Other arrangements of Powderfinger
Pick a learning view.
(G)Look out, Ma ma, there’s a (C)white boat com in’ up the (G)riv er,
with a (C)big red bea con and a flag and a man on the rail.
I think you (C)bet ter call John ’cause it don’t look like they’re here to de (Bm)liv er
the mail.
And it’s (Bm7)less than a mile a way.
I (Bm7)hope they did n’t come to stay.
It’s got (Bm7)num bers on the side and a (Cmaj7)gun, and it’s mak in’ big (D)waves.
(G)Dad dy’s gone and my broth (C)er’s out hunt in’ in the (G)moun tains.
with Big (C)John’s been drink in’ since the riv er a took Em my Lou.
I So the (C)pow ers that be left me here look to they’re do the de (Bm)think in’.
the mail.
And I (Bm7)just than turned mile ty two.
I (Bm7)was won der in’ what to do.
And the (Bm7)clos er they the got, and the (Cmaj7)more those it’s feel in’ in’s (D)grew.
Powderfinger — Piano Lead Sheet
16 people have learned this song
"Powderfinger" lead sheet with chords, melody, and lyrics. Play the melody while following chord symbols above. Perfect for sing-along or accompaniment. Key of G, 120 BPM.
This arrangement is a great way to build confidence moving between major and minor shapes in the key of G, and the octave bass pattern in your left hand will really strengthen your reach and timing at a steady 120 BPM.
Pay close attention to the Bm-to-Bm7 shift — it's subtle, just lifting one finger — but rushing it is the most common stumble I see, so isolate that transition slowly before speeding up.
Your right hand needs to stay relaxed through the C-to-Cmaj7 voice leading too; let that major seventh note ring naturally rather than punching it.
I'd suggest practicing hands separately for the first few run-throughs, locking in that left-hand octave pulse until it feels automatic, then layering the chords on top.
Once both hands are together, loop the verse section at around 90 BPM before pushing to full tempo.
The dramatic feel comes from steady, confident rhythm — not volume — so keep your dynamics controlled and let the chord colors do the emotional work.
This is the kind of song that truly cements smooth minor-to-major transitions you'll use constantly.
Try other practice modes:
About “Powderfinger”
- Where are the chord symbols for "Powderfinger" displayed?
- Lead Sheet shows chord symbols (like Am, G7, C) above the melody line with lyrics below. Every chord change highlights in real time as the song plays, so you can play the melody with the right hand and follow chord shapes with the left. "Powderfinger" is in G.
- What key is "Powderfinger" by Neil Young played in?
- Powderfinger is arranged in the key of G on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
- What's the tempo (BPM) of "Powderfinger"?
- The arrangement plays at 120 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
- Is "Powderfinger" easy to play on piano?
- This is a medium-difficulty arrangement. Most players can learn it within a few practice sessions using the speed control.
- Can I download sheet music for "Powderfinger"?
- Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
- Who composed "Powderfinger"?
- "Powderfinger" was originally performed by Neil Young. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
- What chords are used in "Powderfinger"?
- This arrangement uses 6 chords: Bm, Bm7, C, Cmaj7, D, G.
- What other songs by Neil Young can I play here?
- Try "OLD MAN", "DOWN BY THE RIVER", "OUT ON THE WEEKEND". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
- Does "Powderfinger" have chords and lyrics?
- Yes! The Lead Sheet shows the melody with chord symbols (like Am, G, C) and full lyrics. Perfect for singing along or playing with a band. "Powderfinger" is in the key of G at 120 BPM.
- What chords are in "Powderfinger"?
- Open the Lead Sheet to see all chord symbols displayed above the melody line. The song is in the key of G, so you'll find chords common to that key. Each chord highlights in real time as the song plays.
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