Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play When Will I Be Loved on piano
Written by Phil Everly
- F major
- 4/4
- 130 BPM
- V–I–IV–V loop
- 1960
- Easy
Learn When Will I Be Loved in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: C – F – Bb – C
When Will I Be Loved sits in F major: F is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: C is C, E and G; 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.
CVFIBbIVCV- CC · E · G
- FF · A · C
- BbBb · D · F
- 2
Left hand: Walking roots
One low note on every beat, steady as walking feet. Musicians call it root bass · quarters (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in thousands of songs of the library.
- 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.
- 4
Both hands at 130 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: C – Bb – F
The last chords are V – IV – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
CBbF
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Questions about When Will I Be Loved
What chords are in When Will I Be Loved?
The loop is C – F – Bb – C (V – I – IV – V) in F major, and the song ends on C – Bb – F.
What key is When Will I Be Loved in?
F major, at about 130 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in When Will I Be Loved?
Walking roots: root bass · quarters, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is When Will I Be Loved 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.