Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play Holocene on piano
Written by Justin Vernon
- D major
- 4/4
- 150 BPM
- 2011
- Easy
Learn Holocene in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: Bm – D – Bm – G
Holocene sits in D major: D is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: Bm is B, D and F#; D is D, F# and A; G is G, B and D. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
BmviDIBmviGIV- BmB · D · F#
- DD · F# · A
- GG · B · D
- 2
Left hand: Lingering footsteps
Two steps, then one late note after beat 3 that hangs in the air. Musicians call it root bass · 1 · 2 · 3& (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in 133 songs of the library.
- 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.
- 4
Both hands at 150 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 – A – D
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
GAD- AA · C# · E
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Questions about Holocene
What chords are in Holocene?
The loop is Bm – D – Bm – G (vi – I – vi – IV) in D major, and the song ends on G – A – D.
What key is Holocene in?
D major, at about 150 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Holocene?
Lingering footsteps: root bass · 1 · 2 · 3&, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Holocene 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.