Pop, Rock

In the Air Tonight Chords

Phil Collins Intermediate Key of D 4 Chords 3 min read Updated Jul 2026

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Key

D

Difficulty

Intermediate

Capo

None

Chords

Dm · C · Bb · Am

In the Air Tonight Chords – Guitar

Phil Collins’ iconic song with its legendary drum fill and atmospheric tension. Intermediate difficulty in the key of Dm.

Dark Atmospheric (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: Build tension slowly through the verses. This song is all about the atmospheric buildup to the explosive drum fill. Keep the guitar quiet and moody, then let it hit hard.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Dm C Dm

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

And I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord

Verse 2

Dm C Dm

Well if you told me you were drowning, I would not lend a hand

Dm C Dm

I’ve seen your face before, my friend, but I don’t know if you know who I am

Dm C Bb Dm

Well I was there and I saw what you did, I saw it with my own two eyes

C Bb

So you can wipe off that grin, I know where you’ve been

Dm

It’s all been a pack of lies

Chorus

Dm C Dm

And I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

Oh Lord

Verse 3

Dm C

Well I remember, I remember, don’t worry

Dm

How could I ever forget?

C Dm

It’s the first time, the last time we ever met

Dm C Bb

But I know the reason why you keep your silence up

C

No you don’t fool me

Bb

The hurt doesn’t show but the pain still grows

Dm

It’s no stranger to you and me

Final Chorus

Dm C Dm

And I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

I can feel it in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

Practice tip: The Dm-C-Bb pattern creates a dark, brooding atmosphere. Let the chords sustain and ring. The tension builds throughout — practice playing very quietly in the verse and then bringing full force at the drum fill moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "In the Air Tonight"?

You need 4 intermediate-friendly chords: Dm, C, Bb and Am.

Is "In the Air Tonight" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 4 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "In the Air Tonight" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "In the Air Tonight"?

It was written by Phil Collins, and released in 1981.

Dmtap to play

Ctap to play

Bbtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

Dm · C · Bb · Am

In the Air Tonight Chords – Ukulele

Phil Collins’ iconic song with its legendary drum fill and atmospheric tension. Intermediate difficulty in the key of Dm.

Dark Atmospheric (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: Build tension slowly through the verses. This song is all about the atmospheric buildup to the explosive drum fill. Keep the guitar quiet and moody, then let it hit hard.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Dm C Dm

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

And I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord

Verse 2

Dm C Dm

Well if you told me you were drowning, I would not lend a hand

Dm C Dm

I’ve seen your face before, my friend, but I don’t know if you know who I am

Dm C Bb Dm

Well I was there and I saw what you did, I saw it with my own two eyes

C Bb

So you can wipe off that grin, I know where you’ve been

Dm

It’s all been a pack of lies

Chorus

Dm C Dm

And I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

Oh Lord

Verse 3

Dm C

Well I remember, I remember, don’t worry

Dm

How could I ever forget?

C Dm

It’s the first time, the last time we ever met

Dm C Bb

But I know the reason why you keep your silence up

C

No you don’t fool me

Bb

The hurt doesn’t show but the pain still grows

Dm

It’s no stranger to you and me

Final Chorus

Dm C Dm

And I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

I can feel it in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

Practice tip: The Dm-C-Bb pattern creates a dark, brooding atmosphere. Let the chords sustain and ring. The tension builds throughout — practice playing very quietly in the verse and then bringing full force at the drum fill moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "In the Air Tonight"?

You need 4 intermediate-friendly chords: Dm, C, Bb and Am.

Is "In the Air Tonight" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 4 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "In the Air Tonight" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "In the Air Tonight"?

It was written by Phil Collins, and released in 1981.

Dmtap to play

Ctap to play

Bbtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Intermediate

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

Dm · C · Bb · Am

In the Air Tonight Chords – Piano

Phil Collins’ iconic song with its legendary drum fill and atmospheric tension. Intermediate difficulty in the key of Dm.

Dark Atmospheric (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: Build tension slowly through the verses. This song is all about the atmospheric buildup to the explosive drum fill. Keep the guitar quiet and moody, then let it hit hard.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Dm C Dm

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

And I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord

Verse 2

Dm C Dm

Well if you told me you were drowning, I would not lend a hand

Dm C Dm

I’ve seen your face before, my friend, but I don’t know if you know who I am

Dm C Bb Dm

Well I was there and I saw what you did, I saw it with my own two eyes

C Bb

So you can wipe off that grin, I know where you’ve been

Dm

It’s all been a pack of lies

Chorus

Dm C Dm

And I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

Oh Lord

Verse 3

Dm C

Well I remember, I remember, don’t worry

Dm

How could I ever forget?

C Dm

It’s the first time, the last time we ever met

Dm C Bb

But I know the reason why you keep your silence up

C

No you don’t fool me

Bb

The hurt doesn’t show but the pain still grows

Dm

It’s no stranger to you and me

Final Chorus

Dm C Dm

And I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

I can feel it in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

Practice tip: The Dm-C-Bb pattern creates a dark, brooding atmosphere. Let the chords sustain and ring. The tension builds throughout — practice playing very quietly in the verse and then bringing full force at the drum fill moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "In the Air Tonight"?

You need 4 intermediate-friendly chords: Dm, C, Bb and Am.

Is "In the Air Tonight" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 4 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "In the Air Tonight" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "In the Air Tonight"?

