Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash is played in the key of E at a beginner difficulty level, originally released in the 1950s. It uses 3 chords — E A B7 — arranged in the 12-bar blues progression.
About the 12-bar blues progression
This song is built on the 12-bar blues progression. Follow the chord order in the diagrams above, and use the transpose controls if the key doesn't suit your voice.
Playing in the key of E
E major is a staple of rock and blues guitar — think Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, and countless Rolling Stones classics. E, A, and D are open shapes; C#m as the relative minor is a barre chord.
Related songs
More songs in the key of E
Learn to play Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash on guitar. It sits in the key of E and uses the 12-bar blues progression with the chords E A B7.