Tears in Heaven — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

Tears in Heaven uses the chords A, E, F#m, C#, D in the key of A. The progression follows a I–V–vi–III–IV pattern. This is a intermediate-level song.

Rock · 1992 · Intermediate

Tears in Heaven

by Eric Clapton
Key of A 80 BPM Intermediate

Chord Sheet

Key of A · Progression: I–V–vi–III–IV

A
chord 1
E
chord 2
F#m
chord 3
C#
chord 4
D
chord 5
Chord Loop
A — E — F#m — C# — D — ...
Key
A
Tempo
80 BPM
Chords
5
Genre
Rock

Practice Tips for Tears in Heaven

  • →Start at 40 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the A→E transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 80 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton

Tears in Heaven (1992) is a intermediate-level rock song that uses 5 chords: A, E, F#m, C#, D in the key of A. The chord progression is I–V–vi–III–IV.

Chord Breakdown

  • A — major chord, bright and stable
  • E — major chord, bright and stable
  • F#m — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • C# — major chord, bright and stable
  • D — major chord, bright and stable

About Tears in Heaven

"Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton (released 1992) is one of the most recognizable rock 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 A, E, F#m creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Tears in Heaven as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Tears in Heaven, 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)

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
Hotel California
Eagles
Bm – F# – A – E – G – D – Em
Advanced
Bm · 74 BPM
Ring of Fire
Johnny Cash
G – C – D
Beginner
G · 145 BPM
Metronome
Practice at 80 BPM
Tuner
Tune your instrument
Piano
Play on virtual piano
Guitar
Play on fretboard

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton — FAQ

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

What chords are in Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton?

Tears in Heaven uses the chords A, E, F#m, C#, D in the key of A.

The progression follows a I–V–vi–III–IV pattern. This is a intermediate-level song.

What key is Tears in Heaven in?

Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton is in the key of A.

The primary chords are A, E, F#m.

What is the tempo of Tears in Heaven?

Tears in Heaven is played at approximately 80 BPM.

This moderate tempo is comfortable for intermediate players. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 80 BPM.

What strumming pattern does Tears in Heaven use?

Tears in Heaven 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 A chord on guitar?

A is the main chord in Tears in Heaven.

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

Can I play Tears in Heaven on piano?

Yes! Tears in Heaven sounds great on piano.

Play the chords A, E, F#m, C#, D 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 Tears in Heaven beginner-friendly?

Tears in Heaven is rated Intermediate difficulty.

The chord changes and rhythm require some practice.

What is the chord progression in Tears in Heaven?

The main progression in Tears in Heaven is A – E – F#m – C# – D (Roman numeral: I–V–vi–III–IV).

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

Can I transpose Tears in Heaven to a different key?

Yes! Tears in Heaven is in A.

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 Tears in Heaven?

Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton is a Rock song from 1992.

Its 5-chord progression (A, E, F#m, C#, D) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.