Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play Barely Breathing on piano
By Duncan Sheik
- G major
- 4/4
- 100 BPM
- Easy
Learn Barely Breathing in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: Em – A – C – D
Barely Breathing sits in G major: G is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: Em is E, G and B; A is A, C# and E; C is C, E and G; D is D, F# and A. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
EmviAIICIVDV- EmE · G · B
- AA · C# · E
- CC · E · G
- DD · F# · A
- 2
Left hand: Skipping-stone pulse
One strong note, then two bounces on the “ands”, like a stone on water. Musicians call it root bass · 1 · 2& · 3& (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in 282 songs of the library.
- 3
Right hand: the chords, held
In this song the right hand mostly plays the tune itself. Hold the chords lightly, or play the melody over the left hand.
- 4
Both hands at 100 BPM
Put the two hands together over the loop. Start at half speed with the player's speed control, and bring it up once every change is easy.
- 5
Ending: C – D – G
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
CDG- GG · B · D
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Questions about Barely Breathing
What chords are in Barely Breathing?
The loop is Em – A – C – D (vi – II – IV – V) in G major, and the song ends on C – D – G.
What key is Barely Breathing in?
G major, at about 100 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Barely Breathing?
Skipping-stone pulse: root bass · 1 · 2& · 3&, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Barely Breathing easy to play on piano?
Yes. Both hands play easy patterns over 4 chords. Learn the chords first, then add one hand at a time.
Made from 2 arrangements of this song: the left and right hands are the patterns these scores repeat most.