Moon River Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn Moon River in 5 steps

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

1
Chords: Dm7 – G – Dm – G
Moon River sits in C major: C is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: Dm7 is D, F, A and C; G is G, B and D; Dm is D, F and A. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
Dm7ii7GVDmiiGV
- Dm7D · F · A · C
- GG · B · D
- DmD · F · A
384 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Oom-pah-pah
One strong beat and two light ones: a dance in three. Musicians call it waltz oom-pah-pah (waltz), an easy pattern heard in 526 songs of the library.
Oom-pah-pahWaltz · WaltzLeft handEasy
3
Right hand: Waltz chords
A chord on each of the three beats: a simple waltz. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
Waltz chordsBlock chords · WaltzRight handEasy
4
Both hands at 88 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: F – G – C
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
FGC
- FF · A · C
- CC · E · G

What chords are in Moon River?

The loop is Dm7 – G – Dm – G (ii7 – V – ii – V) in C major, and the song ends on F – G – C.

What key is Moon River in?

C major, at about 88 beats a minute in 3/4.

What does the left hand play in Moon River?

Oom-pah-pah: waltz oom-pah-pah, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is Moon River 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.

Can I hear the real melody of Moon River?

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