Riptide Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn Riptide in 5 steps

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

1
Chords: Am – G – C – Am – G – C
Riptide sits in C major: C is home, where the song ends. It goes round 6 chords: Am is A, C and E; 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.
AmviGVCIAmviGVCI
- AmA · C · E
- GG · B · D
- CC · E · G
23 songs go round the same chords
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.
Walking rootsRoot bass rhythm · PopLeft handEasy
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 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: Am – G – C
The last chords are vi – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
AmGC

What chords are in Riptide?

The loop is Am – G – C – Am – G – C (vi – V – I – vi – V – I) in C major, and the song ends on Am – G – C.

What key is Riptide in?

C major, at about 100 beats a minute in 4/4.

What does the left hand play in Riptide?

Walking roots: root bass · quarters, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is Riptide 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 Riptide?

Yes: "The part you know" plays the intro of the song from a score, with both hands.