How to play Not One on piano

Learn Not One in 5 steps

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

1
Chords: Bb – C – F – Bb
Not One sits in F major: F is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: Bb is Bb, D and F; C is C, E and G; F is F, A and C. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
BbIVCVFIBbIV
- BbBb · D · F
- CC · E · G
- FF · A · C
141 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Island seesaw
Low, high, low in the three-three-two island rhythm. Musicians call it root–fifth 1-5-1 (root–fifth bass), an easy pattern heard in 723 songs of the library.
Island seesawRoot–fifth bass · Bossa novaLeft handEasy
3
Right hand: Soft chords
Soft chords on beats 1, 3 and 4. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
Soft chordsBlock chords · BalladRight handEasy
4
Both hands at 100 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 – Bb – F
The last chords are I – IV – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
FBbF

What chords are in Not One?

The loop is Bb – C – F – Bb (IV – V – I – IV) in F major, and the song ends on F – Bb – F.

What key is Not One in?

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

What does the left hand play in Not One?

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

Is Not One 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.