Only Time Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn Only Time in 5 steps

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

1
Chords: Eb – Cm – Ab – Eb
Only Time sits in Eb major: Eb is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: Eb is Eb, G and Bb; Cm is C, Eb and G; Ab is Ab, C and Eb. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
EbICmviAbIVEbI
- EbEb · G · Bb
- CmC · Eb · G
- AbAb · C · Eb
121 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Waltz roots
One low note on each of the three beats: a simple waltz floor. Musicians call it root bass · 3/4 quarters (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in 391 songs of the library.
Waltz rootsRoot bass rhythm · 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 90 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: Eb – Ab – Eb
The last chords are I – IV – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
EbAbEb

What chords are in Only Time?

The loop is Eb – Cm – Ab – Eb (I – vi – IV – I) in Eb major, and the song ends on Eb – Ab – Eb.

What key is Only Time in?

Eb major, at about 90 beats a minute in 4/4.

What does the left hand play in Only Time?

Waltz roots: root bass · 3/4 quarters, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is Only Time 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.