Purple Rain

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Sound:
123456789101112131415eBGDAE113O××1234
Step 1 / 5Position: 1
1 index2 middle3 ring4 pinkyO open
So, here is a REALLY accurate version, as played by Wendy Melvoin (guitarist for The Revolution).
One can clearly see the chord forms she uses in the first-ever live performance of this song, from 1983.
The Fadd9 can be replaced with either a standard F barre chord, or an Fsus2 with the thumb playing the
low root note on the 6th string, but I would encourage everyone to strive to master the wide-stretch
fingering. The correct chord forms/voicings are integral to getting the sound of this amazing song just
right, especially the Bbadd9/D and the Ebadd9 voicings.
Thanks and credit to cplemoine for his version, which I used as a template to make this one, and to Youtube
channel "Shutup & Play" for getting the initial chord right!
Bbadd9/DGm11Fadd9Ebadd9Fsus2
[Chords]
e|-1-| |-1-| |-1-| |-6--| |-1-|
B|-1-| |-1-| |-1-| |-8--| |-1-|
G|-3-| |-3-| |-2-| |-10-| |-0-|
D|-0-| |-0-| |-5-| |-8--| |-3-|
A|-x-| |-x-| |-3-| |-6--| |-3-|
E|-x-| |-3-| |-1-| |-x--| |-1-|
Bbadd9/DGm11Fadd9Ebadd9
[Intro] | | | |
[Verse 1]
Bbadd9/D Gm11
| |
I never meant to cause you any sorrow
Fadd9 Ebadd9
| |
I never meant to cause you any pain
Bbadd9/D Gm11
| |
I only wanted to one time see you laughing
Fadd9 Bb
| |
I only wanted to see you laughing in the purple rain
[Chorus]
Ebadd9
|
Purple rain purple rain
Ebadd9 Bbadd9/D
| |
Purple rain purple rain
Gm11 Fadd9 Fadd9
| | |
Purple rain purple rain
Fadd9 Bb
| |
I only wanted to see you bathing in the purple rain
[Verse 2]
Bbadd9/DGm11
| |
I never wanted to be your weekend lover
Fadd9 Ebadd9
| |
I only wanted to be some kind of friend
Bbadd9/D Gm11
| |
Baby I could never steal you from another
Fadd9 Bb
| |
It’s such a shame our friendship had to end
[Chorus]
Ebadd9
|
Purple rain purple rain
Ebadd9 Bbadd9/D
| |
Purple rain purple rain
Gm11 Fadd9
| |
Purple rain purple rain
Fadd9 Bb
| |
I only wanted to see you underneath the purple rain
[Verse 3]
Bbadd9/DGm11
| |
Honey, I know, I know, I know times are changin'
Fadd9 Ebadd9
| |
It's time we all reach out for something new, (that means you too)
Bbadd9/D Gm11
| |
You say you want a leader, but you can't seem to make up your mind
Fadd9 Bb
| |
And I think you better close it and let me guide you to the purple rain
[Chorus]
Ebadd9
|
Purple rain purple rain
Ebadd9 Bbadd9/D
| |
Purple rain purple rain
Gm11
|
(If you know what I'm singin' about up here, come on raise your hand)
Fadd9
|
Purple rain purple rain
Fadd9 Bb
| |
I only want to see you, only want to see you in the purple rain
[Solo]

Purple Rain chords and lyrics

Free chords for Purple Rain by Prince. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

So, here is a REALLY accurate version, as played by Wendy Melvoin (guitarist for The Revolution).
One can clearly see the chord forms she uses in the first-ever live performance of this song, from 1983.
The Fadd9 can be replaced with either a standard F barre chord, or an Fsus2 with the thumb playing the 
low root note on the 6th string, but I would encourage everyone to strive to master the wide-stretch
fingering. The correct chord forms/voicings are integral to getting the sound of this amazing song just  
right, especially the Bbadd9/D and the Ebadd9 voicings.
Thanks and credit to cplemoine for his version, which I used as a template to make this one, and to Youtube 
channel "Shutup & Play" for getting the initial chord right! 
[Intro] |Bbadd9/D |Gm11 |Fadd9 |Ebadd9
[Verse 1]
[Chorus]
[Verse 2]
[Chorus]
[Verse 3]
[Chorus]
[Solo]

Purple Rain Chords by Prince

Learn how to play Purple Rain by Prince with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Purple Rain chords”, “Purple Rain guitar chords”, or “Prince Purple Rain chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Purple Rain chords and for experienced players who want accurate Purple Rain lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Fadd9, F, Fsus2, Bbadd9/D, Ebadd9, Gm11.

Frequently asked questions about Purple Rain

How do I play "Purple Rain" by Prince on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Purple Rain" by Prince on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "Purple Rain" by Prince free?

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Can I transpose "Purple Rain" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Purple Rain" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Purple Rain"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Purple Rain" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Purple Rain" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Purple Rain" by Prince with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Prince below.

What key is "Purple Rain" in?

The chords for "Purple Rain" show the original chord names (including Fadd9, F, Fsus2, Bbadd9/D, Ebadd9, Gm11). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.