Cherokee — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

Cherokee uses the chords Bb, Dm7, G7, Cm7, F7 in the key of Bb. The progression follows a I–iii7–VI7–ii7–V7 pattern. This is a advanced-level song.

Jazz · 1938 · Advanced

Cherokee

by Ray Noble
Key of Bb 120 BPM Advanced

Chord Sheet

Key of Bb · Progression: I–iii7–VI7–ii7–V7

Bb
chord 1
Dm7
chord 2
G7
chord 3
Cm7
chord 4
F7
chord 5
Chord Loop
Bb — Dm7 — G7 — Cm7 — F7 — ...
Roman Numeral Analysis
View the harmonic structure and functional analysis of this progression.
View Analysis →
Key
Bb
Tempo
120 BPM
Chords
5
Genre
Jazz

Practice Tips for Cherokee

  • →Start at 60 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the Bb→Dm7 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 Cherokee by Ray Noble

Cherokee (1938) is a advanced-level jazz song that uses 5 chords: Bb, Dm7, G7, Cm7, F7 in the key of Bb. The chord progression is I–iii7–VI7–ii7–V7.

Chord Breakdown

  • Bb — major chord, bright and stable
  • Dm7 — dominant 7th, adds tension and movement
  • G7 — dominant 7th, adds tension and movement
  • Cm7 — dominant 7th, adds tension and movement
  • F7 — dominant 7th, adds tension and movement

About Cherokee

"Cherokee" by Ray Noble (released 1938) is one of the most recognizable jazz songs ever recorded. Its 5-chord structure demonstrates how a simple progression can create an emotionally powerful and memorable piece of music. The combination of Bb, Dm7, G7 creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Cherokee as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Cherokee, 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)

Hey Jude
The Beatles
F – C – Bb
Beginner
F · 73 BPM
Bohemian Rhapsody
Queen
Bb – Gm – Cm – F – Eb
Advanced
Bb · 72 BPM
A Thousand Years
Christina Perri
Bb – F – Gm – Eb
Beginner
Bb · 45 BPM
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nirvana
F – Bb – Ab – Db
Beginner
F · 116 BPM
Yesterday
The Beatles
F – Em – A7 – Dm – Bb – C7
Intermediate
F · 96 BPM
Clocks
Coldplay
Eb – Bb – Fm
Intermediate
Eb · 131 BPM
Metronome
Practice at 120 BPM
Tuner
Tune your instrument
Piano
Play on virtual piano
Guitar
Play on fretboard

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Cherokee by Ray Noble — FAQ

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

What chords are in Cherokee by Ray Noble?

Cherokee uses the chords Bb, Dm7, G7, Cm7, F7 in the key of Bb.

The progression follows a I–iii7–VI7–ii7–V7 pattern. This is a advanced-level song.

What key is Cherokee in?

Cherokee by Ray Noble is in the key of Bb.

The primary chords are Bb, Dm7, G7.

What is the tempo of Cherokee?

Cherokee 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 Cherokee use?

Cherokee 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 Bb chord on guitar?

Bb is the main chord in Cherokee.

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

Can I play Cherokee on piano?

Yes! Cherokee sounds great on piano.

Play the chords Bb, Dm7, G7, Cm7, F7 in root position or inversions. Left hand plays bass notes (root of each chord), right hand plays chord voicings. This is a advanced-level arrangement.

Is Cherokee beginner-friendly?

Cherokee is rated Advanced difficulty.

This song demands significant experience with barre chords and complex patterns.

What is the chord progression in Cherokee?

The main progression in Cherokee is Bb – Dm7 – G7 – Cm7 – F7 (Roman numeral: I–iii7–VI7–ii7–V7).

This 5-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.

Can I transpose Cherokee to a different key?

Yes! Cherokee is in Bb.

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 Cherokee?

Cherokee by Ray Noble is a Jazz song from 1938.

Its 5-chord progression (Bb, Dm7, G7, Cm7, F7) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.