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How to Play the Piano Accompaniment of "Night Train" by James Brown
James Brown · Shared by Nicole · 84 bars
- Ab major
- 4/4
- 132 BPM
- Medium
- Piano accompaniment
Your song map
0 / 17 parts learned
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What this song uses
Short warm-ups in the song's own key and chords. About a minute each, and you can skip them.
0 of 3 done
The key
Ab major
Five-finger position on Ab, then the Ab major scale with both hands.
About this scaleThe chord loop
D♭7, A♭, D♭7, A♭ · IV7, I, IV7, I
The loop the song goes round most. Play each chord as a block, one bar each.
D♭7: Db, F, Ab A♭: Ab, C, Eb A left hand that fits
Pop heartbeat
Root bass · Charleston push (1 · 2& · 3) · Beginner
Long, short, long: the heartbeat under a thousand pop songs.
The song's recipe
What you need to know
Read from the song's own notes: the key, the beat, the chords, and what each hand plays.
Time signature
4/4
4 beats in every bar, at 132 BPM
Left hand
Moving single notes
The piano's lower staff, as written: mostly one note at a time, moving, about two a beat.
Range Ab1 to Eb4Step 2 on its ownStep 3 with the right hand
Right hand
The upper staff
The piano's upper staff, as written: mostly chords and notes together, about two a beat. The singer's tune is not played.
Range Ab3 to B5Part by part
How to practice "Night Train"
Learn the piano accompaniment of "Night Train" one part at a time, with its real notes. The practice splits it into 17 parts of a few bars, the bars where the singer rests included. Each part has three steps: the piano's right hand, its left hand (the right hand plays softly under it), then both hands. The singer's melody is not played: turn it on in the settings to hear the tune while you practice. Every step plays at the song's tempo, and you can slow it down whenever you need. Press "I can play it" when you can play a step, and the next one opens.
Every step is free to play
- Start hereUpper staff
Step 1: Right hand
Listen, then play the piano's upper staff with your right hand, with finger numbers.
Open this step - Lower staff
Step 2: Left hand
Your left hand learns the piano's lower staff, note for note, while the right hand plays softly so you hear where you are.
Open this step - Both staves
Step 3: Both hands
Both hands together, as written. When you can play it, press "I can play it" and the part is learned.
Open this step Then play the whole song
When you can play every part, play the full sheet music in the player.
Play the full song
Frequently asked questions
How do I learn the piano accompaniment of "Night Train"?
Learn the piano accompaniment of "Night Train" one part at a time, with its real notes. The practice splits it into 17 parts of a few bars, the bars where the singer rests included. Each part has three steps: the piano's right hand, its left hand (the right hand plays softly under it), then both hands. The singer's melody is not played: turn it on in the settings to hear the tune while you practice. Every step plays at the song's tempo, and you can slow it down whenever you need. Press "I can play it" when you can play a step, and the next one opens.
What key is "Night Train" in?
"Night Train" is in Ab major, which has 4 flats: Bb, Eb, Ab and Db. The Ab major scale is Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F and G.
What are the chords in "Night Train"?
The sheet music uses 5 chords: Db, Ab, Eb, Db7 and Eb7.
What does the left hand play in "Night Train"?
The piano's lower staff: mostly one note at a time, moving, about two a beat, from Ab1 to Eb4. You learn it on its own first, with the right hand playing softly underneath, then with both hands.
What tempo is "Night Train"?
"Night Train" plays at 132 BPM in 4/4. Every step of the practice plays at the song's tempo, and you can slow it down as much as you need.
Is "Night Train" hard to play on piano?
It is rated Medium: a good next step once you can play a few easy songs. The right hand goes from Ab3 up to B5. The practice splits it into parts of a few bars, one hand at a time, so you can learn it at your own pace.
Can I hear the melody while I practice?
Yes. In the practice settings, turn on Melody: the singer's tune plays softly with every step, so you hear where the song goes while your hands play the accompaniment.
How long should I practice each day?
A few minutes is enough. Choose 5, 10 or 15 minutes: the timer ends the session for you, and the next session picks up where you stopped.
Do I need to read sheet music?
No. The practice plays each part for you, one hand at a time, and shows its notes on the sheet and on a keyboard as they play, with finger numbers. Slow it down as much as you need.
Is it free?
Yes. Practicing is free. Sign in to keep your progress and your streak, and to get a daily reminder.
Where can I get the sheet music for "Night Train"?
Play the accompaniment free in the player, with the melody on or off, or download a printable PDF.