What key is "Layla" in?

"Layla" by Eric Clapton is in the key of G with a tempo of 114 BPM. Difficulty: easy.

Is "Layla" 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 "Layla" 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 "Layla"?

This arrangement of "Layla" uses 11 chords: A, Apow, B7, Bb, C, C#m, D, Dm, +3 more.

How long does it take to learn "Layla" on piano?

1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.

What other songs by Eric Clapton can I play here?

Try "RUNNING ON FAITH", "BELIEVE IN LIFE", "MY FATHER'S EYES". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

Lyrics

What will you do when you get lone ly?

No one (C)wait ing (D)by your (E)side.

You’ve been (B7)run ning and (E)hid ing much too (A)long.

You know it’s (B7)just your fool ish (E)pride.

(A5)Lay la,

you’ve (C)got me on (Dm)my knees.

Lay la,

I’m (C)beg ging, dar (Dm)ling, please.

Lay la,

(C)dar ling, won’t (Dm)you ease my wor ried mind?

Tried the to give you con so la tion,

your old (C)man won’t (D)let you (E)down.

Like a (B7)fool, ning I (E)fell in love with (A)you.

You turned my (B7)whole world up side (E)down.

(A5)Lay la,

you’ve (C)got me on (Dm)my knees.

Lay la,

I’m (C)beg ging, dar (Dm)ling, please.

Lay la,

(C)dar ling, won’t (Dm)you ease my wor ried mind?

mind?

Lay la,

you’ve (C)got me on (Dm)my knees.

Lay la,

I’m (C)beg ging, dar (Dm)ling, please.

Lay la,

(C)dar ling, won’t (Dm)you ease my wor ried mind?

Lay la mind?

Lay la,

you’ve (C)got me on (Dm)my knees.

Lay la,

I’m (C)beg ging, dar (Dm)ling, please.

Lay la,

(C)dar ling, won’t you ease my wor ried (Dm)mind?

Layla by Eric Clapton

21 people have learned this song

Easy piano arrangement in the key of G at 114 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

Teacher’s notes

This arrangement is a great workout for your left hand — the walking bass pattern keeps it moving steadily, so practice that hand alone at around 80 BPM until the motion feels automatic before adding your right hand.

With eleven chords in the mix, the real challenge is the less familiar shapes like C#m, F#m7, and G#7; isolate those transitions and loop them until your fingers find the keys without hesitation.

Watch the shift from C#m to G#7 especially — it's a reach that trips people up at tempo.

At 114 BPM you have breathing room, but the walking bass can drift if you rush, so lock in with the beat and let the melancholic feel settle in naturally rather than pushing forward.

Use light pedal to connect chord tones without muddying that bass line.

This is the piece that'll make minor-key chord changes feel like second nature to you.

About “Layla”

What key is "Layla" in?: "Layla" by Eric Clapton is in the key of G with a tempo of 114 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "Layla" 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 "Layla" 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 "Layla"?: This arrangement of "Layla" uses 11 chords: A, Apow, B7, Bb, C, C#m, D, Dm, +3 more.
How long does it take to learn "Layla" on piano?: 1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.
What other songs by Eric Clapton can I play here?: Try "RUNNING ON FAITH", "BELIEVE IN LIFE", "MY FATHER'S EYES". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.