What key is "Ripple" in?

"Ripple" by Grateful Dead is in the key of G with a tempo of 127 BPM. Difficulty: easy.

Is "Ripple" 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 "Ripple" 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 "Ripple"?

This arrangement of "Ripple" uses 6 chords: A7, Am, C, D, D7, G.

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

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

What other songs by Grateful Dead can I play here?

Try "UNCLE JOHN'S BAND", "THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED", "SUGAR MAGNOLIA". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

Lyrics

If my words did glow

with the gold of (C)sun shine,

and my tunes

were played on the harp un strung, would you hear my voice

come through the (C)mu sic?

Would you hold it near,

(C)as it were your own?

It’s a hand me down,

the thoughts are bro ken.

Per haps

they’re bet ter and the dark left un (G)sung.

I don’t know,

don’t real ly (C)care.

low.

(G)Let there be songs

to fill the air.

(Am)Rip ple in still (D7)wa ter,

when there is no peb ble tossed,

nor (A7)wind to blow.

Reach out your hand

if your cup be (C)emp ty.

If your cup

is full, may it be a gain.

Let you it be known,

there is a (C)foun tain

Would you that not made

(C)by the hands of men.

There a is a road,

no thoughts ple high way,

be tween

the dawn ter and the dark left of (G)night.

And if you

no one may (C)fol low.

(G)The path is for

your steps a lone.

(Am)Rip ple in still (D7)wa ter,

when there is no peb ble tossed,

nor (A7)wind to blow.

Reach out your hand You who choose

to lead must fol low,

but if

you fall, you fall a lone.

If you should stand,

then who’s to (C)guide you?

(G)If I knew the (D)way,

(C)I would take you home.

La dee da da da.

la lead da da da,

da da

da da da da da da, La da da da,

da da da (C)da da,

(G)da I da da, (D)way,

(C)la da da da home.

La dee da da da.

(G)da.

Ripple by Grateful Dead

6 people have learned this song

Easy piano arrangement in the key of G at 127 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

About “Ripple”

What key is "Ripple" in?: "Ripple" by Grateful Dead is in the key of G with a tempo of 127 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "Ripple" 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 "Ripple" 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 "Ripple"?: This arrangement of "Ripple" uses 6 chords: A7, Am, C, D, D7, G.
How long does it take to learn "Ripple" on piano?: 1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.
What other songs by Grateful Dead can I play here?: Try "UNCLE JOHN'S BAND", "THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED", "SUGAR MAGNOLIA". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.