Piano chords · Lullaby boat
How to play Hallelujah on piano
- G major
- 6/8
- 80 BPM
- 2007
- Easy
Play the full song with sheet music
Learn Hallelujah in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: Em – D – C – Am
How it goes
Hallelujah sits in G major: G is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: Em is E, G and B; D is D, F# and A; C is C, E and G; Am is A, C and E. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
EmviDVCIVAmii- EmE · G · B
- DD · F# · A
- CC · E · G
- AmA · C · E
- 2
Left hand: Lilting climb
How it goes
Three notes climbing in a long-short swing, then a pause to ring. Musicians call it broken chord 1-5-8 (6/8) (broken chord), an easy pattern heard in 120 songs of the library.
- 3
Right hand: the chords, held
How it goes
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 80 BPM
How it goes
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: Em – C – G
How it goes
The last chords are vi – IV – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
EmCG- GG · B · D
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Questions about Hallelujah
What chords are in Hallelujah?
The loop is Em – D – C – Am (vi – V – IV – ii) in G major, and the song ends on Em – C – G.
What key is Hallelujah in?
G major, at about 80 beats a minute in 6/8.
What does the left hand play in Hallelujah?
Lilting climb: broken chord 1-5-8 (6/8), an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Hallelujah 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.