Can a complete beginner play "A Change Is Gonna Come"?

Absolutely! The Beginner mode shows large color-coded notes with letter names (C, D, E...). Just match the colors to your keyboard — no music reading needed. "A Change Is Gonna Come" is simplified for beginners.

Do I need to read music to play "A Change Is Gonna Come"?

No! Our Beginner mode replaces traditional notation with color-coded letter names. Each note shows exactly which key to press. You can start playing "A Change Is Gonna Come" in minutes, even if you've never touched a piano before.

A Change Is Gonna Come — Beginner Piano Tutorial

1 person has learned this song

Learn "A Change Is Gonna Come" on piano — perfect for absolute beginners. Large color-coded notes show you exactly which keys to press. No music reading required. Key of Eb, 68 BPM.

Tip: Break this song into sections and master each one separately. The speed control lets you drill difficult passages at any tempo.

Lyrics

I was born (Bb)by the riv er but in a (Eb)lit tle (Bb)tent, and just like that riv er I’ve been run ning (Gm)ev er, yond don’t ev hang er since. (Eb)It’s been a (Bb)long, a long (Cm)time com ing, but I (Eb)know a change gon na come, oh, (Bb)yes it will. Oh. It’s been too (Bb)hard for liv ing, but I’m a (Eb)fraid to (Bb)die ’cause bod I don’t know in’ what’s been up there (Gm)be ya, yond don’t ya hang the sky. (Eb)It’s been a (Bb)long, a long (Cm)time com ing, but I (Eb)know a change gon na come, oh, (Bb)yes it will. Oh. (Bb)yes it will. Then I go to see my (Gm)broth er (Cm)and (Bdim7)I say, (Cm)“Broth er, oh, broth er, help me (Gm)please.” But, he winds up knock in’ me, knock in’ me (Bb)back down, oh, back (C9)down, back down to my knees. There were times (Bb)when I thought I would n’t last (Eb)for long, but, now I think that I, I can car ry on. (Eb)It’s been a (Bb)long, a long (Cm)time com ing, but I (Eb7)know a change gon na come, oh, (Bb)yes it will. I know for my self, ya’ll, oh, a (Gm)change is gon na (D)come. I be lieve a (Bb)change is gon na come. A (Gm)change is gon na (D)come. I be lieve a (Bb)change is gon na come. A (Gm)change is gon na (D)come. I be lieve a (Bb)change is gon na come. It’s been a (Bb)long, a long (Cm)time com ing, but I (Eb7)know a (Gm)change gon na come. Oh, yes, it will.

Try other practice modes:

Falling Notes Lead Sheet Bar Sheet Simple Sheet

Song Details

Category: R&B/Soul
Key: Eb
Tempo: 68 BPM
Difficulty: hard
Artist: Sam Cooke

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How to Play "A Change Is Gonna Come" on Piano

1
Pick a practice mode — Choose from Fall Down, Beginner, Lead Sheet, Bar Sheet, or Simple Sheet — each mode visualizes the music differently to match your learning style.
2
Practice each hand separately — Use the Left, Right, and Both buttons to isolate the bass or treble part and build muscle memory one hand at a time.
3
Adjust speed and turn on metronome — Slow down to 50% while learning, then gradually speed up. Enable the metronome to keep steady timing.
4
Loop a section — Select a tricky part and loop it until you nail it. Perfect for mastering difficult passages.
5
Download sheet music — Export a PDF of the sheet music to print out and practice on your real piano anytime, anywhere.