Born Under a Bad Sign — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

Born Under a Bad Sign uses the chords Cm, Fm, G in the key of Cm. The progression follows a i–iv–V pattern. This is a intermediate-level song.

Blues · 1967 · Intermediate

Born Under a Bad Sign

by Albert King
Key of Cm 120 BPM Intermediate

Chord Sheet

Key of Cm · Progression: i–iv–V

Cm
chord 1
Fm
chord 2
G
chord 3
Chord Loop
Cm — Fm — G — ...
Roman Numeral Analysis
View the harmonic structure and functional analysis of this progression.
View Analysis →
Key
Cm
Tempo
120 BPM
Chords
3
Genre
Blues

Practice Tips for Born Under a Bad Sign

  • →Start at 60 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the Cm→Fm 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 Born Under a Bad Sign by Albert King

Born Under a Bad Sign (1967) is a intermediate-level blues song that uses 3 chords: Cm, Fm, G in the key of Cm. The chord progression is i–iv–V.

Chord Breakdown

  • Cm — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • Fm — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • G — major chord, bright and stable

About Born Under a Bad Sign

"Born Under a Bad Sign" by Albert King (released 1967) is one of the most recognizable blues 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 Cm, Fm, G creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Born Under a Bad Sign as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Born Under a Bad Sign, 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)

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

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Born Under a Bad Sign by Albert King — FAQ

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

What chords are in Born Under a Bad Sign by Albert King?

Born Under a Bad Sign uses the chords Cm, Fm, G in the key of Cm.

The progression follows a i–iv–V pattern. This is a intermediate-level song.

What key is Born Under a Bad Sign in?

Born Under a Bad Sign by Albert King is in the key of Cm.

The primary chords are Cm, Fm, G.

What is the tempo of Born Under a Bad Sign?

Born Under a Bad Sign 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 Born Under a Bad Sign use?

Born Under a Bad Sign 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 Cm chord on guitar?

Cm is the main chord in Born Under a Bad Sign.

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

Can I play Born Under a Bad Sign on piano?

Yes! Born Under a Bad Sign sounds great on piano.

Play the chords Cm, Fm, G in root position or inversions. Left hand plays bass notes (root of each chord), right hand plays chord voicings. This is a intermediate-level arrangement.

Is Born Under a Bad Sign beginner-friendly?

Born Under a Bad Sign is rated Intermediate difficulty.

The chord changes and rhythm require some practice.

What is the chord progression in Born Under a Bad Sign?

The main progression in Born Under a Bad Sign is Cm – Fm – G (Roman numeral: i–iv–V).

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

Can I transpose Born Under a Bad Sign to a different key?

Yes! Born Under a Bad Sign is in Cm.

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 Born Under a Bad Sign?

Born Under a Bad Sign by Albert King is a Blues song from 1967.

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