It was written by Phil Collins, and released in 1981.

Dmtap to play

Ctap to play

Bbtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

Dm · C · Bb · Am

In the Air Tonight Chords – Banjo

Phil Collins’ iconic song with its legendary drum fill and atmospheric tension. Intermediate difficulty in the key of Dm.

Dark Atmospheric (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: Build tension slowly through the verses. This song is all about the atmospheric buildup to the explosive drum fill. Keep the guitar quiet and moody, then let it hit hard.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Dm C Dm

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

And I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord

Verse 2

Dm C Dm

Well if you told me you were drowning, I would not lend a hand

Dm C Dm

I’ve seen your face before, my friend, but I don’t know if you know who I am

Dm C Bb Dm

Well I was there and I saw what you did, I saw it with my own two eyes

C Bb

So you can wipe off that grin, I know where you’ve been

Dm

It’s all been a pack of lies

Chorus

Dm C Dm

And I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

Oh Lord

Verse 3

Dm C

Well I remember, I remember, don’t worry

Dm

How could I ever forget?

C Dm

It’s the first time, the last time we ever met

Dm C Bb

But I know the reason why you keep your silence up

C

No you don’t fool me

Bb

The hurt doesn’t show but the pain still grows

Dm

It’s no stranger to you and me

Final Chorus

Dm C Dm

And I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

I can feel it in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

Practice tip: The Dm-C-Bb pattern creates a dark, brooding atmosphere. Let the chords sustain and ring. The tension builds throughout — practice playing very quietly in the verse and then bringing full force at the drum fill moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "In the Air Tonight"?

You need 4 intermediate-friendly chords: Dm, C, Bb and Am.

Is "In the Air Tonight" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 4 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "In the Air Tonight" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "In the Air Tonight"?

It was written by Phil Collins, and released in 1981.

Dmtap to play

Ctap to play

Bbtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

Dm · C · Bb · Am

In the Air Tonight Chords – Mandolin

Phil Collins’ iconic song with its legendary drum fill and atmospheric tension. Intermediate difficulty in the key of Dm.

Dark Atmospheric (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: Build tension slowly through the verses. This song is all about the atmospheric buildup to the explosive drum fill. Keep the guitar quiet and moody, then let it hit hard.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Dm C Dm

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

And I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord

Verse 2

Dm C Dm

Well if you told me you were drowning, I would not lend a hand

Dm C Dm

I’ve seen your face before, my friend, but I don’t know if you know who I am

Dm C Bb Dm

Well I was there and I saw what you did, I saw it with my own two eyes

C Bb

So you can wipe off that grin, I know where you’ve been

Dm

It’s all been a pack of lies

Chorus

Dm C Dm

And I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

Oh Lord

Verse 3

Dm C

Well I remember, I remember, don’t worry

Dm

How could I ever forget?

C Dm

It’s the first time, the last time we ever met

Dm C Bb

But I know the reason why you keep your silence up

C

No you don’t fool me

Bb

The hurt doesn’t show but the pain still grows

Dm

It’s no stranger to you and me

Final Chorus

Dm C Dm

And I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

I can feel it in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

Practice tip: The Dm-C-Bb pattern creates a dark, brooding atmosphere. Let the chords sustain and ring. The tension builds throughout — practice playing very quietly in the verse and then bringing full force at the drum fill moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "In the Air Tonight"?

You need 4 intermediate-friendly chords: Dm, C, Bb and Am.

Is "In the Air Tonight" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 4 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "In the Air Tonight" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "In the Air Tonight"?

It was written by Phil Collins, and released in 1981.

Dmtap to play

Ctap to play

Bbtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Intermediate

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

Dm · C · Bb · Am

In the Air Tonight Chords – Harmonica

Phil Collins’ iconic song with its legendary drum fill and atmospheric tension. Intermediate difficulty in the key of Dm.

Dark Atmospheric (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: Build tension slowly through the verses. This song is all about the atmospheric buildup to the explosive drum fill. Keep the guitar quiet and moody, then let it hit hard.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Dm C Dm

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

And I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord

Verse 2

Dm C Dm

Well if you told me you were drowning, I would not lend a hand

Dm C Dm

I’ve seen your face before, my friend, but I don’t know if you know who I am

Dm C Bb Dm

Well I was there and I saw what you did, I saw it with my own two eyes

C Bb

So you can wipe off that grin, I know where you’ve been

Dm

It’s all been a pack of lies

Chorus

Dm C Dm

And I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

Oh Lord

Verse 3

Dm C

Well I remember, I remember, don’t worry

Dm

How could I ever forget?

C Dm

It’s the first time, the last time we ever met

Dm C Bb

But I know the reason why you keep your silence up

C

No you don’t fool me

Bb

The hurt doesn’t show but the pain still grows

Dm

It’s no stranger to you and me

Final Chorus

Dm C Dm

And I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

I can feel it in the air tonight, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

C Bb Dm

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord

Practice tip: The Dm-C-Bb pattern creates a dark, brooding atmosphere. Let the chords sustain and ring. The tension builds throughout — practice playing very quietly in the verse and then bringing full force at the drum fill moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "In the Air Tonight"?

You need 4 intermediate-friendly chords: Dm, C, Bb and Am.

Is "In the Air Tonight" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 4 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "In the Air Tonight" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "In the Air Tonight"?

It was written by Phil Collins, and released in 1981.