How to Play "Your Song" by Elton John - Piano Tutorial by Piano Couture

Find part 2 of this tutorial and the Chord Sheet (all chords as per used in the tutorial) here: piano-couture....
My book on understanding music and playing piano by chords, ear & heart: hackthepiano.com
This lesson was taught by Coen: coenmodder.com
Facebook: / piano-couture-19421019...
Instagram: / coenmodder
Twitter: / piano_couture

[@pianocouture]

To everyone posting comments saying that I go too fast - or anything to that extent: First of all, I'm truly sorry that you guys feel that way and that it might cause confusion and/or friction in usability, likeability, of my tutorial. I'm really trying to help as best as I can. With this comment I just want to clarify my train of thought and how I decide to go about making a tutorial this way. First of all, please note that basically (normally) it's very hard, impossible even, to create a lesson to fit everyone's level. Someone who's been playing for 10 years will require different instruction than she who tries this as her very first song. Secondly, please note that I teach Pop-Piano using the "Hack the Piano" methodology. This is a contemporary piano-approach which deviates from the common "traditional" path of reading sheets and other types of classical training, and in stead takes the chords/patterns route - which is the way contemporary keyboard players think. Although I am 100% behind this method and believe it is in fact the best way to learn piano, as a consequence of taking this approach, some people that have been playing for 10 years following a traditional approach, might still not be able to follow along easily, since it's a completely different way of approaching music and the piano - in fact the way Elton John, as well as any other Pop/Rock/Soul/Jazz or any contemporary style piano/keyboard player approaches music. Although they both might get you from point A to point B, driving isn't the same on a motorbike as it is in a car. Those that are proficient with the Hack the Piano method should be able to understand this tutorial spot on. Thirdly: although I do my best to keep this tangible to as many as possible, please take my well-intended advice to NOT GO TO FAST TOO SOON. This doesn't just refer to tempo, but also to difficulty of the thing you're trying to learn. Elton John is a master at Pop-Piano. If you're just starting out, don't immediately expect to be playing just like him. This takes some practice ;) (probably years of it, but hey, see it as a wonderful challenge!). Fourthly, referring back to my first point: this is a video. Not only can you slow it down (click the cogwheel and select a slower playback speed), but also you can rewind and pause it. Similarly, those who feel it goes to slow can speed the video up. Therefore I chose this pace, which I thought would not be boring for the average person the song is actually suited for - intermediate (Pop-Piano) players. Those that do not want to go that fast can use either one of those beautiful features of KZbin's technology to make the video fit their level better. These features are so awesome that they in fact almost neglect the first point I made - it being impossible to create something fitting for everybody - but only if those features are actually being used. Fifthly: To provide more help for those that want it, I have created a "tutorial pack" which holds all the extra's you might want to learn the tune (as well as a few other tunes) at what might be a more convenient pace for you: Chord Sheet, MIDI files and the Tutorial Video itself. Link is in the description box below the video. Lastly: I'm sorry I didn't play the whole thing at the start. I do that in cover versions. This is a tutorial, which I felt is more to the point, concise and effective if I'd just go part-by-part. Everyone that wants to learn the tune, knows the tune, right? If you want to listen to the whole thing beforehand - which I HIGHLY recommend doing when you want to learn a tune, before each study session, to get a good feel for it - I recommend Spotify (or your equivalent, Apple Music, Deezer etc.), KZbin, or just poppin' in that good old LP you might have laying around (yes!). Having said all that, I am truly sorry if you did not like the video. We might not be a good fit. These things happen! I am sure there are quite a few other tutorials floating around KZbin which I really hope will fit your needs better! Cheers, Coen.

[@mcmgaming3]

I think that this was a very good tutorial and I finally found out how to play my favorite elton john song. Thanks!

[@DenisAhmet]

I have looked for others and there are only a couple of tutorials learning ‘your song’, yours is probably the best at the moment, but I wish you would try and improve on your teaching skills to make it easier for us. None of us are perfect in this world, we are all children, we never ever stop learning and improving, but only if we desire it.

