Lincoln Avenue Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn Lincoln Avenue in 5 steps

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

1
Chords: C – Dm – C – Dm
Lincoln Avenue sits in C major: C is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: C is C, E and G; Dm is D, F and A. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
CIDmiiCIDmii
- CC · E · G
- DmD · F · A
164 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: the chords, held
In this song the right hand mostly plays the tune itself. Hold the chords lightly, or play the melody over the left hand.
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 – 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

What chords are in Lincoln Avenue?

The loop is C – Dm – C – Dm (I – ii – I – ii) in C major, and the song ends on F – G – C.

What key is Lincoln Avenue in?

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

What does the left hand play in Lincoln Avenue?

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

Is Lincoln Avenue 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.