What key is "This Is What It Takes" in?

"This Is What It Takes" by Shawn Mendes is in the key of C with a tempo of 81 BPM. Difficulty: easy.

Is "This Is What It Takes" easy to play on piano?

Yes — this arrangement is rated easy, meaning it uses simple chord patterns and a manageable tempo. Most beginners can play through it in 1-3 practice sessions using our color-coded notes.

Can I play "This Is What It Takes" without reading sheet music?

Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.

What chords are used in "This Is What It Takes"?

This arrangement of "This Is What It Takes" uses 9 chords: Am, Am7, C, Dm7, Em7, F, F6, G, +1 more.

How long does it take to learn "This Is What It Takes" on piano?

1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.

What other songs by Shawn Mendes can I play here?

Try "I DON'T EVEN KNOW YOUR NAME", "LOST IN JAPAN", "FALLIN' ALL IN YOU". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

Lyrics

I (C)watch your troub led eyes I’m as you rest,

and I (Gsus)fall in love with ev ’ry breath.

a crime.

And you (C)Won der if those eyes are real ly shut,

and am (F)I the one you’re (Gsus)dream ing of.

’Cause un der neath

the dark ness

there’s a (C)light that’s try ing so hard to be seen.

And I know this,

’cause I’ve no ticed

a (C)lit tle bit (Em7)shin ing through the seams.

And if (C)this is (Dm7)what it takes,

then (G)let me be the (C)one to (Dm7)bear the (Am)pain.

Oh, if (C)this is (Dm7)what it takes,

I’ll break (C)down these (Dm7)walls that are (C)in our way,

if (G)this is what it takes.

You (C)keep on tell ing me I’m wast ing time,

but to (Gsus)call it wast ing time, oh, breath.

a crime.

And you (C)think it’s cra zy, what I’m tryin’ to do.

and Well (F)ba by, I’m a (Gsus)fool for you.

’Cause un der neath

the dark ness

there’s a (C)light that’s try ing so hard to be seen.

And I know this,

’cause I’ve no ticed

a (C)lit tle bit (Em7)shin ing through the seams.

And if (C)this is (Dm7)what it takes,

then (G)let me be the (C)one to (Dm7)bear the (Am)pain.

Oh, if (C)this is (Dm7)what it takes,

I’ll break (C)down these (Dm7)walls that are (C)in our way,

if (G)this is what it takes.

You

’Cause if you (F)don’t un der stand yet,

then I’ll nev (Gsus)er let you for get

that (Am)you don’t have to do this on your (C)own.

I’ll be your (F6/9)shoul der to lean on,

I’ll be your (Gsus)right when you feel wrong.

So (Am)come on, take my hand, we’re mov in’ on.

And if this is (Dm7)what it takes,

then (G)let me be the (C)one to (Dm7)bear the (Am)pain.

Ooh, and if (C)this is (Dm7)what it takes,

I’ll break (C)down these (Dm7)walls,

these (C)walls that are in our way,

if (G)this is what it takes.

This Is What It Takes by Shawn Mendes

Easy piano arrangement in the key of C at 81 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

About “This Is What It Takes”

What key is "This Is What It Takes" in?: "This Is What It Takes" by Shawn Mendes is in the key of C with a tempo of 81 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "This Is What It Takes" easy to play on piano?: Yes — this arrangement is rated easy, meaning it uses simple chord patterns and a manageable tempo. Most beginners can play through it in 1-3 practice sessions using our color-coded notes.
Can I play "This Is What It Takes" without reading sheet music?: Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.
What chords are used in "This Is What It Takes"?: This arrangement of "This Is What It Takes" uses 9 chords: Am, Am7, C, Dm7, Em7, F, F6, G, +1 more.
How long does it take to learn "This Is What It Takes" on piano?: 1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.
What other songs by Shawn Mendes can I play here?: Try "I DON'T EVEN KNOW YOUR NAME", "LOST IN JAPAN", "FALLIN' ALL IN YOU". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.