Take the A Train by Duke Ellington is played in the key of C at a advanced difficulty level, originally released in the 1940s. It uses 4 chords — C D7 Dm7 G7 — arranged in the I-II-ii-V progression.

About the I-II-ii-V progression

This song is built on the I-II-ii-V 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 C

C major is the theoretical home key of Western music: all natural notes, no sharps or flats. On guitar, C, Am, Em, F, and G are the working chords. The one wrinkle is F, which as the IV chord requires either a barre or a partial shape — the first "difficult" chord most beginners meet.

Related songs

More songs in the key of C

• Changes by David Bowie
• My Way by Frank Sinatra
• River by Joni Mitchell
• Young Americans by David Bowie
• Bell Bottom Blues by Derek and the Dominos
• Come Sail Away by Styx