S&M artwork

S&M

Rihanna

KeyE♭ minor
Tempo128 BPM
Duration4:03

Rhodes melody, piano & acoustic guitar.

Song map

INTROClick a line to play from there
SONG NOTES

Questions about this song

Answers from our automatic transcription. Key, tempo and chord labels may contain errors.

What key is S&M by Rihanna in?

This transcription starts in E♭ minor.

What tempo is S&M?

The estimated tempo is 128 BPM, calculated from the median spacing between detected beats. This is a summary of the transcription; timing can vary during the song.

What are the main chord progressions in S&M?

Recurring four-chord sequences in this transcription include E♭m → A♭m → C♭ → D♭ (44 occurrences); E♭m → D♭ → E♭m → D♭maj6 (3 occurrences); D♭ → E♭m → D♭maj6 → C♭ (3 occurrences). These are exact chord-label matches within sections, not a complete harmonic analysis.

What are the relative chords in S&M?

Here are a few patterns to play with: i → iv → VI → VII in E♭ minor; i → VII → i → VIImaj6 in E♭ minor; VII → i → VIImaj6 → VI in E♭ minor. Think of Roman numerals as chord names you can take into any key. Uppercase is major, lowercase is minor; in minor keys, we count from the natural-minor scale.

Does S&M use a well-known chord progression?

Yes! In E♭ minor: The hopscotch progression (VI → VII → i → III) shows up in the verse at 0:39 and 0:54. Three rising chord roots give this loop a lift before it hops back around. The Aeolian cadence (VI → VII → i) shows up in the intro at 0:03 and 0:07. Two rising major chords lead back into minor, balancing a little lift with a darker landing.

What time signature is S&M in?

The transcription starts in 4/4.

How is S&M structured?

The detected sections are intro (0:00) → verse (0:31) → chorus (1:01) → verse (1:46) → chorus (2:01) → bridge (2:39) → chorus (3:01).

How long is this version of S&M?

The transcribed version lasts 4:03. Other recordings or edits may have a different duration.

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