Songwriter

Lou Reed piano songs

3 songs by Lou Reed, each opened like a recipe: the chords, what each hand plays and how it ends. Mostly played as pop piano and 50s doo-wop piano in 12/8.

Perfect DayLou Reed

Sweet JaneWritten by Lou Reed

Walk On The Wild SideWritten by Lou Reed

Every Lou Reed song

Perfect DayBb major · 12/8 · V–vi–V–IV
Sweet JaneD major · 4/4 · V–IV–vi–V
Walk On The Wild SideC major · 4/4 · I–IV–I–IV

How Lou Reed is played

Pop pianoThe bounce under a thousand radio hits.
50s doo-wop piano in 12/8Triplet chords for a slow dance under the lights.
The V–vi–V–IV loop28 songs use it
The V–IV–vi–V loop17 songs use it
The I–IV–I–IV loop782 songs use it

Questions about Lou Reed on piano

What are the easiest Lou Reed songs to play on piano?

Start with Perfect Day and Sweet Jane: their left hands are easy patterns, and the chords repeat.

What keys are Lou Reed songs in?

Most often Bb major, D major and C major.

Which chord progressions do Lou Reed songs use?

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