Philadelphia Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn Philadelphia in 5 steps

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

1
Chords: Eb – F – Bb – Gm
How it goes
Philadelphia sits in Bb major: Bb is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: Eb is Eb, G and Bb; F is F, A and C; Bb is Bb, D and F; Gm is G, Bb and D. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
EbIVFVBbIGmvi
- EbEb · G · Bb
- FF · A · C
- BbBb · D · F
- GmG · Bb · D
29 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Rocking chair
How it goes
Low, high, low, high, slow and swaying, like a rocking chair. Musicians call it rocking octaves (12/8) (rocking octaves), an easy pattern heard in 29 songs of the library.
Rocking chairRocking octaves · 50s doo-wopLeft handEasy
3
Right hand: Slow-dance chords
How it goes
Four slow chords per bar under a swaying fifties ballad. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
Slow-dance chordsSyncopated chords · 50s doo-wopRight handEasy
4
Both hands at 120 BPM
How it goes
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 – F – Bb
How it goes
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
EbFBb

What chords are in Philadelphia?

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

What key is Philadelphia in?

Bb major, at about 120 beats a minute in 12/8.

What does the left hand play in Philadelphia?

Rocking chair: rocking octaves (12/8), an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is Philadelphia 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.