How to Play "Happy Birthday" on the Piano

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Hoping to liven up a friend or loved one's birthday party with a rendition of "Happy Birthday"? Playing this famous tune is fairly simple—all you need is some basic piano knowledge to really nail this piece. We've walked you through everything you need to know, so you can master this easy piano song in no time.

Steps

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    This note is "G."
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    This note is "A."
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    Play this note with your second finger.
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    Play G twice, A once, and then G again.
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    It depends on which hand is more comfortable to play with.
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    Play the E note quickly with the right hand. Then move on to the C and play the note twice.
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    Play these notes with the second and third fingers of your left hand.
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    Keep practicing until it is smooth and sounds like the original piece. The notes are as follows, for the more confident players: Left hand: G, G, A, G, C, B, G, G, A, G Right hand: D, C Left hand: G, G Right hand: G, E, C, C, Left hand: B, A Right hand: F, F, E, C, D, C.
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  • Question
    How do I play "Happy Birthday" with only five notes and one hand?
    Community Answer
    Find a simple version of the song with few notes. Play only the treble line if you're playing one-handed.
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  • Question
    Where are the A and B keys?
    Community Answer
    There is a pattern of alternating groups of 3 and then 2 black keys (||| || ||| || ||| || |||). The A key is the white key on the left of the farthest right black key in any group of 3 black keys. The B key is the white key to the right of that one.
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  • Question
    I think the happy birthday piece is great, but the only part that doesn’t sound right is in the middle that has the two notes, A and B, one after another. Is this correct?
    Community Answer
    Sometimes when you are playing a piano piece, you come across a couple of notes that sound wonky. Seconds, for example playing 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, or 4-5, are used in several famous pieces. When you play the whole thing together at normal speed, A-B won't sound as odd.
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