Piano chords · Blues & boogie
How to play Prelude In C Major, BWV 846 on piano
Written by Phillip Keveren
- C major
- 4/4
- 69 BPM
- 2017
- Easy
Play the full song with sheet music
Learn Prelude In C Major, BWV 846 in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: C – Dm7 – G7 – C
How it goes
Prelude In C Major, BWV 846 sits in C major: C is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: C is C, E and G; Dm7 is D, F, A and C; G7 is G, B, D and F. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
CIDm7ii7G7V7CI- CC · E · G
- Dm7D · F · A · C
- G7G · B · D · F
- 2
Left hand: Jazz walk
How it goes
One note per beat, strolling like a jazz bassist. Musicians call it walking bass (walking bass), an easy pattern heard in thousands of songs of the library.
- 3
Right hand: the chords, held
How it goes
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 69 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: F – G7 – C
How it goes
The last chords are IV – V7 – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
FG7C- FF · A · C
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Questions about Prelude In C Major, BWV 846
What chords are in Prelude In C Major, BWV 846?
The loop is C – Dm7 – G7 – C (I – ii7 – V7 – I) in C major, and the song ends on F – G7 – C.
What key is Prelude In C Major, BWV 846 in?
C major, at about 69 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Prelude In C Major, BWV 846?
Jazz walk: walking bass, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Prelude In C Major, BWV 846 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.
Can I hear the real melody of Prelude In C Major, BWV 846?
Yes: "The part you know" plays the opening 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.