How to Play "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)" by Mel Torme on Piano

Mel Torme · Shared by Grace · 41 bars

  • Eb major
  • 4/4
  • 78 BPM
  • Easy
  • Piano solo

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0 / 9 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.

  1. The key

    Eb major

    Five-finger position on Eb, then the Eb major scale with both hands.

    About this scale
  2. The chord loop

    Cm, Gm, Cm, A♭ · vi, iii, vi, IV

    The loop the song goes round most. Play each chord as a block, one bar each.

    Cm: C, Eb, G
    Gm: G, Bb, D
    A♭: Ab, C, Eb
  3. A left hand that fits

    Rolling waves

    Open arpeggio 1-5-10-5 · Intermediate

    Rolls up to the high third and back down, like a wave on the shore.

Part 1 · bars 1 to 5

Up next
  1. Right hand
  2. Left hand
  3. Both hands

What you need to know

Read from the song's own notes: the key, the beat, the chords, and what each hand plays.

Key and scale

Eb major

3 flats: Bb, Eb, Ab

EbFGAbBbCD

The Eb major scale

Time signature

4/4

4 beats in every bar, at 78 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 Bb1 to C5Step 2 on its ownStep 3 with the right hand

Right hand

The upper staff

The piano's upper staff, as written: the tune with other notes under it, about two a beat.

Range F3 to G6Part by part

How to practice "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)"

Learn "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)" one part at a time, with the song's real notes. The practice splits it into 9 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
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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 "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)" on the piano?

Learn "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)" one part at a time, with the song's real notes. The practice splits it into 9 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 "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)" in?

"The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)" 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.

The Eb major scale

What does the left hand play in "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)"?

The piano's lower staff: mostly one note at a time, about one a beat, from Bb1 to C5. You learn it on its own first, with the right hand playing softly underneath, then with both hands.

What tempo is "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)"?

"The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)" plays at 78 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 "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)" hard to play on piano?

It is rated Easy. The right hand goes from F3 up to G6. 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 "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)"?

Play the full sheet music free in the interactive player, or download a printable PDF.

Sheet music in the playerDownload the PDF