What key is "The Great Pretender" in?

"The Great Pretender" by The Platters is in the key of C with a tempo of 90 BPM. Difficulty: easy.

Is "The Great Pretender" 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 "The Great Pretender" 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 "The Great Pretender" on piano?

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

What other songs by The Platters can I play here?

Try "THE MAGIC TOUCH", "THE GREAT PRETENDER", "ONLY YOU". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

Lyrics

(G7)Oh, (C)yes I’m the great (Dm)pre (C)tend er,

(C7)pre (F)tend in’ I’m do in’ (C)well.

(C7)My (F)need is (G7)such, I pre (C)tend too (F)much, I’m (C)lone ly but (G7sus)no one can (C)tell.

(G7)Oh, (C)yes, I’m the great (Dm)pre (C)tend er,

(C7)a (F)drift in a world of my (C)own.

(C7)I (F)play the (G7)game but, to (C)my real (F)shame, (Dm)you’ve (C)left me to (G7sus)dream all a (C)lone.

(C7)Too (F)real is this feel ing of (C)make be lieve, (C7)too (F)real when I feel what my (C)heart can’t con (G7)ceal.

Oh, (C)yes, I’m the (F)great (Dm)pre (C)tend er,

(C7)just (F)laugh in’ and gay like a (C)clown.

(C7)I (F)seem to (G7)be what I’m (C)not, you (F)see, I’m (C)wear in’ my (Dm)heart like a (E)crown;

(G7)pre (C)tend in’ that (G7)you’re still a (C)round.

Oh, (C)yes I’m the great (Dm)pre (C)tend er,

(C7)pre (F)tend in’ I’m do in’ (C)well.

(C7)My (F)need is (G7)such, I pre (C)tend too (F)much, I’m (C)lone ly but (G7sus)no one can (C)tell.

(G7)Oh, (C)yes, I’m the great (Dm)pre (C)tend er,

(C7)a (F)drift in a world of my (C)own.

(C7)I (F)play the (G7)game but, to (C)my real (F)shame, (Dm)you’ve (C)left me to (G7sus)dream all a (C)lone.

(C7)Too (F)real is this feel ing of (C)make be lieve, (C7)too (F)real when I feel what my (C)heart can’t con (G7)ceal.

Oh, (C)yes, I’m the (F)great (Dm)pre (C)tend er,

(C7)just (F)laugh in’ and gay like a (C)clown.

(C7)I (F)seem to (G7)be what I’m (C)not, you (F)see, I’m (C)wear in’ my (Dm)heart like a (E)crown;

(G7)pre (C)tend in’ that (G7)you’re still a (C)round.

Oh, (C)round.

The Great Pretender by The Platters

2 people have learned this song

Easy piano arrangement in the key of C at 90 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

About “The Great Pretender”

What key is "The Great Pretender" in?: "The Great Pretender" by The Platters is in the key of C with a tempo of 90 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "The Great Pretender" 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 "The Great Pretender" 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 "The Great Pretender" on piano?: 1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.
What other songs by The Platters can I play here?: Try "THE MAGIC TOUCH", "THE GREAT PRETENDER", "ONLY YOU". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.