Piano chords · Dreamy ballad
How to play A Whiter Shade of Pale on piano
By Sarah Brightman
- F major
- 4/4
- 80 BPM
- Easy
Play the full song with sheet music
Learn A Whiter Shade of Pale in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: Bb – Gm – Bb – C
How it goes
A Whiter Shade of Pale sits in F major: F is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: Bb is Bb, D and F; Gm is G, Bb and D; C is C, E and G. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
BbIVGmiiBbIVCV- BbBb · D · F
- GmG · Bb · D
- CC · E · G
- 2
Left hand: Double-tap drop
How it goes
The same note twice, long then short, then a drop to a lower note. Musicians call it broken chord 8-8-5 (broken chord), an easy pattern heard in 336 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 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: Bb – C – F
How it goes
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
BbCF- FF · A · C
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Questions about A Whiter Shade of Pale
What chords are in A Whiter Shade of Pale?
The loop is Bb – Gm – Bb – C (IV – ii – IV – V) in F major, and the song ends on Bb – C – F.
What key is A Whiter Shade of Pale in?
F major, at about 80 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in A Whiter Shade of Pale?
Double-tap drop: broken chord 8-8-5, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is A Whiter Shade of Pale 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.