Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play December 1963 on piano
Written by Robert Gaudio & Judy Parker
- C major
- 4/4
- 100 BPM
- IV–V–I–IV loop
- 1975
- Easy
Play the full song with sheet music
Learn December 1963 in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: F – G – C – F
How it goes
December 1963 sits in C major: C is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: F is F, A and C; G is G, B and D; C is C, E and G. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
FIVGVCIFIV- FF · A · C
- GG · B · D
- CC · E · G
- 2
Left hand: Eager heartbeat
How it goes
Jumps in early on the “and” before beat 3, like it can’t wait. Musicians call it root bass · pop push 1 · 2 · 2& · 3& · 4 (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in 403 songs of the library.
- 3
Right hand: the chords, held
How it goes
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 100 BPM
How it goes
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: F – G – C
How it goes
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
FGC
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Questions about December 1963
What chords are in December 1963?
The loop is F – G – C – F (IV – V – I – IV) in C major, and the song ends on F – G – C.
What key is December 1963 in?
C major, at about 100 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in December 1963?
Eager heartbeat: root bass · pop push 1 · 2 · 2& · 3& · 4, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is December 1963 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.