Piano Songs with Octave Bass
2,110 songs — Octave bass — the left hand plays the same note one or two octaves apart, alternating or simultaneously — gives songs a powerful, anthemic feel. Common in rock ballads, pop power-songs, and dramatic accompaniment.
How octave bass works
Octave bass pattern: LH plays a root note + the same note an octave below or above, either alternating (boom-boom) or together (block octaves). Builds energy through register width without changing harmony.
SEE SEE RIDER
The Animals
SHADOW OF THE DAY
Linkin Park
THE RAINS OF CASTAMERE
Sigur Ros
THE WONDERFUL CROSS
Chris Tomlin
TIME
Culture Club
WE WEREN'T BORN TO FOLLOW
Bon Jovi
WOODEN HEART
Elvis Presley
ANNIE'S SONG
John Denver
ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL, PART 2
Pink Floyd
ANYONE ELSE BUT YOU
The Moldy Peaches
AWAY IN A MANGER
Casting Crowns
COME GO WITH ME
Dell-Vikings
GOLDEN RING
George Jones & Tammy Wynette
HALLELUJAH
Leonard Cohen
HE'S SURE THE BOY I LOVE
Carole King
I JUST CAN'T HELP BELIEVIN'
Elvis Presley
LEAD ME, GUIDE ME
Elvis Presley
LIPSTICK ON YOUR COLLAR
Connie Francis
MY BACK PAGES
Bob Dylan
PEGGY SUE
Buddy Holly
PUFF THE MAGIC DRAGON
Peter, Paul & Mary
RETURN TO SENDER
Elvis Presley
ROMEO AND JULIET
The Reflections
STEP INTO THE WATER
L. Kirk Talley
SUSIE-Q
Creedence Clearwater Revival
TROUBLE
Cat Stevens
WALK AWAY RENEE
The Left Banke
WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE
ABBA
YOU AND I
Stevie Wonder
AUTHORITY SONG
John Mellencamp
CHARLIE BROWN
The Coasters
DARK HOLLOW
Grateful Dead
GIVE PEACE A CHANCE
The Peace Choir
GOOD RIDDANCE
Glee Cast
LONELY AVENUE
Ray Charles
LONELY PEOPLE
America
MISTER SANDMAN
The Chordettes
MOON OVER BOURBON STREET
Sting
NOTHING FROM NOTHING
Billy Preston
OKIE FROM MUSKOGEE
Merle Haggard
REUNITED
Peaches & Herb
WHEN YOU'RE IN LOVE
Johnny Mercer
25 OR 6 TO 4
Chicago
AFTER MIDNIGHT
Eric Clapton
Belle
Jack Johnson
Blowin' In The Wind
Bob Dylan
BLOWIN' IN THE WIND
Bob Dylan
CHAPEL OF LOVE
The Dixie Cups
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Frequently asked questions
- What is octave bass in piano?
- Octave bass is a left-hand technique where you play the same note in two octaves — typically the chord root plus its lower octave. Creates a fuller, more powerful sound than a single bass note.
- Is octave bass hard to play?
- For intermediate players, no — most adult hands span an octave comfortably. Children or smaller hands may need to roll the octave (play the lower note slightly before the upper).
- Which songs use octave bass?
- Rock ballads like Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" and many Coldplay songs use octave bass extensively. Browse the list above for ~2,000 examples in our catalog.