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Folk · 1973 · Beginner

Knockin' on Heaven's Door

by Bob Dylan
Key of G72 BPMBeginner

Chord Sheet

Key of G · Progression: I–V–ii–IV

G
chord 1
D
chord 2
Am
chord 3
C
chord 4
Chord Loop
G — D — Am — C — ...
Key
G
Tempo
72 BPM
Chords
4
Genre
Folk

🎵 Practice Tips for Knockin' on Heaven's Door

  • →Start at 36 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the G→D transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 72 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play Knockin' on Heaven's Door by Bob Dylan

Knockin' on Heaven's Door (1973) is a beginner-level folk song that uses 4 chords: G, D, Am, C in the key of G. The chord progression is I–V–ii–IV.

Chord Breakdown

  • G — major chord, bright and stable
  • D — major chord, bright and stable
  • Am — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • C — major chord, bright and stable

About Knockin' on Heaven's Door

"Knockin' on Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan (released 1973) is one of the most recognizable folk 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 G, D, Am creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Knockin' on Heaven's Door as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Knockin' on Heaven's Door, 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)

Let It Be
The Beatles
C – G – Am – F
Beginner
C · 75 BPM
Wonderwall
Oasis
Em – G – D – A7sus4
Beginner
Em · 87 BPM
Stand By Me
Ben E. King
A – F#m – D – E
Beginner
A · 76 BPM
Perfect
Ed Sheeran
G – Em – C – D
Beginner
G · 96 BPM
Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen
C – Am – F – G – E7
Intermediate
C · 68 BPM
Hotel California
Eagles
Bm – F# – A – E – G – D – Em
Advanced
Bm · 74 BPM
🎵 Metronome
Practice at 72 BPM
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Tune your instrument
🎹 Piano
Play on virtual piano
🎸 Guitar
Play on fretboard

FAQ

Knockin' on Heaven's Door by Bob Dylan — FAQ

What chords are in Knockin' on Heaven's Door by Bob Dylan?
Knockin' on Heaven's Door uses the chords G, D, Am, C in the key of G. The progression follows a I–V–ii–IV pattern. This is a beginner-level song.
What key is Knockin' on Heaven's Door in?
Knockin' on Heaven's Door by Bob Dylan is in the key of G. The primary chords are G, D, Am.
What is the tempo of Knockin' on Heaven's Door?
Knockin' on Heaven's Door is played at approximately 72 BPM. This slow tempo is great for beginners to focus on chord transitions. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 72 BPM.
What strumming pattern does Knockin' on Heaven's Door use?
Knockin' on Heaven's Door 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 G chord on guitar?
G is the main chord in Knockin' on Heaven's Door. Place fingers on: 3rd fret 6th string (E), 2nd fret 5th string (A), 3rd fret 1st string (e).
Can I play Knockin' on Heaven's Door on piano?
Yes! Knockin' on Heaven's Door sounds great on piano. Play the chords G, D, Am, C 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 Knockin' on Heaven's Door beginner-friendly?
Yes! Knockin' on Heaven's Door is rated Beginner difficulty. It uses 4 main chords (G, D, Am), all easy open or basic chords. One of the best songs for new players to learn.
What is the chord progression in Knockin' on Heaven's Door?
The main progression in Knockin' on Heaven's Door is G – D – Am – C (Roman numeral: I–V–ii–IV). This 4-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.
Can I transpose Knockin' on Heaven's Door to a different key?
Yes! Knockin' on Heaven's Door is in G. 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 Knockin' on Heaven's Door?
Knockin' on Heaven's Door by Bob Dylan is a Folk song from 1973. Its 4-chord progression (G, D, Am, C) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.