Verse 1, part 1 · bars 19 to 23
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How to Play "ON YOUR WAY DOWN" by Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint on Piano
Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint · 125 bars
- A major
- 4/4
- 120 BPM
- Medium
- Melody + piano
Your song map
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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 120 BPM
Left hand
Bass notes
The piano's lower staff, as written: mostly one note at a time, about one a beat.
Range G1 to A#3Step 2 on its ownStep 3 with the right hand
Right hand
The melody
The tune the singer sings, one note at a time, about one a beat.
Range A3 to E5Part by part
How to practice "ON YOUR WAY DOWN"
Learn "ON YOUR WAY DOWN" one part at a time, with the song's real notes. The practice splits it into 19 parts of a few bars. Each part has three steps: the right hand, the left hand (the right hand plays softly under it), then both hands. 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 hereThe melody
Step 1: Right hand
Listen, then play the melody 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 with its backing track in the player.
Play the full song
Frequently asked questions
How do I learn "ON YOUR WAY DOWN" on the piano?
Learn "ON YOUR WAY DOWN" one part at a time, with the song's real notes. The practice splits it into 19 parts of a few bars. Each part has three steps: the right hand, the left hand (the right hand plays softly under it), then both hands. 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 "ON YOUR WAY DOWN" in?
"ON YOUR WAY DOWN" is in A major, which has 3 sharps: F#, C# and G#. The A major scale is A, B, C#, D, E, F# and G#.
What are the chords in "ON YOUR WAY DOWN"?
The sheet music uses 7 chords: A, A7, D9, C7, D7, F7 and E7.
What does the left hand play in "ON YOUR WAY DOWN"?
The piano's lower staff: mostly one note at a time, about one a beat, from G1 to A#3. You learn it on its own first, with the right hand playing softly underneath, then with both hands.
What tempo is "ON YOUR WAY DOWN"?
"ON YOUR WAY DOWN" plays at 120 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 "ON YOUR WAY DOWN" hard to play on piano?
It is rated Medium: a good next step once you can play a few easy songs. The melody goes from A3 up to E5. The practice splits it into parts of a few bars, one hand at a time, so you can learn it at your own pace.
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 "ON YOUR WAY DOWN"?
Play the full sheet music free in the interactive player, or download a printable PDF.