How to play Gymnopédie No. 1 on piano
- Level
- Easy-intermediate
- Key
- D major
- Composer
- Erik Satie
- Written
- 1888
Erik Satie wrote his three Gymnopédies in Paris in 1888. The first is slow, calm and sparse, which makes it a favorite for adults returning to the piano: it sounds sophisticated while each hand does something simple.
Gymnopédie No. 1 letter notes
Press play to hear each line while the keys light up. Then play along, one line at a time.
Left hand pattern (repeat)
GBDA
Melody
F♯AGF♯C♯BC♯DAF♯
Underlined notes are long notes: hold them for two beats or more.
Hand position
Left hand alternates a low bass note on beat one with a chord on beats two and three. Right hand enters after four bars.
Easy left-hand chords
Once the melody is comfortable, add these chords in your left hand, one per line or bar: Gmaj7 | Dmaj7 (alternating).
Chord diagrams: G major 7th, D major 7th.
Practice tips
- The left-hand pattern alternates G (with a Gmaj7 chord) and D (with a Dmaj7 chord). Learn it alone until it is automatic.
- Use the sustain pedal, changing it on each bass note.
- Play slowly. The marking is 'lent et douloureux': slow and sorrowful.
How to practice this song
- Listen to each line once with the play button.
- Play one line slowly with the right hand until you make no mistakes three times in a row.
- Join two lines together, then the whole song.
- Add the left-hand chords, at half speed, once the melody is automatic.