World Ending Piano Chords: Easy Tutorial

Hey guys! Ever wanted to play JP Saxe and Julia Michaels's hit song, "If the World Was Ending" on the piano? Well, you're in luck! This guide breaks down the chords, so you can easily learn how to play this beautiful and emotional song. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, we'll walk through everything step by step. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this tutorial!

Understanding the Basic Chords

Before we dive into the specifics, let's talk about the basic chords you'll need to know. The song primarily uses a few simple chords, making it accessible for pianists of all levels. The main chords are C major, G major, Am (A minor), and F major. Understanding these chords and their finger placements is essential before attempting to play the song.

• C Major: To play C major, place your thumb on the C note, your middle finger on the E note, and your pinky on the G note. It’s a bright and happy-sounding chord and forms the foundation of many songs, including "If the World Was Ending." This chord will give you a solid base to build upon, making the transitions smoother and the overall sound richer.
• G Major: For G major, place your thumb on the G note, your middle finger on the B note, and your pinky on the D note. G major is another fundamental chord that adds a sense of resolution and completeness to the song. Practicing the transition between C major and G major will help you get a feel for the song's progression.
• Am (A Minor): To play A minor, place your thumb on the A note, your middle finger on the C note, and your pinky on the E note. A minor brings a touch of melancholy and emotion to the song. It contrasts nicely with the major chords, adding depth and complexity to the overall sound. Mastering this chord will allow you to convey the song’s emotional nuances effectively.
• F Major: Place your thumb on the F note, your middle finger on the A note, and your pinky on the C note to play F major. F major adds a smooth and gentle quality to the song. It often acts as a bridge between other chords, creating a seamless flow and adding harmonic interest. Pay close attention to how F major connects the other chords in the song.

Make sure you can comfortably transition between these chords. Practice slowly at first, focusing on accuracy and clean transitions. As you get more comfortable, you can gradually increase the tempo. Remember, consistency is key to mastering these chords!

Breaking Down the Chord Progression

The main chord progression in "If the World Was Ending" is relatively straightforward, making it easier to learn and memorize. The most common progression you'll encounter is C - G - Am - F. This sequence repeats throughout many sections of the song, so mastering it is crucial. Let's break it down further:

• C - G: The transition from C major to G major creates a sense of uplift and resolution. Practice moving smoothly between these two chords, ensuring that each note is clear and distinct. Pay attention to the finger placements and try to minimize any unnecessary movement.
• G - Am: Moving from G major to A minor introduces a touch of melancholy. This transition can be a bit trickier, as it involves shifting your hand position slightly. Focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm and smooth finger movements to avoid any abrupt changes.
• Am - F: The transition from A minor to F major provides a gentle resolution, bringing a sense of closure to the phrase. This transition is relatively smooth, but it’s important to maintain a consistent tempo and ensure that each chord rings out clearly.
• F - C: Finally, moving from F major back to C major completes the cycle, preparing you for the next repetition of the progression. This transition is crucial for maintaining the song's flow and ensuring that the progression feels natural and seamless.

Try playing this progression repeatedly at a slow tempo until you feel comfortable with the transitions. You can also use a metronome to help you maintain a consistent rhythm. Once you've mastered the basic progression, you can start adding variations and embellishments to make it your own.

Tips for Playing the Song Smoothly

To really nail "If the World Was Ending" on the piano, you'll want to focus on playing smoothly and expressively. Here are some tips to help you:

• Use Proper Finger Placement: Accurate finger placement is crucial for smooth transitions between chords. Make sure each finger is positioned correctly on the keys, and avoid any unnecessary movements. This will help you maintain a consistent rhythm and avoid any awkward pauses.
• Maintain a Steady Rhythm: Keeping a consistent rhythm is essential for creating a polished sound. Use a metronome to practice, and focus on maintaining a steady beat throughout the song. This will help you develop a strong sense of timing and ensure that your playing sounds professional and polished.
• Listen to the Original Song: Familiarize yourself with the original recording of "If the World Was Ending." Pay attention to the dynamics, phrasing, and overall feel of the song. This will help you capture the emotional nuances of the piece and bring your own personal touch to the performance.
• Practice Regularly: Consistency is key to improving your piano skills. Set aside some time each day to practice, even if it's just for a few minutes. Regular practice will help you build muscle memory, improve your technique, and increase your overall confidence.
• Add Dynamics and Expression: Dynamics and expression are what bring a song to life. Experiment with different levels of volume, and pay attention to the phrasing of the melody. Use dynamics to highlight the emotional peaks and valleys of the song, and add your own personal touch to the performance.

Adding Vocals and Playing Along

Once you're comfortable with the chords, try singing along to the song or playing along with a recording. This will help you internalize the melody and rhythm, and it's a great way to make your practice sessions more enjoyable. Singing along can also help you identify any areas where you may be struggling with the chords or rhythm.

• Sing Along: Singing along while you play will help you connect with the emotional content of the song. It will also help you develop a better understanding of the melody and phrasing.
• Play with a Recording: Playing along with a recording can be a great way to improve your timing and coordination. It will also help you develop your ear and learn to anticipate the changes in the song.
• Record Yourself: Recording yourself playing and singing can be a valuable tool for self-assessment. Listen back to your recording and identify any areas where you can improve. This will help you track your progress and stay motivated.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced pianists can make mistakes, so don't get discouraged if you encounter some challenges along the way. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Rushing the Tempo: It's important to maintain a steady tempo, even when you're feeling excited. Rushing can lead to mistakes and make the song sound disjointed. Use a metronome to stay on track and focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm.
• Incorrect Finger Placement: Incorrect finger placement can make it difficult to transition smoothly between chords. Pay close attention to your finger positions and make sure each finger is placed correctly on the keys.
• Ignoring Dynamics: Dynamics are essential for creating a compelling performance. Don't be afraid to experiment with different levels of volume and expression. Use dynamics to highlight the emotional peaks and valleys of the song.
• Not Practicing Regularly: Consistency is key to improving your piano skills. Make sure you're practicing regularly, even if it's just for a few minutes each day. Regular practice will help you build muscle memory, improve your technique, and increase your overall confidence.

Advanced Techniques and Variations

Once you've mastered the basic chords and progression, you can start exploring some advanced techniques and variations. This will help you add your own personal touch to the song and make it sound even more impressive.

• Adding Arpeggios: Arpeggios are a great way to add texture and interest to the song. Try breaking up the chords into individual notes and playing them in a sequence. This can create a sense of movement and add a touch of elegance to your performance.
• Using Inversions: Inversions involve changing the order of the notes in a chord. This can create a smoother transition between chords and add harmonic interest to the song. Experiment with different inversions to see how they affect the overall sound.
• Incorporating Passing Chords: Passing chords are chords that are used to connect two other chords. They can add a touch of sophistication to your playing and create a more seamless transition between chords. Experiment with different passing chords to see how they can enhance the song.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Playing "If the World Was Ending" on the piano is totally achievable with a bit of practice and patience. Focus on mastering the basic chords, understanding the chord progression, and playing smoothly. Don't be afraid to add your own personal touch and have fun with it. Keep practicing, and you'll be serenading everyone with this beautiful song in no time! Good luck, and happy playing!