Five Hundred Miles – Hedy West

About this piece

Five Hundred Miles, also known as 500 Miles, is an American folk song by Hedy West. It spread widely during the folk revival of the early 1960s, and many listeners know it from the recording by The Brothers Four. Its simple, longing melody about being far from home has made it a favourite for sing-alongs and for musicians who are just starting out.

This arrangement is a single melody line that lasts about 1 minute 6 seconds, in 4/4 at 120 beats per minute. The range is narrow, only from D4 to B4, so one hand can stay in place just above middle C for the whole piece. The notes are easy to reach, so the real task is keeping the rhythm even at a steady, walking tempo.

The web page plays a 30-second preview of the song; the full version, with lessons and fingering, is in the EzPiano app. Begin in Wait mode with note names turned on, so each falling note waits while you find D, E, G or A under your fingers. Lower the speed to 50–75 % and use the count-in to feel the four beats before you start. If one phrase keeps slipping, mark it with an A–B loop and repeat it until it flows, then raise the speed and play along.