Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play A Glamorous Life on piano
By Sheila E.
- G major
- 4/4
- 131 BPM
- vi–V–vi–V loop
- 1984
- Easy
Play the full song with sheet music
Learn A Glamorous Life in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: Em – D – Em – D
How it goes
A Glamorous Life sits in G major: G is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: Em is E, G and B; D is D, F# and A. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
EmviDVEmviDV- EmE · G · B
- DD · F# · A
- 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: Pausing chords
How it goes
Three steady chords, then beat 4 left empty to breathe. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
- 4
Both hands at 131 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: C – D – G
How it goes
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
Play next
Questions about A Glamorous Life
What chords are in A Glamorous Life?
The loop is Em – D – Em – D (vi – V – vi – V) in G major, and the song ends on C – D – G.
What key is A Glamorous Life in?
G major, at about 131 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in A Glamorous Life?
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 A Glamorous Life 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.