Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play 52nd Street on piano
By Billy Joel
- G major
- 2/2
- 120 BPM
- 1978
- Easy
Learn 52nd Street in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: Em – Bm – D – Em
52nd Street sits in G major: G is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: Em is E, G and B; Bm is B, D and F#; D is D, F# and A. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
EmviBmiiiDVEmvi- EmE · G · B
- BmB · D · F#
- DD · F# · A
- 2
Left hand: Skipping-stone pulse
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: Shy chords
Waits out beat 1, then a chord on 2 and a little double on 3. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
- 4
Both hands at 120 BPM
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: C – D – G
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
CDG- CC · E · G
- GG · B · D
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Questions about 52nd Street
What chords are in 52nd Street?
The loop is Em – Bm – D – Em (vi – iii – V – vi) in G major, and the song ends on C – D – G.
What key is 52nd Street in?
G major, at about 120 beats a minute in 2/2.
What does the left hand play in 52nd Street?
Skipping-stone pulse: root bass · 1 · 2& · 3&, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is 52nd Street 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.