Piano chords · Bossa beach
How to play Just In Time on piano
By Steve Tyrell
- C major
- 4/4
- 125 BPM
- 1956
- Easy
Learn Just In Time in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: C7 – Bb7 – C7 – Bb7
Just In Time sits in C major: C is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: C7 is C, E, G and Bb; Bb7 is Bb, D, F and Ab. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
C7I7Bb7bVII7C7I7Bb7bVII7- C7C · E · G · Bb
- Bb7Bb · D · F · Ab
- 2
Left hand: Pop seesaw
Two low notes, long then short, then a step up on beat 3. Musicians call it root–fifth 1-1-5 (root–fifth bass), an easy pattern heard in 294 songs of the library.
- 3
Right hand: Lingering chords
Two chords, then a late one after beat 3 that hangs in the air. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
- 4
Both hands at 125 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- FF · A · C
- GG · B · D
- CC · E · G
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Questions about Just In Time
What chords are in Just In Time?
The loop is C7 – Bb7 – C7 – Bb7 (I7 – bVII7 – I7 – bVII7) in C major, and the song ends on F – G – C.
What key is Just In Time in?
C major, at about 125 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Just In Time?
Pop seesaw: root–fifth 1-1-5, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Just In Time 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 one arrangement of this song: the left and right hands are the patterns these scores repeat most.