What key is "Back In Black" in?

"Back In Black" by AC/DC is in the key of E with a tempo of 92 BPM. Difficulty: medium.

Is "Back In Black" easy to play on piano?

This arrangement is rated medium. It requires comfort with chord shapes and basic hand independence. Expect 1-2 weeks of regular practice for a confident performance.

Can I play "Back In Black" without reading sheet music?

Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.

What chords are used in "Back In Black"?

This arrangement of "Back In Black" uses 9 chords: A, Apow, Bpow, C, D, Dpow, Epow, G, +1 more.

How long does it take to learn "Back In Black" on piano?

2–4 weeks of consistent practice (20–30 min/day) for an intermediate player. Drill the tricky passages in isolation first.

What other songs by AC/DC can I play here?

Try "THUNDERSTRUCK", "DIRTY DEEDS DONE DIRT CHEAP", "YOU SHOOK ME ALL NIGHT LONG". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

Lyrics

(E5)Back in black, I hit the sack, I’ve been too (CN.C.)long, I’m glad to be back.

Yes, I’m let loose from the noose that’s (CN.C.)kept me hang in’ a bout.

I keep (E5)look in’ at the sky (D5)’cause it’s get tin’ me high.

For get the (CN.C.)hearse ’cause I’ll nev er die.

I got nine lives, cat’s eyes, a bus in’ ev ’ry (CN.C.)one of them and run nin’ wild.

’Cause I’m back,

(A5)yes, I’m back.

(A5)Well, I’m back,

yes, (A5)I’m (G5)back.

(G5)Well, I’m back,

(A5)back.

Well, (B5)I’m (G)back in black,

yes, I’m (D)back in black.

Oh!

(E5)Back in black, I hit the sack, I’ve been too (CN.C.)long, I’m glad to be back.

Yes, I’m let loose from the noose that’s (CN.C.)kept me hang in’ a bout.

I keep (E5)look in’ at the sky (D5)’cause it’s get tin’ me high.

For get the (CN.C.)hearse ’cause I’ll nev er die.

I got nine lives, cat’s eyes, a bus in’ ev ’ry (CN.C.)one of them and run nin’ wild.

’Cause I’m back,

(A5)yes, I’m back.

(A5)Well, I’m back,

yes, (A5)I’m (G5)back.

(G5)Well, I’m back,

(A5)back.

Well, (B5)I’m (G)back in black,

yes, I’m (D)back in black.

Oh!

Well, (A5)I’m

Well, I’m (A5)back,

(A5)back.

Well, (B5)I’m (G5)back,

(G5)back,

back,

(A5)back.

Well, (B5)I’m (G)back in black,

yes, I’m (D)back in black.

I wan na say it!

Back In Black by AC/DC

12 people have learned this song

Easy piano arrangement in the key of E at 92 BPM. Difficulty: medium. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

Teacher’s notes

This arrangement is a great way to build confidence with power chords and driving rock rhythm in the key of E.

Your left hand carries an octave bass pattern throughout, so get comfortable stretching that octave shape and landing it cleanly before you add the right hand — practice that left hand alone at around 70 BPM until it feels automatic.

Your right hand moves through nine chord shapes including several power chords like Epow, Bpow, and Dpow, and the trickiest transitions are the quick shifts between G and D shapes, especially when they land on off-beats.

Watch your timing carefully there — it's tempting to rush those changes, so loop that section slowly until the syncopation sits in your hands, not just your head.

At 92 BPM the tempo is moderate but the energy needs to stay relentless, so keep your touch punchy and consistent rather than heavy.

Once both hands lock in together, you'll feel that pocket click into place.

This is the song that'll really solidify your power-chord vocabulary and teach you how steady rhythm drives a rock groove.

About “Back In Black”

What key is "Back In Black" in?: "Back In Black" by AC/DC is in the key of E with a tempo of 92 BPM. Difficulty: medium.
Is "Back In Black" easy to play on piano?: This arrangement is rated medium. It requires comfort with chord shapes and basic hand independence. Expect 1-2 weeks of regular practice for a confident performance.
Can I play "Back In Black" without reading sheet music?: Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.
What chords are used in "Back In Black"?: This arrangement of "Back In Black" uses 9 chords: A, Apow, Bpow, C, D, Dpow, Epow, G, +1 more.
How long does it take to learn "Back In Black" on piano?: 2–4 weeks of consistent practice (20–30 min/day) for an intermediate player. Drill the tricky passages in isolation first.
What other songs by AC/DC can I play here?: Try "THUNDERSTRUCK", "DIRTY DEEDS DONE DIRT CHEAP", "YOU SHOOK ME ALL NIGHT LONG". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.