Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play Hymn To Red October on piano
Artist unknown
- C major
- 4/4
- 66 BPM
- 1990
- Easy
Learn Hymn To Red October in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: Am – F – Dm – E
Hymn To Red October sits in C major: C is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: Am is A, C and E; F is F, A and C; Dm is D, F and A; E is E, G# and B. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
AmviFIVDmiiEIII- AmA · C · E
- FF · A · C
- DmD · F · A
- EE · G# · B
- 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: Marching chords
Two chords per bar, left-right, like a happy little march. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
- 4
Both hands at 66 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- GG · B · D
- CC · E · G
Play next
Questions about Hymn To Red October
What chords are in Hymn To Red October?
The loop is Am – F – Dm – E (vi – IV – ii – III) in C major, and the song ends on F – G – C.
What key is Hymn To Red October in?
C major, at about 66 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Hymn To Red October?
Walking roots: root bass · quarters, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Hymn To Red October 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 2 arrangements of this song: the left and right hands are the patterns these scores repeat most.