Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play Sitting On Top Of The World on piano
By Doc Watson
- C major
- 4/4
- 120 BPM
- 1930
- Easy
Play the full song with sheet music
Learn Sitting On Top Of The World in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: G – D – G – D
How it goes
Sitting On Top Of The World sits in C major: C is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: G is G, B and D; D is D, F# and A. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
GVDIIGVDII- GG · B · D
- DD · F# · A
- 2
Left hand: Walking roots
How it goes
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: Wake-and-run chords
How it goes
One long chord, then three quick ones running into the next bar. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
- 4
Both hands at 120 BPM
How it goes
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: F – G – C
How it goes
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
FGC- FF · A · C
- CC · E · G
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Questions about Sitting On Top Of The World
What chords are in Sitting On Top Of The World?
The loop is G – D – G – D (V5 – II5 – V5 – II5) in C major, and the song ends on F – G – C.
What key is Sitting On Top Of The World in?
C major, at about 120 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Sitting On Top Of The World?
Walking roots: root bass · quarters, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Sitting On Top Of The World 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.