Can a complete beginner play "This Is What It Takes"?

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. "This Is What It Takes" is simplified for beginners.

Do I need to read music to play "This Is What It Takes"?

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

This Is What It Takes — Beginner Piano Tutorial

Learn "This Is What It Takes" on piano — perfect for absolute beginners. Large color-coded notes show you exactly which keys to press. No music reading required. Key of C, 81 BPM.

Tip: Use the speed control to practice at 70% tempo first. Focus on tricky chord transitions before attempting the full arrangement.

Lyrics

I (C)watch your troub led eyes I’m as you rest, and I (Gsus)fall in love with ev ’ry breath. that’s 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. that’s 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.

Try other practice modes:

Falling Notes Lead Sheet Bar Sheet Simple Sheet

Song Details

Category: Pop
Key: C
Tempo: 81 BPM
Difficulty: medium
Artist: Shawn Mendes

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How to Play "This Is What It Takes" 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.