[@181119671]

@@DenisAhmet For gods sake grow up. This is a free tutorial showing you how to play a beautiful song. If you can't manage it that is your fault, not the teachers. If you think he goes too fast or whatever rewind it and play it again. Or use one of the other ways suggested by the teacher. Why complain about something that is given to you for nothing. If you don't like the way he teaches there are about a million others doing the same thing. And Coen I don't know why you bother. So many people want so much for nothing. And when they get it they complain that it's not good enough. I would just charge the fools from the start and then you might find out who the serious ones are. I am a 50 bloke with stubby fingers and find it a bit hard getting them on to the right keys but I will persevere. I particularly like way you have the second keyboard showing the notes clearly without having to check if you are hitting a black or white key. Keep up the good work, if I can get through this I will look at moving ahead with more of your training videos. Cheers Tim

[@DenisAhmet]

Tim O'Loughlin Hello Tim, you have got it all wrong my friend. On the contrary, I have much respect for anyone taking their time on making tutorials, you may have not seen my original post expressing my thanks. Coen has the making of being a great teacher. This as I have said is the best tutorial for your song at the moment. The feedback he is getting may help him improve and master his talent for teaching. Taking constructive criticism personal will not help anyone, and that is what you have done in this instance. I hope you can relate to what I’m saying and wish you and everyone well for now and the future.

[@Aralmo640]

It's just perfect to me. I prefer to hear all the explanations a couple of times and then slow down the video and play along. Thanks for a great lesson off a great song.

[@jacobpalmborg5610]

I’m an adult beginner in my late 30’s and I just wanted to say thank you for a great tutorial. This has been my aspirational practice piece for about two weeks and when I started I thought there was no way I could pull this off. Lo and behold, with your guidance and about 200 replays of this video I now confidently play this song, it’s been a huge confidence boost in my learning journey so thank you!

[@captainpjd]

Ya, its a little fast and I am a beginner, but made me really concentrate. I am getting it, thanks great Video.

[@artzombie1626]

theres easier beginner songs but good on you for taking the challenge. hope your progression has been swift

[@phoenixskill5478]

This is the only piano tutorial guy who makes detailed tutorials and knows what he's talking about! Incredible job, keep it up!!!!

[@eamonmac2751]

That’s a bit harsh on others.

[@mikaeltoivonen7903]

@@eamonmac2751 Well, given that Phoenix has apparently reviewed all 350 000 other piano tutorials on KZbin, one must give him/her credit on a comprehensive analysis on the subject.

[@andrewr.9039]

This is the best intermediate tutorial I’ve ever seen. Brilliant. Everyone is trying to sell “play piano instantly”! Well, good luck to you.......never gonna happen

[@NyxSilver8]

One reason why Coen's tutorials sound better is becasue of the keyboard he's using, it costs $2500. My Casio WK 500 has 0, 1 or 2 touch sensitivity, and responds to speed only. The soft parts are supposed to be played fast, I need an algorithm for my keyboard and it would still suck. The magisterial of his touch sensitive keyboard along with his genius makes his tutorials fantastic, but hard to replicate with a real piano or any less expensive keyboard, right? Am I talking out of my butt here? I just watched 7 of these Your Song tutorial and it's his keyboard that sounds better than all the rest far and away. Going to have to call my trustee.

[@MarkH457]

Thank you so much for this, and all your vids. I started out on piano when I was a young boy (inspired by Elton John, Greatest Hits vol 1 was my very first album at 11-12 years old) but I soon switched to guitar and have been a rock/metal guitarist for over 40 years, but I recently decided to buy a piano and return to my roots, so to speak. Your videos are helping me learn to play some of my all time favorite songs and for that I am very grateful.

[@markcarter2019]

I think this is done very well. I just pause when I need to. I love the light touch and inflection as well. Thank you!

