We Found Love — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

We Found Love uses the chords C#m, A, E, B in the key of C#m. The progression follows a i–VI–III–VII pattern. This is a beginner-level song.

Pop · 2011 · Beginner

We Found Love

by Rihanna
Key of C#m 120 BPM Beginner

Chord Sheet

Key of C#m · Progression: i–VI–III–VII

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

Practice Tips for We Found Love

  • →Start at 60 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the C#m→A 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 We Found Love by Rihanna

We Found Love (2011) is a beginner-level pop song that uses 4 chords: C#m, A, E, B in the key of C#m. The chord progression is i–VI–III–VII.

Chord Breakdown

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

About We Found Love

"We Found Love" by Rihanna (released 2011) 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 C#m, A, E creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning We Found Love as a Beginner

If you're learning to play We Found Love, 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)

Stand By Me
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A – F#m – D – E
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Hotel California
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Creep
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G – B – C – Cm
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Someone Like You
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Bad Moon Rising
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D – A – G
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One
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Bm – D – A – E – G
Advanced
B · 110 BPM
Metronome
Practice at 120 BPM
Tuner
Tune your instrument
Piano
Play on virtual piano
Guitar
Play on fretboard

Knowledge Base & FAQs

We Found Love by Rihanna — FAQ

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

What chords are in We Found Love by Rihanna?

We Found Love uses the chords C#m, A, E, B in the key of C#m.

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

What key is We Found Love in?

We Found Love by Rihanna is in the key of C#m.

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

What is the tempo of We Found Love?

We Found Love 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 We Found Love use?

We Found Love 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 C#m chord on guitar?

C#m is the main chord in We Found Love.

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

Can I play We Found Love on piano?

Yes! We Found Love sounds great on piano.

Play the chords C#m, A, E, B 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 We Found Love beginner-friendly?

Yes! We Found Love is rated Beginner difficulty.

It uses 4 main chords (C#m, A, E), all easy open or basic chords. One of the best songs for new players to learn.

What is the chord progression in We Found Love?

The main progression in We Found Love is C#m – A – E – B (Roman numeral: i–VI–III–VII).

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

Can I transpose We Found Love to a different key?

Yes! We Found Love is in C#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 We Found Love?

We Found Love by Rihanna is a Pop song from 2011.

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