Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play Wild Horses on piano
By Susan Boyle
- G major
- 4/4
- 65 BPM
- Easy
Learn Wild Horses in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: Am – C – G – F
Wild Horses sits in G major: G is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: Am is A, C and E; C is C, E and G; G is G, B and D; F is F, A and C. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
AmiiCIVGIFbVII- AmA · C · E
- CC · E · G
- GG · B · D
- FF · A · C
- 2
Left hand: Skipping-stone pulse
One strong note, then two bounces on the “ands”, like a stone on water. Musicians call it root bass · 1 · 2& · 3& (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in 282 songs of the library.
- 3
Right hand: Springy chords
A quick double skip at the start, then steady chords to the end. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
- 4
Both hands at 65 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 – D – G
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
CDG- DD · F# · A
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Questions about Wild Horses
What chords are in Wild Horses?
The loop is Am – C – G – F (ii – IV – I – bVII) in G major, and the song ends on C – D – G.
What key is Wild Horses in?
G major, at about 65 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Wild Horses?
Skipping-stone pulse: root bass · 1 · 2& · 3&, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Wild Horses 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.