Painkiller — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

Painkiller uses the chords F#m, D, E, C#m in the key of F#m. The progression follows a i–VI–VII–v pattern. This is a advanced-level song.

Metal · 1990 · Advanced

Painkiller

by Judas Priest
Key of F#m 120 BPM Advanced

Chord Sheet

Key of F#m · Progression: i–VI–VII–v

F#m
chord 1
D
chord 2
E
chord 3
C#m
chord 4
Chord Loop
F#m — D — E — C#m — ...
Roman Numeral Analysis
View the harmonic structure and functional analysis of this progression.
View Analysis →
Key
F#m
Tempo
120 BPM
Chords
4
Genre
Metal

Practice Tips for Painkiller

  • →Start at 60 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the F#m→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 Painkiller by Judas Priest

Painkiller (1990) is a advanced-level metal song that uses 4 chords: F#m, D, E, C#m in the key of F#m. The chord progression is i–VI–VII–v.

Chord Breakdown

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

About Painkiller

"Painkiller" by Judas Priest (released 1990) is one of the most recognizable metal 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 F#m, D, E creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Painkiller as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Painkiller, 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.

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Metronome
Practice at 120 BPM
Tuner
Tune your instrument
Piano
Play on virtual piano
Guitar
Play on fretboard

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Painkiller by Judas Priest — FAQ

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

What chords are in Painkiller by Judas Priest?

Painkiller uses the chords F#m, D, E, C#m in the key of F#m.

The progression follows a i–VI–VII–v pattern. This is a advanced-level song.

What key is Painkiller in?

Painkiller by Judas Priest is in the key of F#m.

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

What is the tempo of Painkiller?

Painkiller 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 Painkiller use?

Painkiller 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 F#m chord on guitar?

F#m is the main chord in Painkiller.

See our chord library for the F#m chord diagram with exact fingering.

Can I play Painkiller on piano?

Yes! Painkiller sounds great on piano.

Play the chords F#m, D, E, C#m in root position or inversions. Left hand plays bass notes (root of each chord), right hand plays chord voicings. This is a advanced-level arrangement.

Is Painkiller beginner-friendly?

Painkiller is rated Advanced difficulty.

This song demands significant experience with barre chords and complex patterns.

What is the chord progression in Painkiller?

The main progression in Painkiller is F#m – D – E – C#m (Roman numeral: i–VI–VII–v).

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

Can I transpose Painkiller to a different key?

Yes! Painkiller is in F#m.

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 Painkiller?

Painkiller by Judas Priest is a Metal song from 1990.

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