Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play Part Time Lover on piano
Written by Devante Swing & Darryl Pearson
- G major
- 4/4
- 100 BPM
- vi–I–vi–I loop
- 1994
- Easy
Learn Part Time Lover in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: Em – G – Em – G
Part Time Lover sits in G major: G is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: 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.
EmviGIEmviGI- EmE · G · B
- GG · B · D
- 2
Left hand: Walking roots
One low note on every beat, steady as walking feet. Musicians call it root bass · quarters (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in thousands of songs of the library.
- 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.
- 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: 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
Play next
Questions about Part Time Lover
What chords are in Part Time Lover?
The loop is Em – G – Em – G (vi – I – vi – I) in G major, and the song ends on C – D – G.
What key is Part Time Lover in?
G major, at about 100 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Part Time Lover?
Walking roots: root bass · quarters, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Part Time Lover 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.
Made from one arrangement of this song: the left and right hands are the patterns these scores repeat most.