I Should Have Known Better Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn I Should Have Known Better in 5 steps

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

1
Chords: G – D – G – D
How it goes
I Should Have Known Better sits in G major: G is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: G is G, B and D; D is D, F# and A. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
GIDVGIDV
- GG · B · D
- DD · F# · A
144 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Walking roots
How it goes
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.
Walking rootsRoot bass rhythm · PopLeft handEasy
3
Right hand: Double-clap chords
How it goes
Quick double claps on beats 2 and 4, leaving beats 1 and 3 empty. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
Double-clap chordsSyncopated chords · PopRight handEasy
4
Both hands at 100 BPM
How it goes
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 – D – G
How it goes
The last chords are I – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
GDG

What chords are in I Should Have Known Better?

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

What key is I Should Have Known Better in?

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

What does the left hand play in I Should Have Known Better?

Walking roots: root bass · quarters, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is I Should Have Known Better 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.