Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play Runnin' Down A Dream on piano
By Tom Petty
- E major
- 4/4
- 140 BPM
- 1989
- Easy
Learn Runnin' Down A Dream in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: D – G – E – G
Runnin' Down A Dream sits in E major: E is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: D is D, F# and A; G is G, B and D; E is E, G# and B. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
DbVIIGbIIIEIGbIII- DD · F# · A
- GG · B · D
- EE · G# · B
- 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.
- 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 140 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: A – B – E
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
ABE- AA · C# · E
- BB · D# · F#
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Questions about Runnin' Down A Dream
What chords are in Runnin' Down A Dream?
The loop is D – G – E – G (bVII – bIII – I – bIII) in E major, and the song ends on A – B – E.
What key is Runnin' Down A Dream in?
E major, at about 140 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Runnin' Down A Dream?
Walking roots: root bass · quarters, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Runnin' Down A Dream 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.