Martyrs & Thieves Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn Martyrs & Thieves in 5 steps

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

1
Chords: Bbsus4 – Bb – Bbsus4 – Bb
Martyrs & Thieves sits in Bb major: Bb is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: Bbsus4 is Bb, Eb and F; Bb is Bb, D and F. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
Bbsus4Isus4BbIBbsus4Isus4BbI
- Bbsus4Bb · Eb · F
- BbBb · D · F
37 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Waltz roots
One low note on each of the three beats: a simple waltz floor. Musicians call it root bass · 3/4 quarters (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in 391 songs of the library.
Waltz rootsRoot bass rhythm · WaltzLeft 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 135 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: Eb – F – Bb
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
EbFBb
- EbEb · G · Bb
- FF · A · C

What chords are in Martyrs & Thieves?

The loop is Bbsus4 – Bb – Bbsus4 – Bb (Isus – I – Isus – I) in Bb major, and the song ends on Eb – F – Bb.

What key is Martyrs & Thieves in?

Bb major, at about 135 beats a minute in 3/4.

What does the left hand play in Martyrs & Thieves?

Waltz roots: root bass · 3/4 quarters, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is Martyrs & Thieves 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.