Mrs. Murphy’s Chowder Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn Mrs. Murphy’s Chowder in 5 steps

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

1
Chords: G – D7 – G – D7
How it goes
Mrs. Murphy’s Chowder sits in G major: G is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: G is G, B and D; D7 is D, F#, A and C. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
GID7V7GID7V7
- GG · B · D
- D7D · F# · A · C
222 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Jazz walk
How it goes
One note per beat, strolling like a jazz bassist. Musicians call it walking bass (walking bass), an easy pattern heard in thousands of songs of the library.
Jazz walkWalking bass · Blues and boogie-woogieLeft handEasy
3
Right hand: the chords, held
How it goes
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 132 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 – D7 – G
How it goes
The last chords are I – V7 – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
GD7G

What chords are in Mrs. Murphy’s Chowder?

The loop is G – D7 – G – D7 (I – V7 – I – V7) in G major, and the song ends on G – D7 – G.

What key is Mrs. Murphy’s Chowder in?

G major, at about 132 beats a minute in 2/2.

What does the left hand play in Mrs. Murphy’s Chowder?

Jazz walk: walking bass, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is Mrs. Murphy’s Chowder 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.