Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play Maybe It Was Memphis on piano
By Pam Tillis
- A major
- 4/4
- 80 BPM
- I–IV–I–IV loop
- 1984
- Easy
Learn Maybe It Was Memphis in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: A – D – A – D
Maybe It Was Memphis sits in A major: A is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: 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.
AIDIVAIDIV- AA · C# · E
- DD · F# · A
- 2
Left hand: Lazy footsteps
One long low note, then two calm steps to finish the bar. Musicians call it root bass · 1 · 3 · 4 (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in thousands of 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 80 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: A – D – A
The last chords are I – IV – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
ADA
Play next
Questions about Maybe It Was Memphis
What chords are in Maybe It Was Memphis?
The loop is A – D – A – D (I – IV – I – IV) in A major, and the song ends on A – D – A.
What key is Maybe It Was Memphis in?
A major, at about 80 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Maybe It Was Memphis?
Lazy footsteps: root bass · 1 · 3 · 4, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Maybe It Was Memphis 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.