Piano chords · Waltz garden
How to play West Coast Blues on piano
By Wes Montgomery
- Bb major
- 3/4
- 135 BPM
- IV–I–ii–I loop
- 1960
- Easy
Learn West Coast Blues in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: Eb – Bb – Cm – Bb
West Coast Blues sits in Bb major: Bb is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: Eb is Eb, G and Bb; Bb is Bb, D and F; Cm is C, Eb and G. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
EbIVBbICmiiBbI- EbEb · G · Bb
- BbBb · D · F
- CmC · Eb · G
- 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.
- 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 135 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 – Cm – Bb
The last chords are I – ii – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
BbCmBb
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Questions about West Coast Blues
What chords are in West Coast Blues?
The loop is Eb – Bb – Cm – Bb (IV – I – ii – I) in Bb major, and the song ends on Bb – Cm – Bb.
What key is West Coast Blues in?
Bb major, at about 135 beats a minute in 3/4.
What does the left hand play in West Coast Blues?
Oom-pah-pah: waltz oom-pah-pah, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is West Coast Blues 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.