Mastering the Melody- A Step-by-Step Guide to Playing ‘How to Play Right Behind You’ on the Piano

How to Play “Right Behind You” on Piano: A Step-by-Step Guide

Playing the piano is a wonderful way to express yourself musically and to enjoy the beauty of classical music. One popular piece that many pianists aspire to play is “Right Behind You” by John Legend. This song combines a soulful melody with heartfelt lyrics, making it a favorite among both beginners and advanced players. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to play “Right Behind You” on the piano, ensuring that you can master this beautiful piece in no time.

Understanding the Song Structure

Before diving into the actual notes, it’s essential to understand the song structure of “Right Behind You.” The song is composed of three main sections: the intro, the verse, and the chorus. The intro sets the mood for the song and introduces the main melody. The verse contains the primary lyrics and showcases the song’s emotional depth. Finally, the chorus is the most memorable part of the song, with its catchy and uplifting melody.

Step 1: Learning the Chords

To play “Right Behind You” on the piano, you will need to familiarize yourself with the chords. The song is primarily in the key of A minor. Here are the chords you will be using:

– A minor
– E major
– F minor
– C major

Start by practicing these chords individually, ensuring that you can play them smoothly and with a clear sound. Once you are comfortable with the chords, begin to play them in sequence, mimicking the song’s chord progression.

Step 2: Noting the Melody

Next, it’s time to learn the melody of “Right Behind You.” Listen to the song carefully and identify the notes that make up the melody. The melody is a combination of single notes and arpeggios, which are a series of notes played one after another.

Start by practicing the melody in the right hand, using the middle octave of the piano. Pay attention to the rhythm and timing of the notes, ensuring that you can play them accurately. Once you are comfortable with the melody, try to play it along with the song to get a sense of the overall feel.

Step 3: Adding the Bass Line

The bass line in “Right Behind You” is played in the left hand and provides a solid foundation for the melody. To play the bass line, you will need to use a combination of single notes and chords.

Begin by practicing the bass line in the left hand, using the lower octave of the piano. Focus on the rhythm and timing of the notes, as well as the coordination between your right and left hands. Once you are comfortable with the bass line, try to play it along with the melody and chords.

Step 4: Combining Hands and Practicing the Full Song

Now that you have learned the melody, chords, and bass line, it’s time to combine them into the full song. Start by playing the chords in the right hand while the bass line is played in the left hand. Gradually add the melody, ensuring that all three parts are in sync.

Practice the full song repeatedly, focusing on your rhythm, timing, and overall coordination. Remember to take breaks and rest your hands if you feel any discomfort or tension.

Step 5: Expressing Emotion and Improvisation

Finally, to truly bring “Right Behind You” to life, it’s essential to express the emotion and story behind the song. Listen to the lyrics and try to convey the message through your playing. Additionally, feel free to add your own improvisations to the song, such as slight variations in the melody or chords, to make it uniquely yours.

By following this step-by-step guide, you should now be well on your way to playing “Right Behind You” on the piano. Enjoy the process, and remember that practice makes perfect. Happy playing!