How to Play "VILLAGE GHETTO" by Stevie Wonder on Piano

Stevie Wonder · Shared by George · 54 bars

  • Db major
  • 4/4
  • 100 BPM
  • Medium
  • Melody + piano

Your song map

0 / 9 parts learned

  1. Intro
  2. Verse 1
  3. Instrumental
  4. Verse 2
  5. Instrumental
  6. 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

    Db major

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

    About this scale
  2. The chord loop

    A♭, B♭m, E♭7 · V, vi, II7

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

    A♭: Ab, C, Eb
    B♭m: Bb, Db, F
    E♭7: Eb, G, Bb
  3. The left hand

    Power fifths

    LH power fifths · Intermediate

    Root and fifth together: big and bold.

Verse 1, part 1 · bars 5 to 8

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

Db major

5 flats: Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb

DbEbFGbAbBbC

The Db major scale

Time signature

4/4

4 beats in every bar, at 100 BPM

The chords you play

The song uses 7 chords, as the sheet music writes them.

Left hand

Two notes at a time

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

Range Db2 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 one a beat.

Range Ab3 to Db5Part by part

How to practice "VILLAGE GHETTO"

Learn "VILLAGE GHETTO" one part at a time, with the song's real notes. The practice splits it into 9 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 "VILLAGE GHETTO" on the piano?

Learn "VILLAGE GHETTO" one part at a time, with the song's real notes. The practice splits it into 9 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 "VILLAGE GHETTO" in?

"VILLAGE GHETTO" is in Db major, which has 5 flats: Bb, Eb, Ab, Db and Gb. The Db major scale is Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb and C.

The Db major scale

What are the chords in "VILLAGE GHETTO"?

The sheet music uses 7 chords: Bbm7, Eb, Ab, Gb, Db, Eb7 and Ab7.

What does the left hand play in "VILLAGE GHETTO"?

The piano's lower staff: mostly two notes at a time, about one a beat, from Db2 to Gb4. You learn it on its own first, with the right hand playing softly underneath, then with both hands.

What tempo is "VILLAGE GHETTO"?

"VILLAGE GHETTO" plays at 100 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 "VILLAGE GHETTO" 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 Ab3 up to Db5. 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 "VILLAGE GHETTO"?

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

Sheet music in the playerDownload the PDF