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R&B · 1967 · Beginner

Tears of a Clown

by Smokey Robinson
Key of G138 BPMBeginner

Chord Sheet

Key of G · Progression: I–IV–V–vi

G
chord 1
C
chord 2
D
chord 3
Em
chord 4
Chord Loop
G — C — D — Em — ...
Key
G
Tempo
138 BPM
Chords
4
Genre
R&B

🎵 Practice Tips for Tears of a Clown

  • →Start at 69 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the G→C transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 138 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play Tears of a Clown by Smokey Robinson

Tears of a Clown (1967) is a beginner-level r&b song that uses 4 chords: G, C, D, Em in the key of G. The chord progression is I–IV–V–vi.

Chord Breakdown

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

About Tears of a Clown

"Tears of a Clown" by Smokey Robinson (released 1967) is one of the most recognizable r&b 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, C, D creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Tears of a Clown as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Tears of a Clown, 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
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Wonderwall
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Knockin' on Heaven's Door
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Stand By Me
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Perfect
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G – Em – C – D
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Hallelujah
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Intermediate
C · 68 BPM
🎵 Metronome
Practice at 138 BPM
🎼 Tuner
Tune your instrument
🎹 Piano
Play on virtual piano
🎸 Guitar
Play on fretboard

FAQ

Tears of a Clown by Smokey Robinson — FAQ

What chords are in Tears of a Clown by Smokey Robinson?
Tears of a Clown uses the chords G, C, D, Em in the key of G. The progression follows a I–IV–V–vi pattern. This is a beginner-level song.
What key is Tears of a Clown in?
Tears of a Clown by Smokey Robinson is in the key of G. The primary chords are G, C, D.
What is the tempo of Tears of a Clown?
Tears of a Clown is played at approximately 138 BPM. This is a faster tempo — practice slowly first before bringing it to full speed. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 138 BPM.
What strumming pattern does Tears of a Clown use?
Tears of a Clown 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 Tears of a Clown. Place fingers on: 3rd fret 6th string (E), 2nd fret 5th string (A), 3rd fret 1st string (e).
Can I play Tears of a Clown on piano?
Yes! Tears of a Clown sounds great on piano. Play the chords G, C, D, Em 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 Tears of a Clown beginner-friendly?
Yes! Tears of a Clown is rated Beginner difficulty. It uses 4 main chords (G, C, D), all easy open or basic chords. One of the best songs for new players to learn.
What is the chord progression in Tears of a Clown?
The main progression in Tears of a Clown is G – C – D – Em (Roman numeral: I–IV–V–vi). This 4-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.
Can I transpose Tears of a Clown to a different key?
Yes! Tears of a Clown 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 Tears of a Clown?
Tears of a Clown by Smokey Robinson is a R&B song from 1967. Its 4-chord progression (G, C, D, Em) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.