Blinding Lights — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

Blinding Lights uses the chords Fm, Ab, Eb, Db in the key of Fm. The progression follows a i–III–VII–VI pattern. This is a intermediate-level song.

Pop · 2019 · Intermediate

Blinding Lights

by The Weeknd
Key of Fm 171 BPM Intermediate

Chord Sheet

Key of Fm · Progression: i–III–VII–VI

Fm
chord 1
Ab
chord 2
Eb
chord 3
Db
chord 4
Chord Loop
Fm — Ab — Eb — Db — ...
Key
Fm
Tempo
171 BPM
Chords
4
Genre
Pop

Practice Tips for Blinding Lights

  • →Start at 86 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the Fm→Ab transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 171 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play Blinding Lights by The Weeknd

Blinding Lights (2019) is a intermediate-level pop song that uses 4 chords: Fm, Ab, Eb, Db in the key of Fm. The chord progression is i–III–VII–VI.

Chord Breakdown

  • Fm — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • Ab — major chord, bright and stable
  • Eb — major chord, bright and stable
  • Db — major chord, bright and stable

About Blinding Lights

"Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd (released 2019) is one of the most recognizable pop 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 Fm, Ab, Eb creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Blinding Lights as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Blinding Lights, 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)

Viva La Vida
Coldplay
Ab – Eb – Fm – Db
Intermediate
Ab · 138 BPM
Bohemian Rhapsody
Queen
Bb – Gm – Cm – F – Eb
Advanced
Bb · 72 BPM
A Thousand Years
Christina Perri
Bb – F – Gm – Eb
Beginner
Bb · 45 BPM
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nirvana
F – Bb – Ab – Db
Beginner
F · 116 BPM
Clocks
Coldplay
Eb – Bb – Fm
Intermediate
Eb · 131 BPM
Fix You
Coldplay
Eb – Bb – Cm – Ab
Beginner
Eb · 71 BPM
Metronome
Practice at 171 BPM
Tuner
Tune your instrument
Piano
Play on virtual piano
Guitar
Play on fretboard

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Blinding Lights by The Weeknd — FAQ

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

What chords are in Blinding Lights by The Weeknd?

Blinding Lights uses the chords Fm, Ab, Eb, Db in the key of Fm.

The progression follows a i–III–VII–VI pattern. This is a intermediate-level song.

What key is Blinding Lights in?

Blinding Lights by The Weeknd is in the key of Fm.

The primary chords are Fm, Ab, Eb.

What is the tempo of Blinding Lights?

Blinding Lights is played at approximately 171 BPM.

This is a faster tempo — practice slowly first before bringing it to full speed. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 171 BPM.

What strumming pattern does Blinding Lights use?

Blinding Lights 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 Fm chord on guitar?

Fm is the main chord in Blinding Lights.

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

Can I play Blinding Lights on piano?

Yes! Blinding Lights sounds great on piano.

Play the chords Fm, Ab, Eb, Db 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 Blinding Lights beginner-friendly?

Blinding Lights is rated Intermediate difficulty.

The chord changes and rhythm require some practice.

What is the chord progression in Blinding Lights?

The main progression in Blinding Lights is Fm – Ab – Eb – Db (Roman numeral: i–III–VII–VI).

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

Can I transpose Blinding Lights to a different key?

Yes! Blinding Lights is in Fm.

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 Blinding Lights?

Blinding Lights by The Weeknd is a Pop song from 2019.

Its 4-chord progression (Fm, Ab, Eb, Db) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.