Piano chords · Bossa beach
How to play Theme From on piano
Written by John Kander
- F major
- 4/4
- 88 BPM
- I–ii–V7–ii loop
- 1977
- Easy
Learn Theme From in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: F – Gm – C7 – Gm
Theme From sits in F major: F is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: F is F, A and C; Gm is G, Bb and D; C7 is C, E, G and Bb. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
FIGmiiC7V7Gmii- FF · A · C
- GmG · Bb · D
- C7C · E · G · Bb
- 2
Left hand: Island seesaw
Low, high, low in the three-three-two island rhythm. Musicians call it root–fifth 1-5-1 (root–fifth bass), an easy pattern heard in 723 songs of the library.
- 3
Right hand: Eager chords
Jumps in early before beat 3, like the chords can’t wait. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
- 4
Both hands at 88 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: Bb – C – F
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
BbCF- BbBb · D · F
- CC · E · G
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Questions about Theme From
What chords are in Theme From?
The loop is F – Gm – C7 – Gm (I – ii – V7 – ii) in F major, and the song ends on Bb – C – F.
What key is Theme From in?
F major, at about 88 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Theme From?
Island seesaw: root–fifth 1-5-1, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Theme From 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.
Made from one arrangement of this song: the left and right hands are the patterns these scores repeat most.