Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play Promises on piano
Written by Adam Wiles, Sam Smith & others
- G major
- 4/4
- 120 BPM
- 2018
- Easy
Play the full song with sheet music
Learn Promises in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: D – Em7 – D – C – Em – Em7
How it goes
Promises sits in G major: G is home, where the song ends. It goes round 6 chords: D is D, F# and A; Em7 is E, G, B and D; C is C, E and G; Em is E, G and B. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
DVEm7vi7DVCIVEmviEm7vi7- DD · F# · A
- Em7E · G · B · D
- CC · E · G
- EmE · G · B
- 2
Left hand: Sneaky heartbeat
How it goes
One strong note, then two sneaky ones hiding between the beats. Musicians call it root bass · 1 · 2& · 4& (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in 436 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 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: C – D – G
How it goes
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
CDG- GG · B · D
Play next
Questions about Promises
What chords are in Promises?
The loop is D – Em7 – D – C – Em – Em7 (V – vi7 – V – IV – vi – vi7) in G major, and the song ends on C – D – G.
What key is Promises in?
G major, at about 120 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Promises?
Sneaky heartbeat: root bass · 1 · 2& · 4&, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Promises easy to play on piano?
Yes. Both hands play easy patterns over 6 chords. Learn the chords first, then add one hand at a time.
Can I hear the real melody of Promises?
Yes: "The part you know" plays the main tune 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.