Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play Summer Nights on piano
By Olivia Newton-John
- D major
- 4/4
- 110 BPM
- 1972
- Easy
Play the full song with sheet music
Learn Summer Nights in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: D – G – A7 – G – D – G – A7 – G
How it goes
Summer Nights sits in D major: D is home, where the song ends. It goes round 8 chords: D is D, F# and A; G is G, B and D; A7 is A, C#, E and G. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
DIGIVA7V7GIVDIGIVA7V7GIV- DD · F# · A
- GG · B · D
- A7A · C# · E · G
- 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: Sprint-and-stop chords
How it goes
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 110 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: D – G – D
How it goes
The last chords are I – IV – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
DGD
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Questions about Summer Nights
What chords are in Summer Nights?
The loop is D – G – A7 – G – D – G – A7 – G (I – IV – V7 – IV – I – IV – V7 – IV) in D major, and the song ends on D – G – D.
What key is Summer Nights in?
D major, at about 110 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Summer Nights?
Walking roots: root bass · quarters, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Summer Nights easy to play on piano?
Yes. Both hands play easy patterns over 8 chords. Learn the chords first, then add one hand at a time.
Can I hear the real melody of Summer Nights?
Yes: "The part you know" plays the main tune of the song from a score, with both hands.
Made from 4 arrangements of this song: the left and right hands are the patterns these scores repeat most.