Breakdown

by Tom Petty
Loading song
Fetching song
1
—
Up nextYOU DON'T KNOW HOW IT FEELS
Download Sheet & MIDIPractice this songPlay on GuitarLearn to accompany
How to Play This Song

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

Start the lesson
Personalize the finger hints for your handsPick your hand size and we'll re-suggest this song's fingering to fit you.Personalize
More ways to play
Super Simple Drum previewDrums
Super Simple DrumTry it
Melody Tab previewGuitar
Melody TabTry it
Simple Piano for Kids previewKids
Simple Piano for KidsTry it

Other arrangements of Breakdown

Pick a learning view.

Sheet MusicBar NotationSimple SheetLead SheetKaraoke · LyricsEasy NotesFalling Notes
Lyrics

It’s all right if you (G)love me.

It’s all right if you (G)don’t.

(Am)I’m not a (G)fraid of you (Am)run ning a (G)way, hon ey.

(Am)I get the (G)feel ing you (F)won’t.

There is no in pre (G)tend ing.

Your eyes give you a (G)way.

(Am)Some thing in (G)side you is (Am)feel ing like (G)I do.

ey.

(Am)We’ve said all (G)there is to (F)say.

(G)Ba by, break (G)down.

(F)Go a head (G)give it to me.

Break (G)down, hon ey, (F)take me through (G)the night.

Break (G)down, now I’m (F)stand in’ here, (G)can’t you see?

Break (G)down, it’s all (Fmaj7)right,

it’s all right,

it’s all (G)right.

Breakdown — Visual Piano Sheet Music

11 people have learned this song

"Breakdown" in visual bar notation — see every note as a colored bar on the staff. Easier to read than traditional sheet music. Scrolls automatically as you play. Key of C, 112 BPM.

Tip: Start at 50% speed to get comfortable with the fingering, then work your way up to full tempo.

Try other practice modes:

Falling NotesBeginnerLead SheetSimple SheetKaraoke

About “Breakdown”

Why does "Breakdown" show as colored bars instead of notation?
Bar Notation replaces traditional noteheads with colored horizontal bars on a simplified staff — each bar's vertical position is the pitch and its length is the duration. Much easier to read than classic sheet music while still showing the full arrangement of "Breakdown".
What key is "Breakdown" by Tom Petty played in?
Breakdown is arranged in the key of C on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "Breakdown"?
The arrangement plays at 112 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Breakdown" easy to play on piano?
Yes — this is one of our beginner-friendly arrangements with simplified chords and color-coded notes.
Can I download sheet music for "Breakdown"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Breakdown"?
"Breakdown" was originally performed by Tom Petty. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What other songs by Tom Petty can I play here?
Try "YOU DON'T KNOW HOW IT FEELS", "SOUTHERN ACCENTS", "THE WAITING". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Is this real sheet music for "Breakdown"?
It's a simplified visual notation using colored bars instead of traditional notes. Each bar's vertical position shows the pitch and its length shows duration — much easier to read for beginners while still showing the complete arrangement of "Breakdown".
Can I see all the notes in "Breakdown"?
Yes! The Bar Sheet shows every note in the arrangement as a colored bar. The sheet scrolls automatically during playback, or you can scroll manually to study any section. The song is in the key of C at 112 BPM.