Verse 1, part 1 · bars 5 to 9
Up next- Right hand
- Left hand
- Both hands
How to Play "PURPLE RAIN" by Prince on Piano
Prince · 64 bars
- Bb major
- 4/4
- 52 BPM
- Medium
- Melody + piano
Your song map
0 / 12 parts learned
- Learned
- Selected
- Now
- To learn
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 52 BPM
The time signature changes during the song; this is the main one.
Left hand
Block chords
The piano's lower staff, as written: mostly chords of three notes or more, about one a beat.
Range Bb1 to G4Step 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 F4 to Ab5Part by part
How to practice "PURPLE RAIN"
Learn "PURPLE RAIN" one part at a time, with the song's real notes. The practice splits it into 12 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 "PURPLE RAIN" on the piano?
Learn "PURPLE RAIN" one part at a time, with the song's real notes. The practice splits it into 12 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 "PURPLE RAIN" in?
"PURPLE RAIN" is in Bb major, which has 2 flats: Bb and Eb. The Bb major scale is Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G and A.
What are the chords in "PURPLE RAIN"?
The sheet music uses 5 chords: Bbsus2, Gm7, F, Eb and Bb.
What does the left hand play in "PURPLE RAIN"?
The piano's lower staff: mostly chords of three notes or more, about one a beat, from Bb1 to G4. You learn it on its own first, with the right hand playing softly underneath, then with both hands.
What tempo is "PURPLE RAIN"?
"PURPLE RAIN" plays at 52 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 "PURPLE RAIN" 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 F4 up to Ab5. 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 "PURPLE RAIN"?
Play the full sheet music free in the interactive player, or download a printable PDF.