Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play Black Hole Sun on piano
Written by Chris Cornell
- G major
- 2/4
- 80 BPM
- 1994
- Easy
Learn Black Hole Sun in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: D – C – Bb – D – C – Bb
Black Hole Sun sits in G major: G is home, where the song ends. It goes round 6 chords: D is D, F# and A; C is C, E and G; Bb is Bb, D and F. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
DVCIVBbbIIIDVCIVBbbIII- DD · F# · A
- CC · E · G
- BbBb · D · F
- 2
Left hand: Walking roots
One low note on every beat, steady as walking feet. Musicians call it root bass · quarters (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in thousands of songs of the library.
- 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 80 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: G – F – G
The last chords are I – bVII – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
GFG- GG · B · D
- FF · A · C
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Questions about Black Hole Sun
What chords are in Black Hole Sun?
The loop is D – C – Bb – D – C – Bb (V – IV – bIII – V – IV – bIII) in G major, and the song ends on G – F – G.
What key is Black Hole Sun in?
G major, at about 80 beats a minute in 2/4.
What does the left hand play in Black Hole Sun?
Walking roots: root bass · quarters, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Black Hole Sun easy to play on piano?
Yes. Both hands play easy patterns over 6 chords. Learn the chords first, then add one hand at a time.
Can I hear the real melody of Black Hole Sun?
Yes: "The part you know" plays the catchy part of the song from a score, with both hands.
Made from 2 arrangements of this song: the left and right hands are the patterns these scores repeat most.