Piano chords · Lullaby boat
How to play On The Couch on piano
By Prince
- G major
- 6/8
- 60 BPM
- 2004
- Medium
Learn On The Couch in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: C7 – D7 – G7 – A7
On The Couch sits in G major: G is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: C7 is C, E, G and Bb; D7 is D, F#, A and C; G7 is G, B, D and F; A7 is A, C#, E and G. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
C7IV7D7V7G7I7A7II7- C7C · E · G · Bb
- D7D · F# · A · C
- G7G · B · D · F
- A7A · C# · E · G
- 2
Left hand: Rowing-boat pulse
Six even low notes per bar, rolling along like oars on water. Musicians call it root bass · 6/8 8ths (root bass rhythm), a medium pattern heard in 240 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 60 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 – G
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
CDG- CC · E · G
- DD · F# · A
- GG · B · D
Play next
Questions about On The Couch
What chords are in On The Couch?
The loop is C7 – D7 – G7 – A7 (IV7 – V7 – I7 – II7) in G major, and the song ends on C – D – G.
What key is On The Couch in?
G major, at about 60 beats a minute in 6/8.
What does the left hand play in On The Couch?
Rowing-boat pulse: root bass · 6/8 8ths, a medium pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is On The Couch easy to play on piano?
It is a medium one: learn the 4 chords as blocks first, then add the left hand, then the right, slowly.
Made from one arrangement of this song: the left and right hands are the patterns these scores repeat most.