Alcohol Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn Alcohol in 5 steps

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

1
Chords: F – C – F – C
Alcohol sits in C major: C is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: F is F, A and C; C is C, E and G. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
FIVCIFIVCI
- FF · A · C
- CC · E · G
384 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Waltz roots
One low note on each of the three beats: a simple waltz floor. Musicians call it root bass · 3/4 quarters (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in 391 songs of the library.
Waltz rootsRoot bass rhythm · WaltzLeft handEasy
3
Right hand: Swaying waltz chords
Two waltz chords, then a late top note after beat 3 that leans forward. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
Swaying waltz chordsSyncopated chords · WaltzRight handEasy
4
Both hands at 140 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 – F – C
The last chords are I – IV – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
CFC

What chords are in Alcohol?

The loop is F – C – F – C (IV – I – IV – I) in C major, and the song ends on C – F – C.

What key is Alcohol in?

C major, at about 140 beats a minute in 3/4.

What does the left hand play in Alcohol?

Waltz roots: root bass · 3/4 quarters, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is Alcohol 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.