[@bors07021982]

I just spent an hour learning intro and verse only to find out chorus is for premium members. Thanks alot. I'll be singing to my boo upto "I would buy a big house" because she won't listen to anything else after that🤣

[@superextranova2172]

I know! I can't believe I worked an hour just to get up to there, very frustrating

[@smartiboo]

I just spent an hour reading the KZbin poster's justification comment.

[@miguelangeloof4547]

Miising the part I DONT HAVE MUCH MONEEEY BUT BOY IF I DID😅😅

[@Larrymarx]

Thank you sooo much for this great lesson, I can now play "Your Song"♪♫♪

[@oopsallplants]

ive been playing for a couple of years and i feel like you this video is perfect for me to pick up the core concepts i need. i can easily pause and scrub as i need. i appreciate how you go straight into it as well! i really like how you talk about how elton changes it around as well and pointed out the core things he usually emphasizes, it really is a good tutorial whether you want to play it exactly like the album or you want to learn it in a more relaxed way

[@bombsquash1]

This is the best tutorial I've ever seen

[@BuitragoVideo]

you don't see enough

[@bombsquash1]

@@BuitragoVideo prove showing me!

[@maddiewood-lewis6435]

This was amazing and well done! thank you for having an in depth piano accompaniment that isn't too slow for fast learners! I'm glad you played through each part before teaching it, that was really helpful because I often learn by ear.

[@srincrivel1]

You should probably start the video playing the whole thing, so we can get an overview. I mean, I don't know how difficult this song is, so I would like to see you playing before deciding to tackle this.

[@benanders1969]

Bigode Mcbeagles oui absolument !!!

[@Str8representing]

No, you need to learn it first xD

[@Bryan_Kay]

keep at it!

[@TerrysTravelRreviews]

You would never learn to play anything decent if you gave up before you started on the face value of it looking too complicated.. I learned how to play The Maple leaf rag with tutorials like this and wasn't put off by how complicated it looked... If you like a song that much that your want to learn it then that is all you need. this is a great song and it can't be any more complicated that learning the Maple leaf Rag..

[@johnnyofast5924]

You should probably be grateful someone puts out a free video instead of complaining things aren't the way you think they should be. I mean, maybe it's too difficult for you and you should start with mary had a little lamb or something.

[@alirezams649]

Thank you for the fantastic job , I wish you could put the second part chord progression as well when the song reach to its top

[@liljarosjuliusdottir286]

This was such a good tutorial❤️ Thank you so much! I’ve been playing for six years and I’ve always wanted to learn this song⭐️

[@andrewr.9039]

This perfect for people with a few years basic chord and scale theory which is painful and boring. You have provided a nice way to put it to practical,use for those of us that put in the work on the basics but couldn’t quite play stuff we always hope one day we could. Well done.

[@crystallibby1269]

Dude you're awesome. I got sheet music first, but the way you show how Elton is stylistic with the notes is so helpful. Thank you.

[@richardwagner6573]

Great tutorial, two days and wow....I’m Elton now ;-) really love your fast tutorial... THANKS

[@Gymnasticsislife-u2u]

You do move quick, but you pack alot in your tutorials. Keep on truckin!!! Your doing a great job.

[@skrtvonnegut]

Dude! You have an amazing voice like I've never had someone make me jealous like that before

[@billmarycarson3074]

Hello there, so glad I found this tutorial. I love playing Elton John's music and I really enjoy listening to you explain how to play and encouraging us to express some latitude in the styling which I think is very important.

[@kupsingh]

A very in-depth and instructive tutorial, thank you for publishing! Kudos for demonstrating the variations that Elton John uses when playing it live (there is always a bit of improv and embellishment in his playing.) Love the chord fingering overlay above the piano - what app did you use to generate it? I would suggest including in the video description a level of difficulty (beginner, intermediate, advanced) and basic requirements (this tutorial requires some knowledge of chords, inversions, and arpeggios) as it requires a certain level of skill on the piano to tackle this. Many of the beginner level players seem to leave a lot of testy comments and don't appreciate the amount of work you put into this tutorial. I would consider this to be an intermediate tutorial, and I was able to pick up the basics after about an hour.

