Songwriter

Gilbert O’Sullivan piano songs

7 songs by Gilbert O’Sullivan, each opened like a recipe: the chords, what each hand plays and how it ends. Mostly played as pop piano, rock piano and 50s doo-wop piano in 12/8.

Alone Again (Naturally)Gilbert O'Sullivan

All They Wanted To SayWritten by Gilbert O’Sullivan

Can’t Think StraightWritten by Gilbert O’Sullivan

ClairWritten by Gilbert O’Sullivan

Every Gilbert O’Sullivan song

Alone Again (Naturally)G major · 4/4 · ii–V7–I–iii
All They Wanted To SayAb major · 4/4 · I–iii–ii–V
Can’t Think StraightF major · 4/4 · I–I7–IV–iv
ClairBb major · 4/4 · vi–ii–V7–I
Get DownBb major · 4/4 · I–IV–I–IV
MatrimonyBb major · 2/2 · ii–V7–ii–V7
Nothing RhymedEb major · 12/8 · I–vi–III7–vi

How Gilbert O’Sullivan is played

Pop pianoThe bounce under a thousand radio hits.
Rock pianoEighth notes that push like an engine.
50s doo-wop piano in 12/8Triplet chords for a slow dance under the lights.
The I–I7–IV–iv loop38 songs use it
The vi–ii–V7–I loop35 songs use it
The I–IV–I–IV loop782 songs use it

Questions about Gilbert O’Sullivan on piano

What are the easiest Gilbert O’Sullivan songs to play on piano?

Start with Alone Again (Naturally), All They Wanted To Say and Clair: their left hands are easy patterns, and the chords repeat.

What keys are Gilbert O’Sullivan songs in?

Most often Bb major, G major and Ab major.

Which chord progressions do Gilbert O’Sullivan songs use?

I–I7–IV–iv, vi–ii–V7–I and I–IV–I–IV come up most: learn them and many of these songs are within reach.