Folsom Prison Blues — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

Folsom Prison Blues uses the chords E, A, B7 in the key of E. The progression follows a I–IV–V7 pattern. This is a beginner-level song.

Country · 1955 · Beginner

Folsom Prison Blues

by Johnny Cash
Key of E 120 BPM Beginner

Chord Sheet

Key of E · Progression: I–IV–V7

E
chord 1
A
chord 2
B7
chord 3
Chord Loop
E — A — B7 — ...
Roman Numeral Analysis
View the harmonic structure and functional analysis of this progression.
View Analysis →
Key
E
Tempo
120 BPM
Chords
3
Genre
Country

Practice Tips for Folsom Prison Blues

  • →Start at 60 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the E→A 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 Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash

Folsom Prison Blues (1955) is a beginner-level country song that uses 3 chords: E, A, B7 in the key of E. The chord progression is I–IV–V7.

Chord Breakdown

  • E — major chord, bright and stable
  • A — major chord, bright and stable
  • B7 — dominant 7th, adds tension and movement

About Folsom Prison Blues

"Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash (released 1955) is one of the most recognizable country songs ever recorded. Its 3-chord structure demonstrates how a simple progression can create an emotionally powerful and memorable piece of music. The combination of E, A, B7 creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Folsom Prison Blues as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Folsom Prison Blues, 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.

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Bm · 125 BPM
Metronome
Practice at 120 BPM
Tuner
Tune your instrument
Piano
Play on virtual piano
Guitar
Play on fretboard

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash — FAQ

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

What chords are in Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash?

Folsom Prison Blues uses the chords E, A, B7 in the key of E.

The progression follows a I–IV–V7 pattern. This is a beginner-level song.

What key is Folsom Prison Blues in?

Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash is in the key of E.

The primary chords are E, A, B7.

What is the tempo of Folsom Prison Blues?

Folsom Prison Blues 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 Folsom Prison Blues use?

Folsom Prison Blues 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 E chord on guitar?

E is the main chord in Folsom Prison Blues.

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

Can I play Folsom Prison Blues on piano?

Yes! Folsom Prison Blues sounds great on piano.

Play the chords E, A, B7 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 Folsom Prison Blues beginner-friendly?

Yes! Folsom Prison Blues is rated Beginner difficulty.

It uses 3 main chords (E, A, B7), all easy open or basic chords. One of the best songs for new players to learn.

What is the chord progression in Folsom Prison Blues?

The main progression in Folsom Prison Blues is E – A – B7 (Roman numeral: I–IV–V7).

This 3-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.

Can I transpose Folsom Prison Blues to a different key?

Yes! Folsom Prison Blues is in E.

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 Folsom Prison Blues?

Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash is a Country song from 1955.

Its 3-chord progression (E, A, B7) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.