[@stewartpaxton5260]

Thank you very much for this tutorial! I found it very informative and it has helped me learn the song for my band way quicker than I would have elsewhere, very much appreciated!

[@Crnicelad]

Brilliant lesson thank you!

[@abcd-by6rw]

Your diagrams are very helpful. For anyone criticizing the speed, you should be pausing the video to practice each part. I thought this was obvious? Good tutorial! Thanks x

[@chadsmithvids]

Super easy to learn from, thanks!

[@netviewer2010]

Great tutorial . Many thanks, have almost learnt the entire song. Had to improvise and find my way for the chorus . Your site says it’s not accepting any more clients .. anyway, great vid , clear and precise and just the right speed ... many thanks..

[@laurenrickard316]

netviewer2010 what chords did you use?

[@Ali-zv8fo]

Can you pleaseeeeee do a part two with the corus because I really want to learn it???🙏🙏🙏

[@somescams]

I really love his style.

[@DenisAhmet]

Thanks for the tutorial, it’s much appreciated. Piano is not my first instrument, but I’ve just set up a music room allowing me to play the piano without setting up. I’ve managed to get the intro, but found you rushed the verses/chorus, so I will need to break it down and rewind many many times to learn it. This tutorial is designed more for intermediate players. It may help people like me to break the video down in different parts/phrases/videos, playing it slowly. Yes I agree, it would also help playing the whole song or part and slowly for that matter at the beginning. If you could colour in the whole of the notes on the top of the page, it would be easier to read the chords, or hold down the chord for a few seconds so that it’s visible on the keyboard below it for enough time to pause the video to learn it. I would also suggest to keep one format of playing the song, it’s will be easier to follow. You could perhaps at the end of the tutorial different ways of playing it, which will benefit more advanced players.

[@pianocouture]

Thanks for the feedback! I do have my reasons though... Please check my pinned comment! ;)

[@dj_maridao]

For those who wants the chorus... A little tip... The chords are in this tutorial (U must know the music!), including the last one at 9:56....

[@kizza19941]

Hilarious

[@marked4death076]

Exactly

[@natet9366]

Man your voice sounds so awesome

[@virginiamb]

wow your voice is magical, I would like to hear a cover! Idk, but I need it

[@michaelbetteridge1177]

this is a hard song but i love the way you teach it, thank you for taking the time to make this video

[@levimust4479]

Very nice tutorial. The screen setup is very helpful.

[@jeffjohnson7381]

Just found your channel…love your style of teaching…also any more of Elton John songs you have for lessons would be greatly appreciated….also would love to learn some slow blues styles with left hand chords mixed with right hand runs and licks etc…look forward to seeing you a lot in the near future 👍🎹

[@MartinRamirez-oi8rq]

great tutorial

[@akindofmagic4606]

This is a really good tutorial. Awesome job!

[@Kacey_Jaymes]

PSA: This video does NOT contain the entire song tut and is only clickbait to get you pay for their "premium".

[@Mit2uba.]

Omg this is exactly what version I was looking for so I can sing along......I think i love you thank you so much 🤭💜

[@letsjava]

Brilliant tutorial! THANK YOU:0)

[@michelleuziel1568]

Best piano tutorials on the web. Thank you. Is there a way to access or purchase chords sheets after lessons so I can quickly reference chords w/out having to rewatch video? Thanks!

[@gautamvashishtha6330]

It's fantastic! Thanks! Can you please do a cover of what a wonderful world?

[@ironhead51094]

This is a great tutorial 👌 thank you so much!

[@beccarma758]

I love it! It’s taking me some time but it sounds so good. Thanks so much✌️

[@tommoodie9930]

Please do tiny dancer tutorial

[@AlexKnappa90]

5:08 - Billie Jean

[@archiesutherland6127]

lol

[@danguolekrevskaja9440]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@sadabnihal675]

🤣🤣🤣

[@dougblanks6883]

Thanks! Awesome job!

[@tomulrichts8008]

Very nice tutorial!

