
  • 3:31 D
  • 3:32 A
  • 3:34 D
  • 3:38 G
  • 3:39 D
  • 3:40 Asus4
  • 3:42 G
  • 3:43 D
  • 3:46 G
  • 3:47 D

Frequently asked questions

What key is The Waiting in?

The Waiting is in D major.

What chords does The Waiting use?

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

What is the tempo of The Waiting?

The Waiting runs at 117 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does The Waiting use?

The Waiting follows the I-V-IV progression, played as a IV-I-V rotation. It's a common turnaround / bluesy resolution.

What capo should I use for The Waiting?

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

Related songs

Other songs using the I-V-IV progression

Other songs in D major

More by Tom Petty