ChordGitar.in
+ Submit Chord

Prime Time

Don McLean verified
Key: G
110 BPM
Standard (E A D G B E)
↓ - ↓ ↑ - ↑ ↓ ↑
sync_saved_locally
🎸 Original Version Easy Chords
Transpose ?
0
Notation
Capo ?
Instrument
speed
screen_lock_portrait
Easy Chord Tip: No capo — use open G chord shapes. Pelajari Smart Capo →
lock_clock

Batas Kuota Harian Tercapai

Alat Workstation Panggung

CHORD DIAGRAMS
volume_up Click chord to hear sound
tune Transposed: semitones
Found an error in chord or lyrics for this song?

info About This Song

Song Fundamentals
Key G (G Major)
Tempo / BPM 110 BPM (Approx.)
Tuning Standard (E A D G B E)
Time Signature 4/4
Difficulty Level Very Easy
Capo Position No Capo
Chord Count 3 Unique Chords
Genre Classic
graphic_eq
Strumming Pattern ↓ - ↓ ↑ - ↑ ↓ ↑
Time Signature 4/4
auto_awesome
Prime Time by Don McLean is played in the key of G. Arranged in the natural sounding key of G in standard guitar tuning without a capo, 'Prime Time' by Don McLean utilizes direct fretboard shapes to project full open-string acoustic warmth and resonance throughout every section. The song relies exclusively on open cowboy chords (C, G, A), letting beginners concentrate on tone clarity, ringing string resonance, and sustain without encountering demanding barre finger fatigue. The primary progression challenge lies in switching between C and G: keep your fingers hovering close to the fretboard rather than flying off between changes. Set your metronome at an initial practice tempo of 79 BPM in 4/4 time to master the '↓ - ↓ ↑ - ↑ ↓ ↑' strumming groove, emphasizing steady downstrokes on beats one and three before accelerating toward the studio speed of 110 BPM.

account_tree Chord Progression Analysis

Harmonic Progression
Progression Pattern (Roman Numerals)
IV – I – II – IV – I – II
Song chords:
star Primary Chords (Song Foundation)
C G A

Chords that repeat most frequently throughout the verse and chorus.

more_horiz Auxiliary / Transition Chords
This song focuses on a minimalist 3-chord foundation.

Used as harmonic transition variations in intro, bridge, or outro.

tune Why Use a Capo?

Capo & Sounding Key
Sounding Key G Acoustic pitch of original recording
No Capo sync_alt Raises the pitch of open strings
Fingering Shape Key G Open chord finger positions

The song is played in its original key of G without a capo.

lightbulb Alternative Capo Positions for This Song:

piano Chord Family G

Diatonic Matrix

This song is built on the key of G. Here are the 7 diatonic chords (Chord Family) that harmonize according to music theory:

I G Tonic
ii Am Supertonic
iii Bm Mediant
IV C Subdominant
V D Dominant
vi Em Submediant
vii° F#dim Leading

speed Difficulty Level: Very Easy

Difficulty Determinants for This Song:
check_circle Uses 3 unique chords throughout the song
check_circle All open position chords, zero barre chords required
dna MUSICAL DNA:
KEY: G • TEMPO: 110 BPM (Approx.) • PROG: IV – I – II – IV – I – II • DIFF: 1/5 • CAPO: 0

help Easy Chord Guide & FAQ Prime Time

FAQ & Tips

quiz How to play the easy chords for Prime Time (Don McLean)?

To play the Easy Chords for Prime Time, toggle the Easy Chords button above the workstation canvas. This version is designed with beginner-friendly open chords to make transitions easier without barre chords.

quiz What are the basic guitar chords and original key for Prime Time?

The original recording key for Prime Time by Don McLean is G. You can use the Transpose (+ / -) feature anytime to adjust the pitch to match male or female vocal ranges automatically.

quiz Is audio sync and auto-scroll available for practice?

Yes, ChordGitar.in features touch-free Auto-Scroll with speed control, as well as an integrated player so your tempo and rhythm practice stays precise.

info Video playback is restricted by the content owner outside YouTube.
Open on YouTube →

Prime Time - Don McLean

Official Audio

0:00 0:00

Listen to official audio for Prime Time by Don McLean on streaming platforms:

play_circle YouTube Spotify
Prime Time expand_less

More Songs by Don McLean verified

Guitar chords collection and other chords from Don McLean.

View All (14 Songs)

Mountains O'Mourne

KEY G

Don McLean

Beginner
Play arrow_forward

Birthday Song

KEY A

Don McLean

Advanced
• Capo 2
Play arrow_forward

Superman's Ghost

KEY C

Don McLean

Easy
Play arrow_forward

He's Got You

KEY C

Don McLean

Beginner
Play arrow_forward

Babylon

KEY AM

Don McLean

Easy
Play arrow_forward

Homeless Brother

KEY C

Don McLean

Easy
Play arrow_forward

Recommended Chords in Classic Genre music_note

Collection of guitar chords from other musicians Classic that are frequently played.

