Is "Rather Be" good for a child learning piano?

Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.

What age can start with "Rather Be"?

Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.

Do we need a piano teacher to use this?

No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.

Can we print the sheet music?

Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.

How many chords does "Rather Be" use?

Just 13 chords: B, C, C#7, C#m, C#m7, D#m, D#m7, E, +5 more. Take it one section at a time.

What other Pentatonix songs work for kids?

Try "SING", "DANCE OF THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY", "HAVANA". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.

Super Simple Piano

Rather Be

· by Pentatonix

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Lyrics

We’re a (G#m)thou sand (F#6)miles from com fort,

(B)we have (G#m)trav eled (F#6)land and sea;

(B)but as (G#m)long as (F#6)you are with me

there’s (C#m)no place I’d rath er be.

(G#m)I would (F#6)wait for ev er,

ex (G#m)alt ed (F#6)in the scene.

As (G#m)long as (F#6)I am with you,

so (C#m)my heart con tin ues to beat.

With ev ’ry step we take, Ky o to to the Bay, (G#m)strol ling so cas ual (D#m7)ly,

we’re dif f’rent and the same.

Gave you an oth er name.

(G#m)Switch up the bat ter ies.

(G#m)If you gave me a chance I would (B)take (F#)it.

(G#m)It’s a shot in the dark, but I’ll (B)make (F#)it.

(G#m)Know with all of your heart you can’t (B)shame (F#)me.

When I am with you there’s (Emaj7)no place I’d rath er be.

No, no, no, no, no, no place I’d (B)rath er (C#m)be.

We’re (G#m)staked out (F#6)on a mis sion

to (G#m)find our (F#6)in ner peace.

Oh, (G#m)make it (F#6)ev er last ing,

so (C#m)noth ing’s in tin com to plete.

With ev ’ry step we take, Ky o to to the Bay, (G#m)strol ling so cas ual (D#m7)ly,

we’re dif f’rent and the same.

Gave you an oth er name.

(G#m)Switch up the bat ter ies.

(G#m)If you gave me a chance I would (B)take (F#)it.

(G#m)It’s a shot in the dark, but I’ll (B)make (F#)it.

(G#m)Know with all of your heart you can’t (B)shame (F#)me.

When I am with you there’s (Emaj7)no place I’d rath er be.

No, no, no, no, no, no place I’d (B)rath er (C#m)be.

We’re (CN.C.)When I am with you there’s no place I’d rath er be.

(CN.C.)If you gave me a chance I would take it.

It’s a shot in the dark, but I’ll make it.

(G#m)Know with all of your heart you can’t (B)shame (F#)me.

(C#m7)When I am with you there’s (Emaj7)no place I’d rath er be.

No, no, no, no, no, no place I’d (B)rath er (C#m)be.

No, no, no, no, no, no place I’d rath er be.

When I am with you there’s no place I’d rath er be.

Rather Be by Pentatonix — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Rather Be” by Pentatonix in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of G# at 120 BPM, a medium-difficulty arrangement — try slowing the tempo down using the BPM control.

Tips for parents & teachers

Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "Rather Be" good for a child learning piano?: Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "Rather Be"?: Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?: No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?: Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
How many chords does "Rather Be" use?: Just 13 chords: B, C, C#7, C#m, C#m7, D#m, D#m7, E, +5 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Pentatonix songs work for kids?: Try "SING", "DANCE OF THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY", "HAVANA". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.