When It Rains It Pours — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

When It Rains It Pours uses the chords G, D, Em, C in the key of G. The progression follows a I–V–vi–IV pattern. This is a beginner-level song.

Country · 2017 · Beginner

When It Rains It Pours

by Luke Combs
Key of G 120 BPM Beginner

Chord Sheet

Key of G · Progression: I–V–vi–IV

G
chord 1
D
chord 2
Em
chord 3
C
chord 4
Chord Loop
G — D — Em — C — ...
Roman Numeral Analysis
View the harmonic structure and functional analysis of this progression.
View Analysis →
Key
G
Tempo
120 BPM
Chords
4
Genre
Country

Practice Tips for When It Rains It Pours

  • →Start at 60 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the G→D 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 When It Rains It Pours by Luke Combs

When It Rains It Pours (2017) is a beginner-level country song that uses 4 chords: G, D, Em, C in the key of G. The chord progression is I–V–vi–IV.

Chord Breakdown

  • G — major chord, bright and stable
  • D — major chord, bright and stable
  • Em — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • C — major chord, bright and stable

About When It Rains It Pours

"When It Rains It Pours" by Luke Combs (released 2017) is one of the most recognizable country 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 G, D, Em creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning When It Rains It Pours as a Beginner

If you're learning to play When It Rains It Pours, 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
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Hallelujah
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Intermediate
C · 68 BPM
Metronome
Practice at 120 BPM
Tuner
Tune your instrument
Piano
Play on virtual piano
Guitar
Play on fretboard

Knowledge Base & FAQs

When It Rains It Pours by Luke Combs — FAQ

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

What chords are in When It Rains It Pours by Luke Combs?

When It Rains It Pours uses the chords G, D, Em, C in the key of G.

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

What key is When It Rains It Pours in?

When It Rains It Pours by Luke Combs is in the key of G.

The primary chords are G, D, Em.

What is the tempo of When It Rains It Pours?

When It Rains It Pours 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 When It Rains It Pours use?

When It Rains It Pours 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 G chord on guitar?

G is the main chord in When It Rains It Pours.

Place fingers on: 3rd fret 6th string (E), 2nd fret 5th string (A), 3rd fret 1st string (e).

Can I play When It Rains It Pours on piano?

Yes! When It Rains It Pours sounds great on piano.

Play the chords G, D, Em, C in root position or inversions. Left hand plays bass notes (root of each chord), right hand plays chord voicings. This is a beginner-level arrangement.

Is When It Rains It Pours beginner-friendly?

Yes! When It Rains It Pours is rated Beginner difficulty.

It uses 4 main chords (G, D, Em), all easy open or basic chords. One of the best songs for new players to learn.

What is the chord progression in When It Rains It Pours?

The main progression in When It Rains It Pours is G – D – Em – C (Roman numeral: I–V–vi–IV).

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

Can I transpose When It Rains It Pours to a different key?

Yes! When It Rains It Pours is in G.

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 When It Rains It Pours?

When It Rains It Pours by Luke Combs is a Country song from 2017.

Its 4-chord progression (G, D, Em, C) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.