Smashing Thirds Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn Smashing Thirds in 5 steps

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

1
Chords: D7 – G – D7 – G
Smashing Thirds sits in G major: G is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: D7 is D, F#, A and C; G is G, B and D. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
D7V7GID7V7GI
- D7D · F# · A · C
- GG · B · D
414 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Marching giant
Thick three-note chords on every beat, rocking between two shapes. Musicians call it lh triads (left-hand chords), an easy pattern heard in thousands of songs of the library.
Marching giantLeft-hand chords · RockLeft handEasy
3
Right hand: Skipping-stone chords
One chord, then two bounces on the “ands”, like a stone on water. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
Skipping-stone chordsSyncopated chords · PopRight handEasy
4
Both hands at 160 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: A7 – D7 – G
The last chords are II7 – V7 – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
A7D7G
- A7A · C# · E · G

What chords are in Smashing Thirds?

The loop is D7 – G – D7 – G (V7 – I – V7 – I) in G major, and the song ends on A7 – D7 – G.

What key is Smashing Thirds in?

G major, at about 160 beats a minute in 4/4.

What does the left hand play in Smashing Thirds?

Marching giant: lh triads, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is Smashing Thirds 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.