Part 1 · bars 9 to 14
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How to Play "AMERICAN IDIOT" by Green Day on Piano
Green Day · Shared by Christian · 112 bars
- Ab major
- 4/4
- 176 BPM
- Medium
- Melody + piano
Your song map
0 / 10 parts learned
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What this song uses
Short warm-ups in the song's own key and chords. About a minute each, and you can skip them.
0 of 3 done
The key
Ab major
Five-finger position on Ab, then the Ab major scale with both hands.
About this scaleThe chord loop
D♭, G♭, D♭, A♭ · IV, bVII, IV, I
The loop the song goes round most. Play each chord as a block, one bar each.
D♭: Db, F, Ab G♭: Gb, Bb, Db A♭: Ab, C, Eb The left hand
Gear-shift pulse
Root bass · 1 · 1& · 2 · 2& · 3& · 4 · 4& · Intermediate
Quick even notes that skip beat 3, like an engine changing gear.
The song's recipe
What you need to know
Read from the song's own notes: the key, the beat, the chords, and what each hand plays.
Time signature
4/4
4 beats in every bar, at 176 BPM
Left hand
Moving single notes
The piano's lower staff, as written: mostly one note at a time, moving, about two a beat.
Range Db2 to Ab3Step 2 on its ownStep 3 with the right hand
Right hand
The melody
The tune the singer sings, one note at a time, about one a beat.
Range Ab4 to F5Part by part
How to practice "AMERICAN IDIOT"
Learn "AMERICAN IDIOT" one part at a time, with the song's real notes. The practice splits it into 10 parts of a few bars. Each part has three steps: the right hand, the left hand (the right hand plays softly under it), then both hands. Every step plays at the song's tempo, and you can slow it down whenever you need. Press "I can play it" when you can play a step, and the next one opens.
Every step is free to play
- Start hereThe melody
Step 1: Right hand
Listen, then play the melody with your right hand, with finger numbers.
Open this step - Lower staff
Step 2: Left hand
Your left hand learns the piano's lower staff, note for note, while the right hand plays softly so you hear where you are.
Open this step - Both staves
Step 3: Both hands
Both hands together, as written. When you can play it, press "I can play it" and the part is learned.
Open this step Then play the whole song
When you can play every part, play the full sheet music with its backing track in the player.
Play the full song
Frequently asked questions
How do I learn "AMERICAN IDIOT" on the piano?
Learn "AMERICAN IDIOT" one part at a time, with the song's real notes. The practice splits it into 10 parts of a few bars. Each part has three steps: the right hand, the left hand (the right hand plays softly under it), then both hands. Every step plays at the song's tempo, and you can slow it down whenever you need. Press "I can play it" when you can play a step, and the next one opens.
What key is "AMERICAN IDIOT" in?
"AMERICAN IDIOT" is in Ab major, which has 4 flats: Bb, Eb, Ab and Db. The Ab major scale is Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F and G.
What are the chords in "AMERICAN IDIOT"?
The sheet music uses 6 chords: Ab5, Db5, Gb5, Db, Ab and Eb.
What does the left hand play in "AMERICAN IDIOT"?
The piano's lower staff: mostly one note at a time, moving, about two a beat, from Db2 to Ab3. You learn it on its own first, with the right hand playing softly underneath, then with both hands.
What tempo is "AMERICAN IDIOT"?
"AMERICAN IDIOT" plays at 176 BPM in 4/4. Every step of the practice plays at the song's tempo, and you can slow it down as much as you need.
Is "AMERICAN IDIOT" hard to play on piano?
It is rated Medium: a good next step once you can play a few easy songs. The melody goes from Ab4 up to F5. The practice splits it into parts of a few bars, one hand at a time, so you can learn it at your own pace.
How long should I practice each day?
A few minutes is enough. Choose 5, 10 or 15 minutes: the timer ends the session for you, and the next session picks up where you stopped.
Do I need to read sheet music?
No. The practice plays each part for you, one hand at a time, and shows its notes on the sheet and on a keyboard as they play, with finger numbers. Slow it down as much as you need.
Is it free?
Yes. Practicing is free. Sign in to keep your progress and your streak, and to get a daily reminder.
Where can I get the sheet music for "AMERICAN IDIOT"?
Play the full sheet music free in the interactive player, or download a printable PDF.