Margaritaville Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn Margaritaville in 5 steps

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

1
Chords: G – A – D – A – G
How it goes
Margaritaville sits in D major: D is home, where the song ends. It goes round 5 chords: G is G, B and D; A is A, C# and E; D is D, F# and A. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
GIVAVDIAVGIV
- GG · B · D
- AA · C# · E
- DD · F# · A
215 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Pop seesaw
How it goes
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.
Pop seesawRoot–fifth bass · Bossa novaLeft handEasy
3
Right hand: Sleep-in chords
How it goes
Quiet for half the bar, then three chords wake up near the end. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
Sleep-in chordsSyncopated chords · PopRight handEasy
4
Both hands at 100 BPM
How it goes
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 – A – D
How it goes
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
GAD

What chords are in Margaritaville?

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

What key is Margaritaville in?

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

What does the left hand play in Margaritaville?

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

Is Margaritaville easy to play on piano?

Yes. Both hands play easy patterns over 5 chords. Learn the chords first, then add one hand at a time.

Can I hear the real melody of Margaritaville?

Yes: "The part you know" plays the catchy part of the song from a score, with both hands.