Bbtap to play
Gmtap to play
Ebtap to play
Ftap to play
Key
A#/Bb
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
Bb · Gm · Eb · F
Purple Rain Chords – Guitar
Bbtap to play
Gmtap to play
Ebtap to play
Ftap to play
Key
A#/Bb
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Bb · Gm · Eb · F
Purple Rain Chords – Ukulele
Bbtap to play
Gmtap to play
Ebtap to play
Ftap to play
Key
A#/Bb
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Bb · Gm · Eb · F
Purple Rain Chords – Piano
Bbtap to play
Gmtap to play
Ebtap to play
Ftap to play
Key
A#/Bb
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Bb · Gm · Eb · F
Purple Rain Chords – Banjo
Bbtap to play
Gmtap to play
Ebtap to play
Ftap to play
Key
A#/Bb
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Bb · Gm · Eb · F
Purple Rain Chords – Mandolin
Bbtap to play
Gmtap to play
Ebtap to play
Ftap to play
Key
A#/Bb
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Bb · Gm · Eb · F
Purple Rain Chords – Harmonica
Prince’s iconic power ballad with soaring melodies and emotional depth. Intermediate difficulty in the key of Bb.
Power Ballad (4/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 1st fret and play in the key of A shapes for easier chord voicings. Let the arpeggios ring out during the intro and verses.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Intro
Bb – Eb – Gm – F (×2)
Verse 1
Bb – Eb
Gm – F
Bb – Eb
Gm – F
Chorus
Bb – Eb
Gm – F
Bb – Eb
Gm – F
Verse 2
Bb – Eb
Gm – F
Bb – Eb
Gm – F
Chorus
Bb – Eb
Gm – F
Bb – Eb
Gm – F
Verse 3
Bb – Eb
Gm – F
Bb – Eb
Gm – F
Bb – Eb
Gm – F
Chorus
Bb – Eb
Gm – F
Bb
Eb
Gm – F
Outro
Bb
Eb
Gm – F
Bb – Eb
Gm – F
Bb
Practice tip: With a capo on fret 1, play A, D, F#m, E instead of Bb, Eb, Gm, F. The F#m barre chord is the only challenging shape in this simplified version.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Purple Rain"?
You need 4 intermediate-friendly chords: Bb, Gm, Eb and F.
Is "Purple Rain" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 4 chords in the key of A#/Bb, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Purple Rain" in?
It is in the key of A#/Bb.
Who wrote "Purple Rain"?
It was written by Prince, and released in 1984.