Part 1 · bars 1 to 5
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How to Play "If I Only Had The Nerve" by Harold Arlen on Piano
Harold Arlen · Shared by Kevin · 36 bars
- Eb major
- 12/8
- 110 BPM
- Easy
- Piano solo
Your song map
0 / 8 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
Eb major
Five-finger position on Eb, then the Eb major scale with both hands.
About this scaleThe chord loop
E♭, Fm, E♭sus4 · I, ii, Isus4
The loop the song goes round most. Play each chord as a block, one bar each.
E♭: Eb, G, Bb Fm: F, Ab, C E♭sus4: Eb, Ab, Bb A left hand that fits
Slow-dance heartbeat
Root bass · 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 (12/8) · Beginner
Four slow, deep beats under a swaying fifties ballad.
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
12/8
4 big beats in every bar, at 110 BPM
It starts with a pickup of 1 beat before the first full bar.
Left hand
Bass notes
The piano's lower staff, as written: mostly one note at a time, about one a beat.
Range C2 to Db4Step 2 on its ownStep 3 with the right hand
Right hand
The upper staff
The piano's upper staff, as written: mostly one note at a time, about two a beat.
Range F3 to Eb5Part by part
How to practice "If I Only Had The Nerve"
Learn "If I Only Had The Nerve" one part at a time, with the song's real notes. The practice splits it into 8 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 hereUpper staff
Step 1: Right hand
Listen, then play the piano's upper staff 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 in the player.
Play the full song
Frequently asked questions
How do I learn "If I Only Had The Nerve" on the piano?
Learn "If I Only Had The Nerve" one part at a time, with the song's real notes. The practice splits it into 8 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 "If I Only Had The Nerve" in?
"If I Only Had The Nerve" is in Eb major, which has 3 flats: Bb, Eb and Ab. The Eb major scale is Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C and D.
What are the chords in "If I Only Had The Nerve"?
The sheet music uses 10 chords: Eb, Bb7, Fm7, Fm, Ab, Cm, Gm, Db, Bb and Eb7.
What does the left hand play in "If I Only Had The Nerve"?
The piano's lower staff: mostly one note at a time, about one a beat, from C2 to Db4. You learn it on its own first, with the right hand playing softly underneath, then with both hands.
What tempo is "If I Only Had The Nerve"?
"If I Only Had The Nerve" plays at 110 BPM in 12/8, counted in dotted quarters. Every step of the practice plays at the song's tempo, and you can slow it down as much as you need. The tempo changes during the song; this is its main tempo.
Is "If I Only Had The Nerve" hard to play on piano?
It is rated Easy. The right hand goes from F3 up to Eb5. 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 "If I Only Had The Nerve"?
Play the full sheet music free in the interactive player, or download a printable PDF.