Piano chords · Rock drive
How to play Detour Ahead on piano
By Bill Evans
- C major
- 4/4
- 80 BPM
- 1948
- Easy
Learn Detour Ahead in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: F – Em – Am – D7
Detour Ahead sits in C major: C is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: F is F, A and C; Em is E, G and B; Am is A, C and E; D7 is D, F#, A and C. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
FIVEmiiiAmviD7II7- FF · A · C
- EmE · G · B
- AmA · C · E
- D7D · F# · A · C
- 2
Left hand: Marching giant
Thick three-note chords on every beat, rocking between two shapes. Musicians call it lh triads (left-hand chords), an easy pattern heard in thousands of songs of the library.
- 3
Right hand: Push-and-land chords
A push just before beat 3, then two calm landings. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
- 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: F – G – C
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
FGC- GG · B · D
- CC · E · G
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Questions about Detour Ahead
What chords are in Detour Ahead?
The loop is F – Em – Am – D7 (IV – iii – vi – II7) in C major, and the song ends on F – G – C.
What key is Detour Ahead in?
C major, at about 80 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Detour Ahead?
Marching giant: lh triads, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Detour Ahead 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.