Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play Downtime on piano
By Jo Dee Messina
- G major
- 4/4
- 100 BPM
- I–Isus–I–Isus loop
- Easy
Learn Downtime in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: G – Gsus4 – G – Gsus4
Downtime sits in G major: G is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: G is G, B and D; Gsus4 is G, C and D. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
GIGsus4Isus4GIGsus4Isus4- GG · B · D
- Gsus4G · C · D
- 2
Left hand: Skipping-stone pulse
One strong note, then two bounces on the “ands”, like a stone on water. Musicians call it root bass · 1 · 2& · 3& (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in 282 songs of the library.
- 3
Right hand: Swing push
Three chords tumble out early with a swing, then the bar breathes. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
- 4
Both hands at 100 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 – C – G
The last chords are I – IV – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
GCG- CC · E · G
Play next
Questions about Downtime
What chords are in Downtime?
The loop is G – Gsus4 – G – Gsus4 (I – Isus – I – Isus) in G major, and the song ends on G – C – G.
What key is Downtime in?
G major, at about 100 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Downtime?
Skipping-stone pulse: root bass · 1 · 2& · 3&, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Downtime 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.