Ancient Words Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn Ancient Words in 5 steps

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

1
Chords: E – A – E – B
Ancient Words sits in E major: E is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: E is E, G# and B; A is A, C# and E; B is B, D# and F#. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
EIAIVEIBV
- EE · G# · B
- AA · C# · E
- BB · D# · F#
144 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Waltz ripple
A ripple of three notes in three-time. Musicians call it broken chord 1-5-8 (3/4) (broken chord), an easy pattern heard in 473 songs of the library.
Waltz rippleBroken chord · WaltzLeft handEasy
3
Right hand: Waltz chords
A chord on each of the three beats: a simple waltz. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
Waltz chordsBlock chords · WaltzRight handEasy
4
Both hands at 69 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: E – B – E
The last chords are I – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
EBE

What chords are in Ancient Words?

The loop is E – A – E – B (I – IV – I – V) in E major, and the song ends on E – B – E.

What key is Ancient Words in?

E major, at about 69 beats a minute in 3/4.

What does the left hand play in Ancient Words?

Waltz ripple: broken chord 1-5-8 (3/4), an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is Ancient Words 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.