Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” has become a modern love song anthem, melting hearts with its sweet lyrics and relatable melody. But for aspiring pianists, it also presents a delightful challenge: a beautiful two-handed arrangement that demands equal attention from both sides. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just diving into the world of chords, this post will guide you through conquering “Perfect” with a detailed chord chart and helpful tips.
Delving into the Two-Handed Symphony:
The magic of “Perfect” lies in its interplay between right and left hands. The right hand carries the main melody, weaving delicate arpeggios and soulful chords, while the left hand provides a steady rhythmic foundation with alternating bass notes and rhythmic voicings.
Chord Chart for your Journey:
Verse 1 & 2: Ab | Fm | Db | Eb (x2)
Pre-Chorus: Ab | Fm | Db | Ab-Eb | Ab | Fm | Db | Eb
Chorus: Fm | Db | Ab | Eb (x4)
Post-Chorus: Ab-Gm | Fm-Eb | Db | Eb
Verse 3 & 4: Ab | Fm | Db | Eb (x2)
Pre-Chorus: Ab | Fm | Db | Ab-Eb | Ab | Fm | Db | Eb
Chorus: Fm | Db | Ab | Eb (x4)
Bridge: Eb | Ab | Bb | Db
Chorus: Fm | Db | Ab | Eb (x4)
Outro: Ab | Fm | Db | Eb
Tips for Two-Handed Harmony:
- Start Slow and Steady: Don’t rush into the full tempo. Break down each section, mastering the individual chords and voicing in both hands before putting them together.
- Independence is Key: Practice each hand separately to ensure smooth transitions and accurate finger movements. Pay attention to rhythmic accuracy in the left hand, particularly the alternating bass notes.
- Listen Closely: Focus on creating a balanced sound between the melody and the accompaniment. Don’t let the bass notes overpower the right hand’s delicate arpeggios.
- Don’t Fear Experimentation: Once comfortable with the basic structure, try adding dynamics and expressiveness. Play with phrasing, dynamics, and tempo to personalize your interpretation of the song.
Let’s start with the basic chords you’ll need to play “Perfect.” These chords will form the foundation of the song. Don’t worry if you’re new to piano – we’ll take it step by step.
C I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets,
E To carry love, to carry children of our own.
Am We are still kids, but we’re so in love, fighting against all odds,
Now, let’s dive into how to play these chords with both hands.
Playing with Both Hands:
- Right Hand (Melody): Begin with the melody played by your right hand. For the chord C, play the notes C, E, and G together. Move to E and play E, G#, and B together. For Am, play A, C, and E together.
- Left Hand (Chords): Your left hand will play the corresponding chords. For C, play C, E, and G together. Move to E and play E, G#, and B together. For Am, play A, C, and E together.
- Putting it Together: Start by playing the C chord with your left hand while your right hand plays the C melody. Repeat this process for the E and Am chords. Practice slowly at first, and as you get comfortable, increase your speed
Conquering “Perfect”: Mastering Ed Sheeran’s Two-Handed Piano Gem with a Chord Chart
Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” has become a modern love song anthem, melting hearts with its sweet lyrics and relatable melody. But for aspiring pianists, it also presents a delightful challenge: a beautiful two-handed arrangement that demands equal attention from both sides. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just diving into the world of chords, this post will guide you through conquering “Perfect” with a detailed chord chart and helpful tips.
Delving into the Two-Handed Symphony:
The magic of “Perfect” lies in its interplay between right and left hands. The right hand carries the main melody, weaving delicate arpeggios and soulful chords, while the left hand provides a steady rhythmic foundation with alternating bass notes and rhythmic voicings.
Chord Chart for your Journey:
Verse 1 & 2: Ab | Fm | Db | Eb (x2)
Pre-Chorus: Ab | Fm | Db | Ab-Eb | Ab | Fm | Db | Eb
Chorus: Fm | Db | Ab | Eb (x4)
Post-Chorus: Ab-Gm | Fm-Eb | Db | Eb
Verse 3 & 4: Ab | Fm | Db | Eb (x2)
Pre-Chorus: Ab | Fm | Db | Ab-Eb | Ab | Fm | Db | Eb
Chorus: Fm | Db | Ab | Eb (x4)
Bridge: Eb | Ab | Bb | Db
Chorus: Fm | Db | Ab | Eb (x4)
Outro: Ab | Fm | Db | Eb
Tips for Two-Handed Harmony:
- Start Slow and Steady: Don’t rush into the full tempo. Break down each section, mastering the individual chords and voicing in both hands before putting them together.
- Independence is Key: Practice each hand separately to ensure smooth transitions and accurate finger movements. Pay attention to rhythmic accuracy in the left hand, particularly the alternating bass notes.
- Listen Closely: Focus on creating a balanced sound between the melody and the accompaniment. Don’t let the bass notes overpower the right hand’s delicate arpeggios.
- Don’t Fear Experimentation: Once comfortable with the basic structure, try adding dynamics and expressiveness. Play with phrasing, dynamics, and tempo to personalize your interpretation of the song.
Beyond the Chords:
“Perfect” is more than just notes on a page. It’s a story of love, connection, and finding your perfect someone. Capture the essence of the song by infusing your playing with emotion and intention. Let your fingers tell the story, conveying the joy, tenderness, and vulnerability that make “Perfect” such a timeless masterpiece.
With dedication and practice, you’ll conquer this two-handed masterpiece and bring “Perfect” to life on the piano. Remember, the journey is just as rewarding as the destination, so enjoy the process, embrace the challenge, and let the music flow.
Bonus Resources:
- Several helpful YouTube tutorials offer visual demonstrations of the two-handed “Perfect” piano arrangement.
- Consider playing a simplified version of the left hand to start, focusing on the right-hand melody.
- Most importantly, have fun and let your love for music shine through!
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