David Bowie – Heroes Chords & Guitar Lesson

Here’s an iconic song with an interesting backstory.

David Bowie wrote it, inspired by real-life events.

Below, I’m going to share with you some insider tips on the guitar style behind it.

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “Heroes” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Heroes?

"Heroes" was co-written by David Bowie and Brian Eno. It was released as the title track for Bowie’s 1977 album of the same name. “Heroes” was inspired by two lovers Bowie saw in a tryst in front of the Berlin Wall. 

You see, Bowie was recording at the legendary Hansa Studio – by the Berlin Wall in Germany -- when he looked out the window and saw two lovers kissing. Although he didn't originally reveal who the lovers were, later Bowie came out and said it was his producer, Tony Visconti, and his mistress, a backing vocalist named Antonia Maass.

The song's lyrics capture a fleeting moment where people can feel heroic.

===

And I, I would be king

And you, you would be my queen

Though nothing would drive them away

We can beat them forever and ever

We can be heroes just for one day, yeah

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The atmosphere of the Berlin Wall and the studio only added to the vibe captured in this iconic recording. 

Although it was not a massive hit in the United States at the time, “Heroes” reached the top 20 in the UK and became one of Bowie’s most beloved songs. It also featured legendary guitarist Robert Fripp. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it as one of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Now, you may be wondering…

What is the tuning for Heroes?

The tuning for "Heroes” is standard tuning. Standard tuning is spelled: E, A, D, G, B, and E.  

Here are the strings: 

• E (6th string, lowest pitch)
• A (5th string)
• D (4th string)
• G (3rd string)
• B (2nd string)
• E (1st string, highest pitch) 

All right! 

Now that you know the tuning for “Heroes,” let’s next talk about…

Heroes Chords

To play “Heroes”, you only need to know 5 main chords they are D, G5, Csus2, Am, and Em. All of these chords are played as open position chords. Let’s take a look at a few ways these shapes might appear on the fretboard.

D is played in a standard open position from the 4th string down like this:

G5 is a power chord version of an open G chord. I play it like this:

Csus2 is similar to G5, but here we’ll bring the root note to the 5th string like this:

Am is played from the 5th string down like this:

Finally, we have Em, a beautiful sounding chord that uses all 6 strings like so:

If you’ve struggled to understand the fretboard for RHYTHM and LEAD guitar, and want to discover the easiest and fastest way. Then get your hands on my free Fretboard Guide PDF right here now:  

Is Heroes hard to play on guitar?

I would say playing “Heroes” on guitar is going to require a beginner skill level. There are only 5 chords, and the rhythm is pretty straightforward.  

However, it does get slightly more complicated for those who start adding in the riff. At that point, I would say it’s late beginner level. So, take your time with this one.

What key is Heroes in?

“Heroes”, as recorded by David Bowie, is in the key of D major. The primary scale for the song is the D major scale, which is built using the notes D, E, F#, G, A, B, and C#. 

Let’s take a closer look at how all these chords relate in the key of D major. Starting with…

D (D major)

Notes: D, F#, A

Function: This is the I chord, the tonic in D major. It’s the “home” chord and tonal center.

G5 (G power chord)

Notes: G, D

Function: In D major, G is the IV chord (subdominant). This is a power chord version of the IV chord. You see, it omits the third (B), which gives it a strong sound.

Csus2 (C suspended 2)

Notes: C, D, G

Function: This chord is not diatonic to D major. It functions as a borrowed ♭VII sus2 chord from the Mixolydian mode. It creates a more rock or bluesy sound. 

Am (A minor)

Notes: A, C, E

Function: This chord is also not diatonic to D major. It’s borrowed from the parallel minor key – D natural minor. Using it adds a melancholic tension, and it’s used in millions of songs.

Em (E minor)

Notes: E, G, B

Function: This is the iii chord in D major. It shares notes with the tonic (D, F#) and the subdominant (G) and acts as a smooth connecting chord, giving minor color while remaining firmly in the key.

All right! 

That’s my theory breakdown. 

Next, let’s look at… 

What is the strumming pattern for Heroes?

The main underlying feel for “Into the Mystic” is a driving 8th-note rock groove. In 4/4 time, 8th notes divide each beat into two equal parts, creating a steady, driving rhythm. The counting for 8th notes in a measure looks like this: 

1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &

The numbers (1, 2, 3, 4) represent the main beats in the measure. The "&" divides each beat into two evenly spaced subdivisions.

When counted out loud, it sounds like:

"One-and, Two-and, Three-and, Four-and." 

Here’s an example of a strumming pattern in the style of “Heroes”:

Conclusion

To wrap it up, “Heroes” is a masterful piece of art. Bowie created a powerful song capturing common human experiences in an exotic place and at a moment in time.  

Keep practicing, and if you want to learn songs way faster, better understand the fretboard for lead and rhythm, and not waste years spinning your wheels with guitar, grab my free fretboard guide here right now:  

Jon MacLennan