The Moonshiner Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn The Moonshiner in 5 steps

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

1
Chords: D7 – G – C – D7
The Moonshiner sits in G major: G is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: D7 is D, F#, A and C; G is G, B and D; C is C, E and G. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
D7V7GICIVD7V7
- D7D · F# · A · C
- GG · B · D
- CC · E · G
29 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Oom-pah-pah
One strong beat and two light ones: a dance in three. Musicians call it waltz oom-pah-pah (waltz), an easy pattern heard in 526 songs of the library.
Oom-pah-pahWaltz · WaltzLeft handEasy
3
Right hand: Waltz chords
A chord on each of the three beats: a simple waltz. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
Waltz chordsBlock chords · WaltzRight handEasy
4
Both hands at 130 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: C – D7 – G
The last chords are IV – V7 – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
CD7G

What chords are in The Moonshiner?

The loop is D7 – G – C – D7 (V7 – I – IV – V7) in G major, and the song ends on C – D7 – G.

What key is The Moonshiner in?

G major, at about 130 beats a minute in 3/4.

What does the left hand play in The Moonshiner?

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

Is The Moonshiner 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.