Piano chords · Blues & boogie
How to play Turnaround on piano
By Ornette Coleman
- C major
- 4/4
- 100 BPM
- I–IV–iv–I loop
- 1959
- Easy
Learn Turnaround in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: C – F – Fm – C
Turnaround sits in C major: C is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: C is C, E and G; F is F, A and C; Fm is F, Ab and C. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
CIFIVFmivCI- CC · E · G
- FF · A · C
- FmF · Ab · C
- 2
Left hand: Jazz walk
One note per beat, strolling like a jazz bassist. Musicians call it walking bass (walking bass), an easy pattern heard in thousands of songs of the library.
- 3
Right hand: the chords, held
In this song the right hand mostly plays the tune itself. Hold the chords lightly, or play the melody over the left hand.
- 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- GG · B · D
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Questions about Turnaround
What chords are in Turnaround?
The loop is C – F – Fm – C (I – IV – iv – I) in C major, and the song ends on F – G – C.
What key is Turnaround in?
C major, at about 100 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Turnaround?
Jazz walk: walking bass, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Turnaround 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.