Whistle Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn Whistle 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
Whistle 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: Dawdling footsteps
Two steps, then a lazy late note after beat 3 that catches up on 4. Musicians call it root bass · 1 · 2 · 3& · 4 (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in 222 songs of the library.
Dawdling footstepsRoot bass rhythm · PopLeft handEasy
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: C – G – C
The last chords are I – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
CGC

What chords are in Whistle?

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

What key is Whistle in?

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

What does the left hand play in Whistle?

Dawdling footsteps: root bass · 1 · 2 · 3& · 4, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is Whistle 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.