Explore Classic

The Stroke

KEY G

Billy Squier

Easy
Play arrow_forward

Tonight Is The Night

KEY D

Betty Wright

Intermediate
Play arrow_forward

We Are The Champions

KEY F

Queen feat. Queen

Advanced
Play arrow_forward

Another One Bites The Dust

KEY EM

Queen

Medium
• Capo 4
Play arrow_forward

Z.I.T.O. Angra

KEY E

Angra

Medium
• Capo 4
Play arrow_forward

Owner of a Lonely Heart

KEY D

Yes

Advanced
• Capo 4
Play arrow_forward

Song DNA & Harmonic Similarity dna

Multi-Vector Match

Songs with the most identical harmonic structure, chord progression, root key, and tempo to this song.

The Stroke

55% Match

Billy Squier

insights 3 Identical Chords (C, G, A) • Harmonic Key Match (Key G)
Key G
Play arrow_forward

Ciao Adios

54% Match

Anne-Marie

insights Harmonic Key Match (Key G)
Key G
Play arrow_forward

Another One Bites The Dust

50% Match

Queen

insights 3 Identical Chords (C, G, A) • Harmonic Key Match (Key Em)
Key EM Capo 4
Play arrow_forward

Creep

49% Match

Radiohead

insights Harmonic Key Match (Key G)
Key G
Play arrow_forward

If You Love Her

49% Match

Forest Blakk

insights Harmonic Key Match (Key C)
Key C
Play arrow_forward

Seperangkat Mahar

48% Match

Zinidin Zidan

insights 3 Identical Chords (C, G, A) • Harmonic Key Match (Key Am)
Key AM Capo 2
Play arrow_forward

Songs with Similar Progression (IV – I – II – IV – I – II) account_tree

Selection of songs using the harmonic progression pattern IV – I – II – IV – I – II.

Usai

KEY G

Tiara Andini

Advanced
Play arrow_forward

Kau Luar Biasa

KEY D

The Winner

Advanced
• Capo 2
Play arrow_forward

Huling El Bimbo

KEY G

Parokya Ni Edgar

Beginner
Play arrow_forward

Karena Kamu Cuma Satu

KEY G

Naif

Advanced
Play arrow_forward

Posesif

KEY G

Jun Bintang feat. Maharani

Medium
Play arrow_forward

Don't Give Up On Me

KEY G

Andy Grammer

Beginner
Play arrow_forward

Songs in Key of G piano

Collection of other popular songs with the root key G.

All Songs in Key of G

The Stroke

KEY G

Billy Squier

Easy
Play arrow_forward

Creep

KEY G

Radiohead feat. Radiohead

Medium
Play arrow_forward

Every Time You Go Away

KEY G

Paul Young

Intermediate
Play arrow_forward

Fear of the Dark

KEY G

Iron Maiden

Intermediate
• Capo 2
Play arrow_forward

Ciao Adios

KEY G

Anne-Marie

Beginner
Play arrow_forward

Bennie And The Jets

KEY G

Elton John

Advanced
Play arrow_forward

Twin Chords (Same Chords) music_cast

Zero Learning Curve

Play other songs with the same chords (zero new chords needed)

1 2 3

KEY D

Plain White Ts

Easy
• Capo 2
Play arrow_forward

Tetap Dalam Jiwa

KEY C

Isyana Sarasvati

Easy
• Capo 4
Play arrow_forward

Cant Take My Eyes Off You

KEY C

Frankie Valli feat. Frankie Valli

Advanced
Play arrow_forward

If You Love Her

KEY C

Forest Blakk

Easy
Play arrow_forward

The Stroke

KEY G

Billy Squier

Easy
Play arrow_forward

Tonight Is The Night

KEY D

Betty Wright

Intermediate
Play arrow_forward

Chords for Very Easy Level & Similar Progressions tune

Selection of songs with Very Easy difficulty level ideal for practicing finger agility.

Filter Very Easy Level

I Know Who I Am

KEY D

Sinach

Beginner
Play arrow_forward

Ciao Adios

KEY G

Anne-Marie

Beginner
Play arrow_forward

Give Me Your Forever

KEY G

Zack Tabudlo

Beginner
Play arrow_forward

Berserah

KEY AM

Zizan Razak

Beginner
• Capo 2
Play arrow_forward

Diam Diam Jatuh Cinta

KEY G

Zaenal Group

Beginner
Play arrow_forward

Mari Membodoh

KEY G

Zecurity

Beginner
• Capo 5
Play arrow_forward