Piano chords · Waltz garden
How to play Psalm 139 on piano
Written by Rebecca St. James
- C major
- 4/4
- 80 BPM
- V–I–V–I loop
- 1996
- Easy
Learn Psalm 139 in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: G – C – G – C
Psalm 139 sits in C major: C is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: G is G, B and D; C is C, E and G. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
GVCIGVCI- GG · B · D
- CC · E · G
- 2
Left hand: Sliding twins
Two notes together step down beat by beat, like a hymn closing. Musicians call it lh power fifths (3/4) (left-hand chords), an easy pattern heard in 258 songs of the library.
- 3
Right hand: the chords, held
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 80 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: F – G – C
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
FGC- FF · A · C
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Questions about Psalm 139
What chords are in Psalm 139?
The loop is G – C – G – C (V – I – V – I) in C major, and the song ends on F – G – C.
What key is Psalm 139 in?
C major, at about 80 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Psalm 139?
Sliding twins: lh power fifths (3/4), an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Psalm 139 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.