Breaking the Law — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

Breaking the Law uses the chords F, Bb, C, Dm in the key of F. The progression follows a I–IV–V–vi pattern. This is a beginner-level song.

Metal · 1980 · Beginner

Breaking the Law

by Judas Priest
Key of F 120 BPM Beginner

Chord Sheet

Key of F · Progression: I–IV–V–vi

F
chord 1
Bb
chord 2
C
chord 3
Dm
chord 4
Chord Loop
F — Bb — C — Dm — ...
Roman Numeral Analysis
View the harmonic structure and functional analysis of this progression.
View Analysis →
Key
F
Tempo
120 BPM
Chords
4
Genre
Metal

Practice Tips for Breaking the Law

  • →Start at 60 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the F→Bb transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 120 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play Breaking the Law by Judas Priest

Breaking the Law (1980) is a beginner-level metal song that uses 4 chords: F, Bb, C, Dm in the key of F. The chord progression is I–IV–V–vi.

Chord Breakdown

  • F — major chord, bright and stable
  • Bb — major chord, bright and stable
  • C — major chord, bright and stable
  • Dm — minor chord, darker emotional sound

About Breaking the Law

"Breaking the Law" by Judas Priest (released 1980) is one of the most recognizable metal songs ever recorded. Its 4-chord structure demonstrates how a simple progression can create an emotionally powerful and memorable piece of music. The combination of F, Bb, C creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Breaking the Law as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Breaking the Law, start by getting comfortable with each chord individually before trying to switch between them. The goal is to make each chord change automatic — your fingers should know where to go without you having to think about it. Practice the chord loop slowly with a metronome, and you'll be playing the full song within a few weeks.

Similar Songs (Same Key or Chords)

Let It Be
The Beatles
C – G – Am – F
Beginner
C · 75 BPM
Knockin' on Heaven's Door
Bob Dylan
G – D – Am – C
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G · 72 BPM
Perfect
Ed Sheeran
G – Em – C – D
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G · 96 BPM
Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen
C – Am – F – G – E7
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C · 68 BPM
No Woman No Cry
Bob Marley
C – G – Am – F
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C · 90 BPM
Creep
Radiohead
G – B – C – Cm
Beginner
G · 92 BPM
Metronome
Practice at 120 BPM
Tuner
Tune your instrument
Piano
Play on virtual piano
Guitar
Play on fretboard

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Breaking the Law by Judas Priest — FAQ

Everything you need to know about our browser-based Web Audio engine, instruments, and music theory workspace.

What chords are in Breaking the Law by Judas Priest?

Breaking the Law uses the chords F, Bb, C, Dm in the key of F.

The progression follows a I–IV–V–vi pattern. This is a beginner-level song.

What key is Breaking the Law in?

Breaking the Law by Judas Priest is in the key of F.

The primary chords are F, Bb, C.

What is the tempo of Breaking the Law?

Breaking the Law is played at approximately 120 BPM.

This is a faster tempo — practice slowly first before bringing it to full speed. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 120 BPM.

What strumming pattern does Breaking the Law use?

Breaking the Law is typically in 4/4 time.

A common strumming pattern is down-down-up-up-down-up (DDUUDU) or simplified all-down for beginners. Focus on getting chord changes smooth before adding strumming complexity.

How do I play F chord on guitar?

F is the main chord in Breaking the Law.

See our chord library for the F chord diagram with exact fingering.

Can I play Breaking the Law on piano?

Yes! Breaking the Law sounds great on piano.

Play the chords F, Bb, C, Dm in root position or inversions. Left hand plays bass notes (root of each chord), right hand plays chord voicings. This is a beginner-level arrangement.

Is Breaking the Law beginner-friendly?

Yes! Breaking the Law is rated Beginner difficulty.

It uses 4 main chords (F, Bb, C), all easy open or basic chords. One of the best songs for new players to learn.

What is the chord progression in Breaking the Law?

The main progression in Breaking the Law is F – Bb – C – Dm (Roman numeral: I–IV–V–vi).

This 4-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.

Can I transpose Breaking the Law to a different key?

Yes! Breaking the Law is in F.

To make it easier, try transposing to G or D using a capo. A capo changes your effective key while keeping the same chord shapes. Use our Transpose Tool to convert all chord names automatically.

What genre is Breaking the Law?

Breaking the Law by Judas Priest is a Metal song from 1980.

Its 4-chord progression (F, Bb, C, Dm) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.