Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play Space Oddity on piano
By David Bowie
- C major
- 4/4
- 68 BPM
- Easy
Learn Space Oddity in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: C – Em – C – Em
Space Oddity sits in C major: C is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: C is C, E and G; Em is E, G and B. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
CIEmiiiCIEmiii- CC · E · G
- EmE · G · B
- 2
Left hand: Drowsy heartbeat
Two slow notes, then a late one that slips in before the next bar. Musicians call it root bass · 1 · 3 · 4& (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in 889 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 68 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: F – G – C
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
FGC- FF · A · C
- GG · B · D
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Questions about Space Oddity
What chords are in Space Oddity?
The loop is C – Em – C – Em (I – iii – I – iii) in C major, and the song ends on F – G – C.
What key is Space Oddity in?
C major, at about 68 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Space Oddity?
Drowsy heartbeat: root bass · 1 · 3 · 4&, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Space Oddity 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 Space Oddity?
Yes: "The part you know" plays the main tune of the song from a score, with both hands.
Made from 5 arrangements of this song: the left and right hands are the patterns these scores repeat most.