Carmelita by Warren Zevon

Key: E · 96 BPM · 4/4

Carmelita by Warren Zevon is written in E major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-I-V progression — plagal + authentic mix, played as a I-V-I-IV rotation: E-B-E-A. At 96 BPM, it moves at a relaxed, mid-tempo pace.

The progression

This song follows the I-IV-I-V progression (Plagal + authentic mix), played as a I-V-I-IV rotation in E major. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

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

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
No capoEE-B-A
Capo 2DD-A-G
Capo 4CC-G-F
Capo 7AA-E-D

Chord chart

  • 0:01 E
  • 0:18 B7
  • 0:29 E
  • 0:31 A
  • 0:36 E
  • 0:39 A
  • 0:41 E
  • 0:44 B7
  • 0:49 E
  • 1:02 B
  • 1:04 B7
  • 1:12 E
  • 1:14 A
  • 1:20 E
  • 1:22 A
  • 1:25 E
  • 1:27 B
  • 1:32 E
  • 1:45 B
  • 1:48 B7
  • 1:55 E
  • 1:58 A
  • 2:03 E
  • 2:06 A
  • 2:08 E
  • 2:11 B
  • 2:16 E
  • 2:29 B7
  • 2:39 E
  • 2:41 A
  • 2:46 E
  • 2:49 A
  • 2:52 E
  • 2:54 B
  • 2:59 E
  • 3:02 A
  • 3:07 E
  • 3:09 A
  • 3:12 E
  • 3:15 B7
  • 3:20 E

Frequently asked questions

What key is Carmelita in?

Carmelita is in E major.

What chords does Carmelita use?

The core of Carmelita cycles through E, B, A (3 chords).

What is the tempo of Carmelita?

Carmelita runs at 96 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does Carmelita use?

Carmelita follows the I-IV-I-V progression, played as a I-V-I-IV rotation. It's a plagal + authentic mix.

What capo should I use for Carmelita?

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