Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play Shake It Off on piano
By Taylor Swift
- G major
- 4/4
- 150 BPM
- 2014
- Easy
Learn Shake It Off in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: C – G – G – G
Shake It Off sits in G major: G is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: C is C, E and G; G is G, B and D. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
CIVGIGIGI- CC · E · G
- GG · B · D
- 2
Left hand: Eager heartbeat
Jumps in early on the “and” before beat 3, like it can’t wait. Musicians call it root bass · pop push 1 · 2 · 2& · 3& · 4 (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in 403 songs of the library.
- 3
Right hand: Tiptoe chords
One firm chord, then three tiptoe chords between the beats. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
- 4
Both hands at 150 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: C – D – G
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
CDG- DD · F# · A
Play next
Questions about Shake It Off
What chords are in Shake It Off?
The loop is C – G – G – G (IV – I – IV – I) in G major, and the song ends on C – D – G.
What key is Shake It Off in?
G major, at about 150 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Shake It Off?
Eager heartbeat: root bass · pop push 1 · 2 · 2& · 3& · 4, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Shake It Off 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.
Can I hear the real melody of Shake It Off?
Yes: "The part you know" plays the main tune of the song from a score, with both hands.
Made from 3 arrangements of this song: the left and right hands are the patterns these scores repeat most.