Can a complete beginner play "Roots Before Branches"?

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. "Roots Before Branches" is simplified for beginners.

Do I need to read music to play "Roots Before Branches"?

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

Roots Before Branches — Beginner Piano Tutorial

Learn "Roots Before Branches" on piano — perfect for absolute beginners. Large color-coded notes show you exactly which keys to press. No music reading required. Key of A, 60 BPM.

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

Lyrics

(A)Hey, yeah, hey. So (F#m)man y things to do and (F#m7)say but (F#m)I can’t seem to find my (F#m7)way, but I (Dsus2)wan na know how. I (F#m)know I’m meant for some thing (F#m7)else, but (F#m)first I’ve got to find my (F#m7)self, but I my (Dsus2)don’t on know how. There’s al ways Oh, a (Bm)why do I reach for the stars when I don’t have (D)wings to car ry me that far? Got ta have (Dmaj7)roots be fore (F#m)branch es, to (Dmaj7)know who I am be fore I (A)know who I (E)wan na be. And (Dmaj7)faith to take (F#m)chanc es to (Dmaj7)live like I see a (Bm)place in this (E)world for me. (F#m)Ooh. Hey. (F#m)Some times I don’t wan na (F#m7)feel but (F#m)and for get the pain is (F#m7)real; put my (Dsus2)head in the clouds. I (F#m)start to run and then I (F#m7)fall, but (F#m)think ing I can’t get it (F#m7)all with out my (Dsus2)feet on the ground. There’s al ways Oh, a (Bm)seed do be fore there’s a rose. The more that it (D)rains, the more ry I will grow. Got ta have (Dmaj7)roots be fore (F#m)branch es, to (Dmaj7)know who I am be fore I (A)know who I (E)wan na be. And (Dmaj7)faith to take (F#m)chanc es to (Dmaj7)live like I see a (Bm)place in this (E)world for me. (F#m)Ooh. Hey. (Bm)place in this (E)world for me. (F#m)Oh. What ev er comes, I know how to (E)take it, learn to be strong; I won’t have to (B)fake it. Oh, you’re un der (F#)stand ing. Oh, but we can come and do what’s best, roam in north and south, east and west, but I’ll (B)still be stand (E)ing. (F#m)I’m stand (E)ing, if I have (Dmaj7)roots be fore (F#m)branch es, to (Dmaj7)know who I am be fore I (A)know who I’m (E)gon na be. And (Dmaj7)faith, oh, to take (F#m)chanc es to (Dmaj7)live like I see a (Bm)place in this (E)world... (Bm)place in this (E)world for (F#m)me. Oh. I’ve got to have (F#m)roots be fore (A)branch es. (F#m)Oh, (E)yeah.

Try other practice modes:

Falling Notes Lead Sheet Bar Sheet Simple Sheet

Song Details

Category: Pop
Key: A
Tempo: 60 BPM
Difficulty: hard
Artist: Glee Cast

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How to Play "Roots Before Branches" 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.