The Gambler Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn The Gambler in 5 steps

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

1
Chords: F – Bb – F – C
The Gambler sits in F major: F is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: F is F, A and C; Bb is Bb, D and F; C is C, E and G. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
FIBbIVFICV
- FF · A · C
- BbBb · D · F
- CC · E · G
144 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Oom-pah
A bass note, then three soft chords: oom, pah, pah, pah. Musicians call it bass + chords (stride & boom-chick), an easy pattern heard in thousands of songs of the library.
Oom-pahStride & boom-chick · StrideLeft handEasy
3
Right hand: Run-up chords
Four steady chords plus a quick extra one leading into the next bar. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
Run-up chordsSyncopated chords · PopRight handEasy
4
Both hands at 144 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 – C – F
The last chords are I – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
FCF

What chords are in The Gambler?

The loop is F – Bb – F – C (I – IV – I – V) in F major, and the song ends on F – C – F.

What key is The Gambler in?

F major, at about 144 beats a minute in 2/2.

What does the left hand play in The Gambler?

Oom-pah: bass + chords, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is The Gambler 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.