Piano chords · Rock drive
How to play So Far Away on piano
By Carole King
- G major
- 4/4
- 66 BPM
- 1971
- Easy
Learn So Far Away in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: G – G – C – Am – D7
So Far Away sits in G major: G is home, where the song ends. It goes round 5 chords: G is G, B and D; C is C, E and G; Am is A, C and E; D7 is D, F#, A and C. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
GIGICIVAmiiD7V7- GG · B · D
- CC · E · G
- AmA · C · E
- D7D · F# · A · C
- 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.
- 3
Right hand: Sprint-and-stop chords
Four quick chords in the first half, then a calm, empty second half. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
- 4
Both hands at 66 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: G – C – G
The last chords are I – IV – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
GCG
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Questions about So Far Away
What chords are in So Far Away?
The loop is G – G – C – Am – D7 (I – IV – ii – V7 – I) in G major, and the song ends on G – C – G.
What key is So Far Away in?
G major, at about 66 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in So Far Away?
Marching giant: lh triads, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is So Far Away easy to play on piano?
Yes. Both hands play easy patterns over 5 chords. Learn the chords first, then add one hand at a time.
Can I hear the real melody of So Far Away?
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.