Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play Box Number 10 on piano
Written by Jim Croce
- C major
- 4/4
- 80 BPM
- 1971
- Easy
Learn Box Number 10 in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: G#dim – Am – F – C
Box Number 10 sits in C major: C is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: G#dim is G#, B and D; Am is A, C and E; 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.
G#dimbvi°AmviFIVCI- G#dimG# · B · D
- AmA · C · E
- FF · A · C
- CC · E · G
- 2
Left hand: Lazy footsteps
One long low note, then two calm steps to finish the bar. Musicians call it root bass · 1 · 3 · 4 (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: C – G – C
The last chords are I – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
CGC- GG · B · D
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Questions about Box Number 10
What chords are in Box Number 10?
The loop is G#dim – Am – F – C (bvio – vi – IV – I) in C major, and the song ends on C – G – C.
What key is Box Number 10 in?
C major, at about 80 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Box Number 10?
Lazy footsteps: root bass · 1 · 3 · 4, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Box Number 10 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.