We all know the instantly recognisable arpeggiated chords from Dr. Dre’s iconic Hip Hop classic Still D.R.E. — but here we're going to break down the music theory that underpins this catchy slice of hip-hop history & show you how to play the song.
Initially the chords might seem kind of strange. The first is C-E-A, followed by B-E-A, and then B-E-G.
Each chord only changes a single note from the previous one, making for a delightfully simple, yet very effective little progression.
An easy way to figure out what is going on is to look at the bassline, which alternates between A (which accompanies the first chord), and E, (which accompanies the last two chords).
A great song for beginners and more experienced players, with a love for classic hip-hop. With its simple structure and just 3 chords, Still D.R.E. is an easy song to play on piano, and is great for getting you started.
With the bassline defining the root notes of these chords, it becomes clear that these are actually inversions. C-E-A, our first chord, is the first inversion of A minor, which means that the root note, A, has been moved up the keyboard, above the other two notes.
The next two chords (B-E-A, and B-E-G), are the second inversions of Esus4 and Eminor respectively. The second inversion means that both the root note AND the third have been moved up the keyboard, leaving the fifth, B, as the lowest note in these chords.
It’s like a minor i-v chord progression, with a suspended chord thrown in there to add a little tension and release.
Still D.R.E. is written in the key of B♭ minor. This is a major part of creating that more moody, hypnotic energy you're feeling in the song.
It’s a key that brings that cool, serious tone we associate with classic West Coast hip hop. But what exactly does that mean? Let’s break it down.
In simple terms, the key of a song tells you what notes and chords it’s built around. Think of it as the song’s “home” — the place it keeps returning to.
There are two main flavours:
The B♭ minor scale (which gives this track its distinct tone) includes these notes:B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G♭ – A♭
That’s the pool of notes the song mostly pulls from — whether it’s the iconic piano loop or the underlying harmony. And while the chords may seem deceptively simple, the emotional weight comes from this key’s natural tension and gravity.
So when you hear that tight, arpeggiated riff repeating over and over, it's not just catchy — it's doing real musical work. It’s grounding you in B♭ minor while slowly shifting shapes to keep the ear hooked. That’s the power of a well-chosen key: it shapes how a song feels, even if you don’t realise it’s happening.
Still D.R.E.’s 3 basic chords have left an everlasting impact on hip hop. Yet this song is a great example of how using simple chord inversions can lead to really exciting chord voicings that still don’t need you to move your fingers a large amount.
Download Melodics for guided courses on practical applications of music theory like using chord inversions, and many, many more.
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Doo Wop (That Thing)
As made famous by Lauryn Hill
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