How to Play Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven” on Guitar
Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven” is one of the most emotional and soulful songs ever written. Its haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics have touched the hearts of millions. If you’re a guitar enthusiast looking to master this classic tune, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential techniques and tips to play “Tears in Heaven” on guitar.
Understanding the Song Structure
Before diving into the guitar playing aspects, it’s crucial to understand the song’s structure. “Tears in Heaven” is a song with a distinctive AAB rhyme scheme, with the A section consisting of four lines and the B section consisting of two lines. The song follows a repeating pattern of AAB throughout, making it easier to memorize and play.
Essential Chords
To play “Tears in Heaven,” you’ll need to be familiar with the following chords:
– A Major (A)
– D Major (D)
– E Minor (Em)
– G Major (G)
These chords form the backbone of the song and are played in the order of A, D, Em, G. Practice these chords separately before attempting to play the song.
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern for “Tears in Heaven” is relatively simple. Use a downstroke for the first beat of each chord and an upstroke for the second beat. This pattern is often referred to as “down-up” strumming. To keep the rhythm consistent, use a metronome or tap your foot to maintain a steady tempo.
Playing the A Section
The A section of “Tears in Heaven” is played using the A Major chord. Start by fretting the 5th string with your first finger, the 4th string with your second finger, the 3rd string with your third finger, and the 2nd string with your fourth finger. Strum the chord using the down-up strumming pattern.
Playing the D Section
The D section of the song is played using the D Major chord. Fret the 5th string with your first finger, the 4th string with your second finger, the 3rd string with your third finger, and the 2nd string with your fourth finger. Again, use the down-up strumming pattern to play the chord.
Playing the Em Section
The Em section of “Tears in Heaven” is played using the E Minor chord. Fret the 5th string with your first finger, the 4th string with your second finger, the 3rd string with your third finger, and the 2nd string with your fourth finger. Strum the chord using the down-up strumming pattern.
Playing the G Section
The G section of the song is played using the G Major chord. Fret the 5th string with your first finger, the 4th string with your second finger, the 3rd string with your third finger, and the 2nd string with your fourth finger. Strum the chord using the down-up strumming pattern.
Practice and Tips
To master “Tears in Heaven,” practice regularly and focus on the following tips:
– Pay attention to the timing and rhythm of the song.
– Experiment with different strumming patterns to add variety to your playing.
– Record yourself to identify areas for improvement.
– Listen to the original recording to get a sense of the emotion and dynamics of the song.
By following these guidelines and dedicating time to practice, you’ll be able to play Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven” on guitar with confidence and emotion. Enjoy the journey!
