How to play Hushabye on piano

Learn Hushabye in 5 steps

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

1
Chords: F – Dm – Bb – C7
Hushabye sits in F major: F is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: F is F, A and C; Dm is D, F and A; Bb is Bb, D and F; C7 is C, E, G and Bb. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
FIDmviBbIVC7V7
- FF · A · C
- DmD · F · A
- BbBb · D · F
- C7C · E · G · Bb
34 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Stair steps
Three notes climb up the chord in the island rhythm. Musicians call it broken chord 1-3-5 (broken chord), an easy pattern heard in 438 songs of the library.
Stair stepsBroken chord · PopLeft 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 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: F – Bb – F
The last chords are I – IV – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
FBbF

What chords are in Hushabye?

The loop is F – Dm – Bb – C7 (I – vi – IV – V7) in F major, and the song ends on F – Bb – F.

What key is Hushabye in?

F major, at about 100 beats a minute in 4/4.

What does the left hand play in Hushabye?

Stair steps: broken chord 1-3-5, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is Hushabye 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.