Have you ever wanted to learn how to play Viva La Vida by Coldplay on piano? There have been many different adaptations of Coldplay songs, including acoustic and piano versions. Read this page to find out how to play "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay.
Coldplay first appeared in 2000 with their album, Parachutes.http://www.metrolyrics.com/coldplay-albums-list.html Since 2000, the band has continued to come out with more songs and albums. John Buckland, Chris Martin, Will Champion, and Guy Berryman are the members that make up the successful band.http://www.notablebiographies.com/news/Ca-Ge/Coldplay.html Some hit songs include "Clocks," "Viva La Vida," "Yellow," "Fix You," "A Rush of Blood to the Head," "The Scientist," and "Speed of Sound." Their most recent album, Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends, came out in 2008 and contains the song you will be learning today--"Viva La Vida."
The best thing to do when starting this song is to get the quick rhythm down, before you continue on through the song. This page will guide you through three simple steps and before long, you'll be playing "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay.
How to Play Viva La Vida by Coldplay on Piano Video
This video features Katy playing and teaching "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay. She explains each chord and section and how to play those chords. Then, she plays them for the viewers so they know what it looks and sounds like. The video provides audio and visual representation to ensure the viewers' understanding of the song. At the end of the video, there are several links to videos that teach viewers how to play other songs on the piano.
Step 1: Intro and Verse
The intro (which is the beginning of a song) and the verse are nearly identical, but the intro has no accompanying words. The chords are: D flat, then A flat Sus 4 over E flat, to A flat, and finally F minor. These chords are tapped instead of held, to get an upbeat sound. The intro (this chord progression) is played twice before moving onto the verse.
For the verse, like said before, it is the same chord progression. Continue to play and repeat the progression until you reach the lyrics, "the streets I used to own" where a little eight bar break will occur.http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/c/coldplay/viva_la_vida.html The eight bar break is the same as the intro, just play it twice.
Step 2: Chorus
The chorus is similar to the intro and verse, but you will be playing it on a higher octave on the piano. The chords are: D flat, to E flat Sus 4, then A flat, and finally F minor. Play this chord progression twice. Then, it changes to this chord progression: D flat, to E flat add four, C minor seven, and then F minor. After that progression, there will be an eight bar break, just like the intro. Play the verse again (exactly the same as in Step 1) and the chorus again (which is what you just learned in this step).
Step 3: Bridge and Outro
Now that you've learned the chorus, it's time for the bridge it make its appearance. The bridge chords are as follows: D flat, to F minor, to D flat again, and back to F minor. Play this three times, but end the last progression with the E flat Sus 4 chord. Then you will play D flat, to A flat Sus 4 over E flat, then A flat, to F minor (which is the same as the intro and verse). Play that progression another time as Chris Martin begins to sing the "Ohhh" part of the lyrics.http://www.lyricsmania.com/viva_la_vida_lyrics_coldplay.html
Then, proceed to the last chorus, but there is a slight variation. Each chorus plays four times, but on the fourth time for this last chorus, you will end it with a C minor seven chord instead of playing it on the third time. The last part of the song is the outro, which is fairly simple. Instead of tapping the keys, you will be holding the chords for a more smooth, mellow sound. The chords are: B flat major seven, to B flat diminished seven, C minor seven, and then it ends on F minor. Play it a second time and fade it out. You have now learned how to play "Viva La Viva" by Coldplay on piano.
More Coldplay How Tos on Guitar and Piano
Check out the how tos below to learn how to play other songs by Coldplay:
Guitar
- How to Play Clocks by Coldplay on Guitar
- How to Play Fix You by Coldplay on Guitar
- How to Play Speed of Sound by Coldplay on Guitar
- How to Play Viva La Vida by Coldplay on Guitar
- How to Play White Shadows by Coldplay on Guitar
- How to Play Yellow by Coldplay on Guitar
Piano
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
There are five parts to the song: the intro, the verse, the chorus, the bridge, and the outro.
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Fact:
The most important thing to get down is the rhythm of the song.
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Fact:
Sing along as you play to make sure your timing is correct.
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Fact:
If you would rather not sing, then play along as you watch Coldplay play the song.
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Fact:
The chords throughout the entire song are similar, so it shouldn't be too hard for beginners.
