Piano chords · Bossa beach
How to play Magic Penny on piano
Artist unknown
- D major
- 4/4
- 120 BPM
- V7–I–V7–I loop
- Easy
Learn Magic Penny in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: A7 – D – A7 – D
Magic Penny sits in D major: D is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: A7 is A, C#, E and G; D is D, F# and A. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
A7V7DIA7V7DI- A7A · C# · E · G
- DD · F# · A
- 2
Left hand: Patient seesaw
Three low notes wait their turn, then one step up on beat 4. Musicians call it root–fifth 1-1-1-5 (root–fifth bass), an easy pattern heard in 195 songs of the library.
- 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 120 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: D – A7 – D
The last chords are I – V7 – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
DA7D
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Questions about Magic Penny
What chords are in Magic Penny?
The loop is A7 – D – A7 – D (V7 – I – V7 – I) in D major, and the song ends on D – A7 – D.
What key is Magic Penny in?
D major, at about 120 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Magic Penny?
Patient seesaw: root–fifth 1-1-1-5, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Magic Penny 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.