A Whiter Shade Of Pale

by Procol Harum
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How to Play This Song

Learn a simple version, phrase by phrase: the melody, then easy chords.

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Lyrics

We (C)skipped the light fan (Am)dan go,

though in cart wheels ’cross the (Dm7)floor;

I was (G)feel ing kind of (G7)sea ing sick,

the (C)crowd called out for more.

say ing, room was hum ming hard er

as the (G)ceil ing flew a (Em)way.

When we (C)called out for an (Am)oth

er (Em)drink

that my wait er brought a tray.

(Em)And so it (C6)was

that (Am)lat er

as the (F)mill er told his (Dm7)tale,

that her (G)face at first just (Em)ghost ly

turned a (C)whit er

shade of (C)pale.

She (C)said, “I’m home on (Am)shore leave,”

and the truth we were at (Dm7)sea.

So I (G)took her by the (G7)sea ing glass

and (C)forced her to a gree,

one of “You must be the mer maid

who took (G)Nep tune for a (Em)ride.”

But she (C)smiled at me so (Am)sad

er (Em)ly

they might an ger straight way died.

(Em)And so it (C6)was

that (Am)lat er

as the (F)mill er told his (Dm7)tale,

that her (G)face at first just (Em)ghost ly

turned a (C)whit er

shade of (C)pale.

(C)pale.

(C)pale.

A Whiter Shade Of Pale by Procol Harum

61 people have learned this song

Easy piano arrangement in the key of C at 76 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

Learn how to accompany it· the chords and what each hand plays, on Super Simple Chords ↗

About “A Whiter Shade Of Pale”

What key is "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" in?
"A Whiter Shade Of Pale" by Procol Harum is in the key of C with a tempo of 76 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" easy to play on piano?
Yes — this arrangement is rated easy, meaning it uses simple chord patterns and a manageable tempo. Most beginners can play through it in 1-3 practice sessions using our color-coded notes.
Can I play "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" without reading sheet music?
Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.
What chords are used in "A Whiter Shade Of Pale"?
This arrangement of "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" uses 9 chords: Am, C, C6, Dm, Dm7, Em, F, G, +1 more.
How long does it take to learn "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" on piano?
1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.