It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll in 5 steps

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

1
Chords: A – E – A – E
It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll sits in E major: E is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: A is A, C# and E; E is E, G# and B. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
AIVEIAIVEI
- AA · C# · E
- EE · G# · B
384 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Sleepy heartbeat
One long note, then a soft double tap in the second half. Musicians call it root bass · 1 · 3 · 3& (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in 314 songs of the library.
Sleepy heartbeatRoot bass rhythm · PopLeft handEasy
3
Right hand: Steady chords
A full chord on every beat, steady and simple. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
Steady chordsBlock chords · PopRight handEasy
4
Both hands at 144 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: E – A – E
The last chords are I – IV – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
EAE

What chords are in It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll?

The loop is A – E – A – E (IV – I – IV – I) in E major, and the song ends on E – A – E.

What key is It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll in?

E major, at about 144 beats a minute in 4/4.

What does the left hand play in It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll?

Sleepy heartbeat: root bass · 1 · 3 · 3&, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll 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.