Piano chords · Rock drive
How to play Christmas Angels on piano
Written by Jonas Myrin & Michael W. Smith
- Eb major
- 4/4
- 116 BPM
- V–IV–I–IV loop
- 2007
- Easy
Learn Christmas Angels in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: Bb – Ab – Eb – Ab
Christmas Angels sits in Eb major: Eb is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: Bb is Bb, D and F; Ab is Ab, C and Eb; Eb is Eb, G and Bb. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
BbVAbIVEbIAbIV- BbBb · D · F
- AbAb · C · Eb
- EbEb · G · Bb
- 2
Left hand: Rock hop
Low, high, a quick double, then high again: a hopping rock bass. Musicians call it root bass · 1 · 2 · 2& · 3 · 4 (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in 809 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 116 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: Eb – Fm – Eb
The last chords are I – ii – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
EbFmEb- FmF · Ab · C
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Questions about Christmas Angels
What chords are in Christmas Angels?
The loop is Bb – Ab – Eb – Ab (V – IV – I – IV) in Eb major, and the song ends on Eb – Fm – Eb.
What key is Christmas Angels in?
Eb major, at about 116 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Christmas Angels?
Rock hop: root bass · 1 · 2 · 2& · 3 · 4, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Christmas Angels 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 one arrangement of this song: the left and right hands are the patterns these scores repeat most.