Thneedville Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn Thneedville in 5 steps

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

1
Chords: Am – F – C – G
Thneedville sits in C major: C is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: Am is A, C and E; F is F, A and C; C is C, E and G; G is G, B and D. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
AmviFIVCIGV
- AmA · C · E
- FF · A · C
- CC · E · G
- GG · B · D
176 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Heartbeat octaves
Low, high, low, high: a bouncing heartbeat. Musicians call it rocking octaves (rocking octaves), an easy pattern heard in thousands of songs of the library.
Heartbeat octavesRocking octaves · RockLeft handEasy
3
Right hand: Steady chords
A full chord on every beat, steady and simple. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
Steady chordsBlock chords · PopRight handEasy
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: F – G – C
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
FGC

What chords are in Thneedville?

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

What key is Thneedville in?

C major, at about 100 beats a minute in 4/4.

What does the left hand play in Thneedville?

Heartbeat octaves: rocking octaves, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is Thneedville 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.