In the Air Tonight Chords

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Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
Dm · C · Bb · Am

In the Air Tonight Chords – Guitar

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Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Dm · C · Bb · Am

In the Air Tonight Chords – Ukulele

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Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Dm · C · Bb · Am

In the Air Tonight Chords – Piano

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Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Dm · C · Bb · Am

In the Air Tonight Chords – Banjo

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Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Dm · C · Bb · Am

In the Air Tonight Chords – Mandolin

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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.

Chords used: Dm, C, Bb, Am  ·  Key: D  ·  Difficulty: Intermediate

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.

Chords & Structure

Full Song

Verse 1

 
Dm – C – Dm
C – Bb – Dm (×2)
 

Verse 2

 
Dm – C – Dm (×2)
Dm – C – Bb – Dm
C – Bb
Dm
 

Chorus

 
Dm – C – Dm
C – Bb – Dm (×3)
 

Verse 3

 
Dm – C
Dm
C – Dm
Dm – C – Bb
C
Bb
Dm
 

Final Chorus

 
Dm – C – Dm
C – Bb – Dm (×4)
 

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.