What key is "Scarlet Begonias" in?

"Scarlet Begonias" by Grateful Dead is in the key of G with a tempo of 170 BPM. Difficulty: easy.

Is "Scarlet Begonias" 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 "Scarlet Begonias" 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.

How long does it take to learn "Scarlet Begonias" 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

(C)I was walk ing ’round Gros ve nor (G)Square,

not a (C)chill to the win ter but a nip to the (G)air.

From the oth er di (C)rec (G)tion, (F)she was call ing my (C)eye.

It could be an il lu (G)sion, (F)but I might as well (C)try, might as well (G)try.

had (C)I was walk ing ’round Gros ve nor (G)Square,

not a (C)chill to the win ter but a nip to the (G)air.

From the oth er di (C)rec (G)tion, (F)she was call ing my (C)eye.

It could be an il lu (G)sion, (F)but I might as well (C)try, might as well (G)try.

the

Well, I (D)ain’t of ten right, but I’ve nev er been wrong.

(G)Sel dom turns out the way it (F)does in the (C)song.

(D)Once in a while, you get shown the light in the (G)strang est of plac es if you (F)look at it (C)right.

Well, there (C)ain’t noth ing wrong with the ing way she (G)moves,

or (C)scar let be go nias or a touch of the (G)blues.

And there’s noth ing (C)wrong (G)with the (F)look that’s in her (C)eye.

I had to learn the (C)hard (G)way (F)in to let her pass (C)by, let her pass (G)by.

The (C)wind in the wil lows play ing “Tea for (G)Two,”

the (C)sky was be yel low and the sun of was (G)blue.

Stran gers stop ping (C)stran (G)gers, the (F)just to shake their (C)hand.

Ev ’ry bod y is (C)play (G)ing (F)in the “heart of gold” (C)band, “heart of gold” (G)by.

The (G)band.

Scarlet Begonias by Grateful Dead

2 people have learned this song

Easy piano arrangement in the key of G at 170 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

About “Scarlet Begonias”

What key is "Scarlet Begonias" in?: "Scarlet Begonias" by Grateful Dead is in the key of G with a tempo of 170 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "Scarlet Begonias" 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 "Scarlet Begonias" 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.
How long does it take to learn "Scarlet Begonias" 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.