How to Play "SUMMER IN THE CITY" by The Lovin' Spoonful on Piano

The Lovin' Spoonful · Shared by Charles · 43 bars

  • Eb major
  • 4/4
  • 85 BPM
  • Easy
  • Melody + piano

Your song map

0 / 8 parts learned

  1. Intro
  2. Verse 1
  3. Chorus 1
  4. Verse 2
  5. Chorus 2
  6. Verse 3
  7. Ending
  8. Whole song
  • Learned
  • Selected
  • Now
  • To learn

What this song uses

Short warm-ups in the song's own key and chords. About a minute each, and you can skip them.

  1. The key

    Eb major

    Five-finger position on Eb, then the Eb major scale with both hands.

    About this scale
  2. The chord loop

    Cm, F, Cm, F · vi, II, vi, II

    The loop the song goes round most. Play each chord as a block, one bar each.

    Cm: C, Eb, G
    F: F, A, C
  3. The left hand

    Walking roots

    Root bass · quarters · Beginner

    One low note on every beat, steady as walking feet.

Verse 1, part 1 · bars 4 to 7

Up next
  1. Right hand
  2. Left hand
  3. Both hands

What you need to know

Read from the song's own notes: the key, the beat, the chords, and what each hand plays.

Key and scale

Eb major

3 flats: Bb, Eb, Ab

EbFGAbBbCD

The Eb major scale

Time signature

4/4

4 beats in every bar, at 85 BPM

The time signature changes during the song; this is the main one.

The chords you play

The song uses 9 chords, as the sheet music writes them.

More chords in the song

Left hand

Bass notes

The piano's lower staff, as written: mostly one note at a time, about one a beat.

Range F2 to Gb4Step 2 on its ownStep 3 with the right hand

Right hand

The melody

The tune the singer sings, one note at a time, about two a beat.

Range D4 to Eb5Part by part

How to practice "SUMMER IN THE CITY"

Learn "SUMMER IN THE CITY" one part at a time, with the song's real notes. The practice splits it into 8 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
  1. Start hereThe melody

    Step 1: Right hand

    Listen, then play the melody with your right hand, with finger numbers.

    Open this step
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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 "SUMMER IN THE CITY" on the piano?

Learn "SUMMER IN THE CITY" one part at a time, with the song's real notes. The practice splits it into 8 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 "SUMMER IN THE CITY" in?

"SUMMER IN THE CITY" is in Eb major, which has 3 flats: Bb, Eb and Ab. The Eb major scale is Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C and D.

The Eb major scale

What are the chords in "SUMMER IN THE CITY"?

The sheet music uses 9 chords: Cm, Csus2, G, G7, C, F, Bb, Dm and Ab7.

What does the left hand play in "SUMMER IN THE CITY"?

The piano's lower staff: mostly one note at a time, about one a beat, from F2 to Gb4. You learn it on its own first, with the right hand playing softly underneath, then with both hands.

What tempo is "SUMMER IN THE CITY"?

"SUMMER IN THE CITY" plays at 85 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 "SUMMER IN THE CITY" hard to play on piano?

It is rated Easy. The melody goes from D4 up to Eb5. 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 "SUMMER IN THE CITY"?

Play the full sheet music free in the interactive player, or download a printable PDF.

Sheet music in the playerDownload the PDF