Walk On By Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn Walk On By in 5 steps

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

1
Chords: F – Bb – F – Bb
Walk On By 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. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
FIBbIVFIBbIV
- FF · A · C
- BbBb · D · F
782 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Island pulse
Three, three, two: the island rhythm in so many pop hits. Musicians call it root bass · tresillo 3-3-2 (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in thousands of songs of the library.
Island pulseRoot bass rhythm · PopLeft handEasy
3
Right hand: Peekaboo chords
A chord on 2, then two surprises popping up between the beats. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
Peekaboo chordsSyncopated chords · PopRight handEasy
4
Both hands at 110 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 – Bb – F
The last chords are I – IV – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
FBbF

What chords are in Walk On By?

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

What key is Walk On By in?

F major, at about 110 beats a minute in 4/4.

What does the left hand play in Walk On By?

Island pulse: root bass · tresillo 3-3-2, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is Walk On By 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.