Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play Ocean Eyes on piano
- E minor
- 4/4
- 75 BPM
- 2016
- Easy
Learn Ocean Eyes in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: C – D – Em – C – D – Em – G – C – C – D – Em
Ocean Eyes sits in E minor: E is home, where the song ends. It goes round 11 chords: C is C, E and G; D is D, F# and A; Em is E, G and B; G is G, B and D. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
CVIDVIIEmiCVIDVIIEmiGIIICVICVIDVIIEmi- CC · E · G
- DD · F# · A
- EmE · G · B
- GG · B · D
- 2
Left hand: Rush-and-step pulse
Three quick notes tumble out, a pause, then one high step on beat 4. Musicians call it root bass · 1 · 1a · 2& · 4 (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in 157 songs of the library.
- 3
Right hand: Swing push
Three chords tumble out early with a swing, then the bar breathes. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
- 4
Both hands at 75 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: C – D – Em
The last chords are bVI – bVII – i, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
CDEm
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Questions about Ocean Eyes
What chords are in Ocean Eyes?
The loop is C – D – Em – C – D – Em – G – C – C – D – Em (VI – VII – i – VI – VII – i – III – VI – VII – i – VI) in E minor, and the song ends on C – D – Em.
What key is Ocean Eyes in?
E minor, at about 75 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Ocean Eyes?
Rush-and-step pulse: root bass · 1 · 1a · 2& · 4, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Ocean Eyes easy to play on piano?
Yes. Both hands play easy patterns over 11 chords. Learn the chords first, then add one hand at a time.
Can I hear the real melody of Ocean Eyes?
Yes: "The part you know" plays the catchy part of the song from a score, with both hands.
Made from one arrangement of this song: the left and right hands are the patterns these scores repeat most.