Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play Under The Bridge on piano
Written by Anthony Kiedis, Flea & others
- C major
- 4/4
- 80 BPM
- 1991
- Easy
Play the full song with sheet music
Learn Under The Bridge in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: C – Cm – Bb – Ab
How it goes
Under The Bridge sits in C major: C is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: C is C, E and G; Cm is C, Eb and G; Bb is Bb, D and F; Ab is Ab, C and Eb. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
CICmiBbbVIIAbbVI- CC · E · G
- CmC · Eb · G
- BbBb · D · F
- AbAb · C · Eb
- 2
Left hand: Skipping-stone pulse
How it goes
One strong note, then two bounces on the “ands”, like a stone on water. Musicians call it root bass · 1 · 2& · 3& (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in 282 songs of the library.
- 3
Right hand: Wobbly chords
How it goes
Two off-balance chords on the “ands”, then a firm landing on 4. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
- 4
Both hands at 80 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: F – G – C
How it goes
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
FGC- FF · A · C
- GG · B · D
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Questions about Under The Bridge
What chords are in Under The Bridge?
The loop is C – Cm – Bb – Ab (I – i – bVII – bVI) in C major, and the song ends on F – G – C.
What key is Under The Bridge in?
C major, at about 80 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Under The Bridge?
Skipping-stone pulse: root bass · 1 · 2& · 3&, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Under The Bridge 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.
Made from one arrangement of this song: the left and right hands are the patterns these scores repeat most.