Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door in 5 steps

The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.

1
Chords: Am7 – G – D – C – G – D
Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door sits in G major: G is home, where the song ends. It goes round 6 chords: Am7 is A, C, E and G; G is G, B and D; D is D, F# and A; C is C, E and G. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
Am7ii7GIDVCIVGIDV
- Am7A · C · E · G
- GG · B · D
- DD · F# · A
- CC · E · G
20 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Bossa sway
Long-short, long-short, leaning ahead: a gentle Brazilian sway. Musicians call it root bass · bossa (1 · 2& · 3 · 4&) (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in thousands of songs of the library.
Bossa swayRoot bass rhythm · Bossa novaLeft handEasy
3
Right hand: the chords, held
In this song the right hand mostly plays the tune itself. Hold the chords lightly, or play the melody over the left hand.
4
Both hands at 69 BPM
Put the two hands together over the loop. Start at half speed with the player's speed control, and bring it up once every change is easy.
5
Ending: C – D – G
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
CDG

What chords are in Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door?

The loop is Am7 – G – D – C – G – D (ii7 – I – V – IV – I – V) in G major, and the song ends on C – D – G.

What key is Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door in?

G major, at about 69 beats a minute in 4/4.

What does the left hand play in Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door?

Bossa sway: root bass · bossa (1 · 2& · 3 · 4&), an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door easy to play on piano?

Yes. Both hands play easy patterns over 6 chords. Learn the chords first, then add one hand at a time.

Can I hear the real melody of Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door?

Yes: "The part you know" plays the intro of the song from a score, with both hands.