Verse 1, part 1 · bars 5 to 10
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- Left hand
- Both hands
How to Play "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk" by Rufus Wainwright on Piano
Rufus Wainwright · Shared by John · 112 bars
- E major
- 4/4
- 100 BPM
- Medium
- Melody + piano
Your song map
0 / 20 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
E major
Five-finger position on E, then the E major scale with both hands.
About this scaleThe chord loop
B7, E, B7, E · V7, I, V7, I
The loop the song goes round most. Play each chord as a block, one bar each.
B7: B, D#, F# E: E, G#, B The left hand
Stride jumps
Stride · Beginner
Deep bass, then a chord in the middle: the left hand leaps.
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 100 BPM
The time signature changes during the song; this is the main one.
Left hand
Two notes at a time
The piano's lower staff, as written: mostly two notes at a time, fewer than one a beat.
Range B1 to B4Step 2 on its ownStep 3 with the right hand
Right hand
The melody
The tune the singer sings, one note at a time, about two a beat.
Range B3 to E5Part by part
How to practice "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk"
Learn "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk" one part at a time, with the song's real notes. The practice splits it into 20 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 "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk" on the piano?
Learn "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk" one part at a time, with the song's real notes. The practice splits it into 20 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 "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk" in?
"Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk" is in E major, which has 4 sharps: F#, C#, G# and D#. The E major scale is E, F#, G#, A, B, C# and D#.
What are the chords in "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk"?
The sheet music uses 25 chords: E, B7sus4, A, B, F#m, B7, B9sus4, Em, Am, F#dim7, F#m7, Em7, Am9, D7, D9, Gmaj7 and 9 more.
What does the left hand play in "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk"?
The piano's lower staff: mostly two notes at a time, fewer than one a beat, from B1 to B4. You learn it on its own first, with the right hand playing softly underneath, then with both hands.
What tempo is "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk"?
"Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk" plays at 100 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 "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk" 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 B3 up to E5. 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 "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk"?
Play the full sheet music free in the interactive player, or download a printable PDF.