Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play Sweet Jane on piano
Written by Lou Reed
- D major
- 4/4
- 100 BPM
- 1970
- Easy
Learn Sweet Jane in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: D – A7 – G – A – D – A7 – G – A
Sweet Jane sits in D major: D is home, where the song ends. It goes round 8 chords: D is D, F# and A; A7 is A, C#, E and G; G is G, B and D; A is A, C# and E. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
DIA7V7GIVAVDIA7V7GIVAV- DD · F# · A
- A7A · C# · E · G
- GG · B · D
- AA · C# · E
- 2
Left hand: Tiptoe heartbeat
One firm note, then three tiptoe steps between the beats. Musicians call it root bass · 1 · 2& · 3& · 4& (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in 245 songs of the library.
- 3
Right hand: Tiptoe chords
One firm chord, then three tiptoe chords between the beats. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
- 4
Both hands at 100 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 – A – D
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
GAD
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Questions about Sweet Jane
What chords are in Sweet Jane?
The loop is D – A7 – G – A – D – A7 – G – A (I – V7 – IV – V – I – V7 – IV – V) in D major, and the song ends on G – A – D.
What key is Sweet Jane in?
D major, at about 100 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Sweet Jane?
Tiptoe heartbeat: root bass · 1 · 2& · 3& · 4&, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Sweet Jane 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 Sweet Jane?
Yes: "The part you know" plays the main tune of the song from a score, with both hands.
Made from one arrangement of this song: the left and right hands are the patterns these scores repeat most.