Sour Times — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

Sour Times uses the chords Bm, G, A, F#m in the key of Bm. The progression follows a i–VI–VII–v pattern. This is a intermediate-level song.

Electronic · 1994 · Intermediate

Sour Times

by Portishead
Key of Bm 120 BPM Intermediate

Chord Sheet

Key of Bm · Progression: i–VI–VII–v

Bm
chord 1
G
chord 2
A
chord 3
F#m
chord 4
Chord Loop
Bm — G — A — F#m — ...
Roman Numeral Analysis
View the harmonic structure and functional analysis of this progression.
View Analysis →
Key
Bm
Tempo
120 BPM
Chords
4
Genre
Electronic

Practice Tips for Sour Times

  • →Start at 60 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the Bm→G 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 Sour Times by Portishead

Sour Times (1994) is a intermediate-level electronic song that uses 4 chords: Bm, G, A, F#m in the key of Bm. The chord progression is i–VI–VII–v.

Chord Breakdown

  • Bm — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • G — major chord, bright and stable
  • A — major chord, bright and stable
  • F#m — minor chord, darker emotional sound

About Sour Times

"Sour Times" by Portishead (released 1994) is one of the most recognizable electronic 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 Bm, G, A creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Sour Times as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Sour Times, 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
Wonderwall
Oasis
Em – G – D – A7sus4
Beginner
Em · 87 BPM
Knockin' on Heaven's Door
Bob Dylan
G – D – Am – C
Beginner
G · 72 BPM
Stand By Me
Ben E. King
A – F#m – D – E
Beginner
A · 76 BPM
Perfect
Ed Sheeran
G – Em – C – D
Beginner
G · 96 BPM
Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen
C – Am – F – G – E7
Intermediate
C · 68 BPM
Metronome
Practice at 120 BPM
Tuner
Tune your instrument
Piano
Play on virtual piano
Guitar
Play on fretboard

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Sour Times by Portishead — FAQ

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

What chords are in Sour Times by Portishead?

Sour Times uses the chords Bm, G, A, F#m in the key of Bm.

The progression follows a i–VI–VII–v pattern. This is a intermediate-level song.

What key is Sour Times in?

Sour Times by Portishead is in the key of Bm.

The primary chords are Bm, G, A.

What is the tempo of Sour Times?

Sour Times 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 Sour Times use?

Sour Times 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 Bm chord on guitar?

Bm is the main chord in Sour Times.

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

Can I play Sour Times on piano?

Yes! Sour Times sounds great on piano.

Play the chords Bm, G, A, F#m 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 Sour Times beginner-friendly?

Sour Times is rated Intermediate difficulty.

The chord changes and rhythm require some practice.

What is the chord progression in Sour Times?

The main progression in Sour Times is Bm – G – A – F#m (Roman numeral: i–VI–VII–v).

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

Can I transpose Sour Times to a different key?

Yes! Sour Times is in Bm.

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 Sour Times?

Sour Times by Portishead is a Electronic song from 1994.

Its 4-chord progression (Bm, G, A, F#m) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.