Sexual Healing — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

Sexual Healing uses the chords Am, Dm, E7, A in the key of A. The progression follows a i–iv–V7–I pattern. This is a intermediate-level song.

R&B · 1982 · Intermediate

Sexual Healing

by Marvin Gaye
Key of A 120 BPM Intermediate

Chord Sheet

Key of A · Progression: i–iv–V7–I

Am
chord 1
Dm
chord 2
E7
chord 3
A
chord 4
Chord Loop
Am — Dm — E7 — A — ...
Roman Numeral Analysis
View the harmonic structure and functional analysis of this progression.
View Analysis →
Key
A
Tempo
120 BPM
Chords
4
Genre
R&B

Practice Tips for Sexual Healing

  • →Start at 60 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the Am→Dm 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 Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye

Sexual Healing (1982) is a intermediate-level r&b song that uses 4 chords: Am, Dm, E7, A in the key of A. The chord progression is i–iv–V7–I.

Chord Breakdown

  • Am — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • Dm — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • E7 — dominant 7th, adds tension and movement
  • A — major chord, bright and stable

About Sexual Healing

"Sexual Healing" by Marvin Gaye (released 1982) is one of the most recognizable r&b songs ever recorded. Its 4-chord structure demonstrates how a simple progression can create an emotionally powerful and memorable piece of music. The combination of Am, Dm, E7 creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Sexual Healing as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Sexual Healing, 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)

Let It Be
The Beatles
C – G – Am – F
Beginner
C · 75 BPM
Knockin' on Heaven's Door
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G – D – Am – C
Beginner
G · 72 BPM
Stand By Me
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A – F#m – D – E
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A · 76 BPM
Hallelujah
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C – Am – F – G – E7
Intermediate
C · 68 BPM
Hotel California
Eagles
Bm – F# – A – E – G – D – Em
Advanced
Bm · 74 BPM
No Woman No Cry
Bob Marley
C – G – Am – F
Beginner
C · 90 BPM
Metronome
Practice at 120 BPM
Tuner
Tune your instrument
Piano
Play on virtual piano
Guitar
Play on fretboard

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye — FAQ

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

What chords are in Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye?

Sexual Healing uses the chords Am, Dm, E7, A in the key of A.

The progression follows a i–iv–V7–I pattern. This is a intermediate-level song.

What key is Sexual Healing in?

Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye is in the key of A.

The primary chords are Am, Dm, E7.

What is the tempo of Sexual Healing?

Sexual Healing 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 Sexual Healing use?

Sexual Healing 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 Am chord on guitar?

Am is the main chord in Sexual Healing.

For Am: 2nd fret 4th string, 2nd fret 3rd string, 1st fret 2nd string. Others open.

Can I play Sexual Healing on piano?

Yes! Sexual Healing sounds great on piano.

Play the chords Am, Dm, E7, A 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 Sexual Healing beginner-friendly?

Sexual Healing is rated Intermediate difficulty.

The chord changes and rhythm require some practice.

What is the chord progression in Sexual Healing?

The main progression in Sexual Healing is Am – Dm – E7 – A (Roman numeral: i–iv–V7–I).

This 4-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.

Can I transpose Sexual Healing to a different key?

Yes! Sexual Healing 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 Sexual Healing?

Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye is a R&B song from 1982.

Its 4-chord progression (Am, Dm, E7, A) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.