How Will I Know Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn How Will I Know in 5 steps

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

1
Chords: C – F – G – Am
How Will I Know sits in C major: C is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: C is C, E and G; F is F, A and C; G is G, B and D; Am is A, C and E. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
CIFIVGVAmvi
- CC · E · G
- FF · A · C
- GG · B · D
- AmA · C · E
34 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Island pulse
Three, three, two: the island rhythm in so many pop hits. Musicians call it root bass · tresillo 3-3-2 (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in thousands of songs of the library.
Island pulseRoot bass rhythm · PopLeft handEasy
3
Right hand: the chords, held
In this song the right hand mostly plays the tune itself. Hold the chords lightly, or play the melody over the left hand.
4
Both hands at 82 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 – G7 – C
The last chords are IV – V7 – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
FG7C
- G7G · B · D · F

What chords are in How Will I Know?

The loop is C – F – G – Am (I – IV – V – vi) in C major, and the song ends on F – G7 – C.

What key is How Will I Know in?

C major, at about 82 beats a minute in 4/4.

What does the left hand play in How Will I Know?

Island pulse: root bass · tresillo 3-3-2, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is How Will I Know 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.