Runnin' Block Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn Runnin' Block in 5 steps

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

1
Chords: Em – D – Em – D
Runnin' Block sits in G major: G is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: Em is E, G and B; D is D, F# and A. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
EmviDVEmviDV
- EmE · G · B
- DD · F# · A
39 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Jazz walk
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.
Jazz walkWalking bass · Blues and boogie-woogieLeft handEasy
3
Right hand: Hide-and-seek chords
Hides on beat 1, pops up on 2, sneaks in before beat 4, then lands on it. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
Hide-and-seek chordsSyncopated chords · PopRight handEasy
4
Both hands at 138 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: G – D7 – G
The last chords are I – V7 – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
GD7G
- GG · B · D
- D7D · F# · A · C

What chords are in Runnin' Block?

The loop is Em – D – Em – D (vi – V – vi – V) in G major, and the song ends on G – D7 – G.

What key is Runnin' Block in?

G major, at about 138 beats a minute in 2/2.

What does the left hand play in Runnin' Block?

Jazz walk: walking bass, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is Runnin' Block 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.