Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play Downtown on piano
Written by Natalie Hemby, Luke Laird & others
- E major
- 4/4
- 85 BPM
- 2012
- Easy
Play the full song with sheet music
Learn Downtown in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: E – E – A – A
How it goes
Downtown sits in E major: E is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: E is E, G# and B; A is A, C# and E. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
EIEIAIVAIV- EE · G# · B
- AA · C# · E
- 2
Left hand: Hiccup heartbeat
How it goes
A tiny hiccup just before beat 3, then a push on the “and”. Musicians call it root bass · 1 · 2 · 2a · 3& · 4 (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in 121 songs of the library.
- 3
Right hand: the chords, held
How it goes
In this song the right hand mostly plays the tune itself. Hold the chords lightly, or play the melody over the left hand.
- 4
Both hands at 85 BPM
How it goes
Put the two hands together over the loop. Start at half speed with the player's speed control, and bring it up once every change is easy.
- 5
Ending: E – A – E
How it goes
The last chords are I – IV – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
EAE
Play next
Questions about Downtown
What chords are in Downtown?
The loop is E – E – A – A (I – IV – I – IV) in E major, and the song ends on E – A – E.
What key is Downtown in?
E major, at about 85 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Downtown?
Hiccup heartbeat: root bass · 1 · 2 · 2a · 3& · 4, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Downtown easy to play on piano?
Yes. Both hands play easy patterns over 4 chords. Learn the chords first, then add one hand at a time.
Can I hear the real melody of Downtown?
Yes: "The part you know" plays the intro of the song from a score, with both hands.
Made from one arrangement of this song: the left and right hands are the patterns these scores repeat most.