I've Passed This Way Before by Jimmy Ruffin
I've Passed This Way Before by Jimmy Ruffin runs at 112 BPM in 4/4 and is in the key of Bb major. It is built on 6 chords — F, Bb, Dm, Eb, Db, Fm. Released in 1967.
✓ Key sourced from the McGill Billboard Project's expert chord annotations — not auto-detected. See how we verify →
What to watch for
At least one shape here is a full barre — one finger pressing all six strings, no open strings to lean on. Fret it unplugged first; if a string buzzes, it's the barre, not the chord.
Practice at the right tempo
This song sits at 112 BPM. Start at 60% until the changes are clean — speed is a by-product of accuracy, not a goal.
Learn the theory
Play it on a live fretboard
Every shape, every voicing, and the scale that fits over them — on a board you can hear. Then just talk to it: Melody Monkey's personal music teacher controls the fretboard, so ask for a chord, a scale, a progression, or why any of it works, and watch it land under your fingers. Free to start.
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Frequently asked questions
What key is I've Passed This Way Before in?
I've Passed This Way Before is in Bb major, sourced from the McGill Billboard Project's expert chord annotations — not auto-detected.
What tempo is I've Passed This Way Before?
I've Passed This Way Before runs at 112 BPM (beats per minute).
What chords does I've Passed This Way Before use?
I've Passed This Way Before is built on 6 chords: F, Bb, Dm, Eb, Db, Fm.
Does I've Passed This Way Before need barre chords?
Yes — at least one shape is a full barre (one finger across all six strings). Everything else on the page is a standard open shape.
What tuning is I've Passed This Way Before in?
This recording sits about 23 cents flat of concert pitch (A=434.2Hz, not 440Hz). Tune to the track or you'll fight it the whole way.