Abc Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn Abc in 5 steps

The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.

1
Chords: G – C – G – C – G – Cmaj7 – G – Cmaj7
Abc sits in G major: G is home, where the song ends. It goes round 8 chords: G is G, B and D; C is C, E and G; Cmaj7 is C, E, G and B. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
GICIVGICIVGICmaj7IVmaj7GICmaj7IVmaj7
- GG · B · D
- CC · E · G
- Cmaj7C · E · G · B
782 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Bossa seesaw
Low-low, high-high in a laid-back Brazilian sway. Musicians call it root–fifth 1-1-5-5 (root–fifth bass), an easy pattern heard in 428 songs of the library.
Bossa seesawRoot–fifth bass · Bossa novaLeft handEasy
3
Right hand: the chords, held
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 105 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
- DD · F# · A

What chords are in Abc?

The loop is G – C – G – C – G – Cmaj7 – G – Cmaj7 (I – IV – I – IV – I – IVmaj7 – I – IVmaj7) in G major, and the song ends on C – D – G.

What key is Abc in?

G major, at about 105 beats a minute in 4/4.

What does the left hand play in Abc?

Bossa seesaw: root–fifth 1-1-5-5, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is Abc easy to play on piano?

Yes. Both hands play easy patterns over 8 chords. Learn the chords first, then add one hand at a time.

Can I hear the real melody of Abc?

Yes: "The part you know" plays the bass riff of the song from a score, with both hands.