Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play Sentimental Lady on piano
By Bob Welch
- E major
- 4/4
- 90 BPM
- I–ii–I–ii loop
- Easy
Learn Sentimental Lady in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: E – F#m – E – F#m
Sentimental Lady sits in E major: E is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: E is E, G# and B; F#m is F#, A and C#. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
EIF#miiEIF#mii- EE · G# · B
- F#mF# · A · C#
- 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 90 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: E – A – E
The last chords are I – IV – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
EAE- AA · C# · E
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Questions about Sentimental Lady
What chords are in Sentimental Lady?
The loop is E – F#m – E – F#m (I – ii – I – ii) in E major, and the song ends on E – A – E.
What key is Sentimental Lady in?
E major, at about 90 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Sentimental Lady?
Walking roots: root bass · quarters, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Sentimental Lady 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.