Mastering the Melody- A Step-by-Step Guide to Playing Eric Clapton’s Emotional Hit ‘Tears in Heaven’

How to Play “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven” is a heartfelt ballad that has touched the hearts of millions since its release in 1989. With its emotional lyrics and haunting melody, this song has become one of Clapton’s most iconic tracks. If you’re interested in learning how to play “Tears in Heaven,” this article will guide you through the essential techniques and tips to help you master this beautiful piece.

Understanding the Song Structure

Before diving into the guitar parts, it’s important to understand the song’s structure. “Tears in Heaven” is primarily based on a simple chord progression, which repeats throughout the song. The key to playing this song effectively is to focus on the rhythm and timing of the chords.

Chord Progression

The chord progression for “Tears in Heaven” is relatively straightforward. The song is in the key of E minor, and the main progression is E minor – G major – C major – A major. To play this progression, you can use a combination of open chords and barre chords. Here’s a breakdown of the chords and their fingerings:

– E minor: 532321
– G major: 322100
– C major: 032010
– A major: 022100

Strumming Pattern

The strumming pattern for “Tears in Heaven” is a simple downstroke pattern, with a slight emphasis on the downbeat. To achieve this, you can use a metronome to keep a steady tempo. A common tempo for this song is around 70-80 beats per minute. Here’s a suggested strumming pattern:

– E minor: Down, down, down, down
– G major: Down, down, down, down
– C major: Down, down, down, down
– A major: Down, down, down, down

Playing the Riff

The iconic riff in “Tears in Heaven” is played on the E minor chord. To play this riff, you’ll need to use a combination of fingerpicking and strumming. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Start by playing the E minor chord.
2. Move to the 3rd fret of the 5th string and play a downstroke.
3. Move to the 2nd fret of the 5th string and play a downstroke.
4. Move to the 1st fret of the 5th string and play a downstroke.
5. Move to the 3rd fret of the 4th string and play a downstroke.
6. Move back to the E minor chord.

Practicing and Improving

To master “Tears in Heaven,” it’s important to practice regularly and focus on your timing and rhythm. You can also experiment with different strumming patterns and fingerpicking techniques to add your own touch to the song. As you become more comfortable with the chords and strumming pattern, try to play the song at different tempos to improve your overall playing.

Conclusion

Learning how to play “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton can be a rewarding experience. By understanding the song’s structure, mastering the chord progression, and practicing your strumming pattern, you’ll be well on your way to playing this beautiful ballad. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process of learning and improving your guitar skills.