Knockin' On Heaven's Door — Chords

Guns N' Roses
Key G majorTuning StandardCapo None

🎼 Main chord progression

Verse A
G›D›Am›Am
Verse B
G›D›C›C
Same chords as Dylan, bigger and overdriven; the GnR build is all dynamics.
Chord names for the main progression — a starting point, verify by ear. No lyrics or full tab reproduced.

🎸 How to play each chord

G213
D××132
Am×231
C×321
Standard fingerings (low E → high e). Numbers = which finger; × = don’t play, ○ = open string.

🎛️ The tone — adapted to your gear

1959 Gibson Korina Flying V · Marshall JCM25/50 2555 Silver Jubilee 100W Head into Marshall 1960BV 4x12 cabinet

Original amp EQ — bass 6 · mid 7 · treble 6.5 · gain 6 · presence 6

🎚️ Get this exact tone on YOUR rig — free →

Full tone breakdown & guide →

❓ Knockin' On Heaven's Door — FAQ

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

Knockin' On Heaven's Door is in G major.

What chords does Knockin' On Heaven's Door use?

The main progression uses G, D, Am, C. Tuning: Standard. Capo: None.

How do I get the Knockin' On Heaven's Door guitar tone?

GuitarToneAdapt re-dials the original Knockin' On Heaven's Door tone for the exact guitar, amp and pickups you own — free, in the browser.

🎸 More chords + tones

Wish You Were HereStairway to HeavenPurple Rain

Generate more chord progressions in any key → · Transpose these chords / capo finder → · Free online tuner → · Free metronome → · Browse all 1,100+ tones → · Open the free app →

Chords are factual progressions compiled for reference. Tone data © GuitarToneAdapt — adapt any song to your exact rig at guitartoneadapt.com.