Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven” is a beautiful and emotional song that has touched the hearts of many people around the world. Written as a tribute to his son who passed away tragically, the song captures the pain and grief that Clapton experienced during this difficult time. In this blog post, we will explore the Tears in Heaven Chords & Guitar Lesson, which offers a step-by-step guide to playing this unforgettable piece.
The Tears in Heaven guitar lesson is designed to help guitar players of all skill levels learn how to play this classic song. The lesson starts with an overview of the song’s structure and chord progression, breaking down each section into manageable parts. The Sharon YourGuitarGuide then demonstrates how to play each part of the song on the guitar, providing clear and concise instructions along the way.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Tears in Heaven guitar lesson is the way in which it explores the emotional resonance of the song. The lesson delves deep into the meaning behind the lyrics and the music, helping students to connect with the emotions that inspired Clapton to write the song. By understanding the backstory and context of the song, students are able to develop a deeper appreciation for its beauty and significance.
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Another great feature of the Tears in Heaven guitar lesson is the way in which it teaches students how to play the song in a way that is true to its original style and sound. The instructor breaks down the strumming pattern and rhythm, showing students how to create the signature sound of the song on their guitar. This attention to detail ensures that students are able to capture the essence of the song and play it with the same feeling and emotion that Clapton intended.
Tears in Heaven Guitar Chords
Tears in Heaven Chord Finger Positions
Finger Position of the E/G# Chord
- Place your second finger on the 6th string at the 4th fret.
- Your third finger is on the 3rd string at the 4th fret.
- And your pinky is on the 2nd string at the 5th fret.
Chord Voicing for F#m Chord in Tears in Heaven
- Place your second finger on the 6th string at the 2nd fret.
- Your third finger is on the 3rd string at the 2nd fret.
- And your pinky is on the 2nd string at the 2nd fret.
- Pluck only those strings at the same time.
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How to Play the A/E Chord
- Your third finger is on the 3rd string at the 2nd fret.
- And your pinky is on the 2nd string at the 2nd fret.
- Play open E string.
E7sus4 Chord on Guitar
- Place your third finger on the 3rd string at the 2nd fret.
- Put your your Pinky finger on the 2nd string at the 3rd fret.
- Play the open E string.
E7 Chord Finger Position
- Place first finger on 3rd string at the 1st fret.
- Put your pinky on the 2nd string at the 3rd fret.
- Play the open 6th string.
A(no5) Chord Finger Position
- Place your second finger on the 3rd string at the 2nd fret.
- Put your third finger on the 2nd string at the 2nd fret.
- Play the open 5th string too.
E Chord Finger Position in Tears in Heaven
- Put your index finger on the 3rd string at the 1st fret.
- Play the open 6th string and open 2nd string.
Bmadd11(no5)/E on Guitar
- Put your inex finger on the 2nd string at the 3rd fret.
- Place your second finger on the 3rd string at the 4th fret.
- Play the open 6th string too.
Db/F Finger Position
- Place your thumb on the 6th string at the 1st fret.
- Put your index finger on the 3rd string at the 1st fret.
- And your third finger on the 2nd string at the 2nd fret.
C#dim/E Finger Position
- Place your second finger on the second string, at the second fret.
- Play the open 3rd string and open 6th string while playing the B string at the same time.
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Playing the Intro to Tears in Heaven
Don’t get hung up on the inverted chords, Just learn the finger positions. I will break it down step by step and you can get the Tab Here!
Firstly hammer on the E string at the second fret. Then play the open A string. Then place your index finger barred at the second fret. Covering the G and B string.
Play the 3rd String and then hammer on the 2nd string with your 2nd finger. Keeping the strings down with your index finger play the G string again.
Then moving up the neck to the E/G# Chord. Which starts at the 4th fret. After placing your fingers in position to play the E/G# chord. Pick the chord all at once then play only the 6th string. And then pluck the 2nd and 3rd string together.
Next move back to the second fret and play the F#m Chord. If you need help (See previously) Where I explain the finger positions of each chord.
Pluck the chord using your thumb on the 6th string and your first finger on the 3rd string and your second finger on the 2nd string. I am referring to your picking hand now.
With your fretting hand pick the 6th string by itself then play the 3rd and 2nd string together. Do this two times.
Then remove your 2nd finger off the 6th string and pick the 2nd and 3rd string together. And then pick the open 6th string. Do that two times.
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After that move your pinky to the 4th fret. Play strings 2 and 3. Then the open E string. 6th string. Do this two times.
Then move to the E7 chord. Play that chord and the open bass note. A couple of times. And then end with the A(no5) Chord. Which is basically placing your fingers to play the A chord. But your only picking the 2nd and 3rd string. And alternating picking the open 5th string. Alternate four times.
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Then the verse begins which is the same as what we just discussed. But a little different.
When you get to the E7sus4 you play that then play the A/E chord alternating the bass note the same way throughout the entire song. Playing two times each.
By simply moving your pinky down to the second fret you are playing the A/E.
Then quickly move your index finger to the first fret of the G string. Alternate picking that low E string and the G and B string together. Then move back up the neck.
Placing your second finger on the 3rd string and your third finger on the 2nd string. Alternate playing the E string with those two strings. Then finishing with your i3rd fret index finger on the 3rd fret of the B string. And your second finger on the G string at the 4th fret. Plucking together.
The Verse repeats. Then the Chorus is next.
Tears in Heaven Chords in the Chorus
And the chorus starts with the F#m chord and of course that alternating bass note.
The easiest way to play this chord is by using your thumb over the top of the neck and placing it on the 2nd fret. Then use fingers 3 and 4 on strings 3 and 2.
After alternating between the bass note and finger picking the two strings. About 3 times. Your going to switch chords. Now your going to play the Db/F chord. Still using your thumb, but now it’s on the 1st fret of the 6th string.
Your first finger is on the G string at the first fret. And your third finger is on the B string second fret. Alternate that bass note and two strings.
Then remove your fingers except for the 3rd finger that is on the 2nd fret of the B string. Now you want to still alternate between playing the Low E string and the G and B string together. You do this 6 times.
Then pick these strings. Place your index finger on the 6th string at the second fret. Pick the E string. Then fret the G string at the 3rd fret . Pick the G string and then move to the 4th fret of the G string and fret the string. Pick the G string and move to the B string and fret it at the 2nd fret. And pick the string.
Then move to the next chord which is Bm(no5). On this chord your bass note is on the 5th string. So you are now alternating playing between the 5th string and the G and B string.
And then keep the chord but play the open E string and pick the G and B two times. Then pick the open E again and once more on the G and B strings together.
Then the verse starts again.
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In conclusion, the Tears in Heaven guitar lesson is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn this iconic song. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, the lesson provides a comprehensive guide to playing the song, while also offering insights into its emotional resonance and cultural significance. By learning how to play Tears in Heaven on the guitar, you will gain a deeper appreciation for this timeless classic and the power of music to move us in ways that words cannot.