Panama by Van Halen
Key: D# · 144 BPM · 4/4
Panama by Van Halen is written in Eb major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-V progression — classic resolving progression (1-4-5), played as a IV-V-I rotation: Ab-Bb-Eb. At 144 BPM, it moves at a brisk, upbeat pace.
The progression
This song follows the I-IV-V progression (Classic resolving progression (1-4-5)), played as a IV-V-I rotation in Eb major. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.
Play it in other keys
| Capo | Shape key | Chords to play |
|---|---|---|
| Capo 1 | D | G-A-D |
| Capo 3 | C | F-G-C |
| Capo 6 | A | D-E-A |
Chord chart
- 0:01 Eb
- 0:14 Cm
- 0:18 Ab
- 0:21 Cm
- 0:25 Ab
- 0:28 Bb
- 0:31 Eb
- 0:58 F
- 1:02 Cm
- 1:04 C
- 1:06 Ab
- 1:08 Bb
- 1:10 Eb
- 1:39 F
- 1:43 C
- 1:46 Db
- 1:48 Gb
- 1:49 Bb
- 1:53 Eb
- 2:05 Ab
- 2:06 Bb
- 2:09 Eb
- 2:10 Bb
- 2:15 Eb
- 2:18 Db
- 2:20 Eb
- 2:24 B
- 2:27 Ebm
- 2:30 E
- 2:34 Ebm
- 2:37 B
- 2:41 Ebm
- 2:45 B
- 2:48 Ebm
- 2:51 B
- 2:54 Eb
- 2:55 E
- 2:58 F
- 3:03 Ab
- 3:04 A
- 3:06 Bb
- 3:09 Eb
Frequently asked questions
What key is Panama in?
Panama is in Eb major.
What chords does Panama use?
The core of Panama cycles through Ab, Bb, Eb (3 chords).
What is the tempo of Panama?
Panama runs at 144 BPM in 4/4 time.
What chord progression does Panama use?
Panama 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 Panama?
Capo 1 and play D major shapes — that gets you open chords instead of barring in Eb major.