Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play Galaxies on piano
By Owl City
- C major
- 4/4
- 120 BPM
- Easy
Learn Galaxies in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: Dm – Am – C – G
Galaxies sits in C major: C is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: Dm is D, F and A; Am is A, C and E; C is C, E and G; G is G, B and D. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
DmiiAmviCIGV- DmD · F · A
- AmA · C · E
- CC · E · G
- GG · B · D
- 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: 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 120 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- FF · A · C
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Questions about Galaxies
What chords are in Galaxies?
The loop is Dm – Am – C – G (ii – vi – I – V) in C major, and the song ends on F – G – C.
What key is Galaxies in?
C major, at about 120 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Galaxies?
Walking roots: root bass · quarters, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Galaxies 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.