Hey Stephen Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn Hey Stephen in 5 steps

The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.

1
Chords: G – Csus4 – G – Csus4
Hey Stephen sits in G major: G is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: G is G, B and D; Csus4 is C, F and G. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
GICsus4IVsus4GICsus4IVsus4
- GG · B · D
- Csus4C · F · G
30 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Rock hop
Low, high, a quick double, then high again: a hopping rock bass. Musicians call it root bass · 1 · 2 · 2& · 3 · 4 (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in 809 songs of the library.
Rock hopRoot bass rhythm · RockLeft handEasy
3
Right hand: Pausing chords
Three steady chords, then beat 4 left empty to breathe. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
Pausing chordsBlock chords · ClassicalRight handEasy
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: C – D – G
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
CDG
- CC · E · G
- DD · F# · A

What chords are in Hey Stephen?

The loop is G – Csus4 – G – Csus4 (I – IVsus – I – IVsus) in G major, and the song ends on C – D – G.

What key is Hey Stephen in?

G major, at about 120 beats a minute in 4/4.

What does the left hand play in Hey Stephen?

Rock hop: root bass · 1 · 2 · 2& · 3 · 4, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is Hey Stephen 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.