Lyin’ Eyes Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn Lyin’ Eyes in 5 steps

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

1
Chords: Am – D7 – G – C
Lyin’ Eyes sits in G major: G is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: Am is A, C and E; D7 is D, F#, A and C; G is G, B and D; C is C, E and G. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
AmiiD7V7GICIV
- AmA · C · E
- D7D · F# · A · C
- GG · B · D
- CC · E · G
31 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Bossa seesaw
Low-low, high-high in a laid-back Brazilian sway. Musicians call it root–fifth 1-1-5-5 (root–fifth bass), an easy pattern heard in 428 songs of the library.
Bossa seesawRoot–fifth bass · Bossa novaLeft handEasy
3
Right hand: Lub-dub chords
Two quick chords, a pause, two quick chords: just like a heartbeat. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
Lub-dub chordsSyncopated chords · PopRight handEasy
4
Both hands at 132 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: G – C – G
The last chords are I – IV – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
GCG

What chords are in Lyin’ Eyes?

The loop is Am – D7 – G – C (ii – V7 – I – IV) in G major, and the song ends on G – C – G.

What key is Lyin’ Eyes in?

G major, at about 132 beats a minute in 4/4.

What does the left hand play in Lyin’ Eyes?

Bossa seesaw: root–fifth 1-1-5-5, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is Lyin’ Eyes 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.