[@thpdv5123]

Thanks a lot , I'm gonna try to do it or something near to... I'm a great beginner.

[@Harry_Osborne]

Hi! I Don't see how to finish the song , wheere is It? Or which chords are ?

[@iggyjoens4504]

I really need the chorus part. I already signed up in piano lingo and cant find it. Pleeeeease i need it

[@andyhass1519]

its a hard song ill just have to keep practicing

[@abcd-by6rw]

public service announcement: everything is hard before it's easy

[@niko_hand589]

@@abcd-by6rw Exactly

[@XDinOosaure]

Thanks! Really good video and explanation 😊

[@jcon522]

Love your tutorials. This one and Blackbird especially. Could you do a tutorial for "Saturday Sun" by Nick Drake?

[@alissaontheroad606]

Thank you very much :) That's brillant and very helpful ! If you could just play the entire song at the beginning or at the end to give us an overview, it would be perfect ! :) Thank you :)

[@dagoelius]

ANy chance you could break down To Love the Language by Harry Connick Jnr. His left hand rhythm & timing has got me stumped.

[@vincentstrobbe1404]

This song is amazingly nice to hear. Thanks for the tutorial and all the explanation sounds epic and the explanation is very usefull. Would be nice if you had played it completely aswell with synthesia so we have a base to learn to Play it. Now it's very difficult to learn to Play it from your video. Would be a nice + if you still make it 😉 thumbs up !

[@WilliamsSilva-vc2kn]

Good job, wow fantastic.

[@timothyvanpelt_cyclist]

Thanks for this great tutorial. What I like: the speed, explanation of chord and pattern concepts, how the chords are altered (from the basic 1-3-5 chords). I agree that playing through the whole part in the beginning would be better -- to see where we're heading. Another thing that could be interesting to explain / point out: the key of the song and the used chord sequences, "why" the beginning chords all sound good over the Eb in the bass; that type of stuff. At least I would find your analysis mighty interesting! :)

[@pianocouture]

Sounds like you're interested in Piano Lingo ;). But seriously, if you feel these things are interesting, you might want to check that out. Launching end of this month.

[@evabrandenbuschMathe]

Hi Coen Modder, I have a question: I need the full tutorial of Your Song, but for 39€, I would like to have other songs than Billy Joel. Is it possible to choose 2 different songs in addition to "Your song"? I have a request: Your tutorials are great, but PLEASE don't show too many different patterns and stuff, I find this confusing. At this level we make our own pattern anyway. There is too much talking in between. I would love just to see your playing.

[@giorgiogouldberg3742]

Hi Coen, nice tutorial. If I had your skills I would be writing songs all day long . Can I ask where you are from? Keep up the good works.

[@seprezfilms]

you are great . thanx alot :)

[@georgeharrison3647]

very good tutorial friend, there will be a score for this beautiful song

[@thomasseidel4647]

So Mega cool !!!!! Thats amazing good Tutorial, like and abbonement =)

[@bergferreira3101]

Hello, I'm your fan, I really like your videos, which piano vst use to show the notes on the screen? thankful

[@user-ry2fh3ux1t]

I'm gonna get a piano for christmas, do you think that is good for a first song? (i already play guitar and ukelele)i'm 12 years old and I always wanted to play it.

[@IamMgh-xh9dl]

Honestly is a bit hard for your first song depending on how you adjust to new instruments I would recommend playing around with the sounds and making your own stuff but you can always give it a go but always remember don’t be disheartened if you can’t remember every note or get the rhythm right

[@RachelGreen-nr2pz]

Brilliant videos! 🤗

[@MsLyttah]

It's the best tutorial!!! Please< go on!

[@danguolekrevskaja9440]

Awesome!

[@albanitovazdeasevedo312]

And skyline pigeon tutorial? Please.

[@wayne_right]

Excellent! You are not going fast at all. Its on US to repeat and practice. Thats what replay and KZbin play speed is for.

[@xqclol1350]

is this the full song

[@nataliac9143]

don't think so :(

[@Hjino]

any chance you can do the moulin rouge version of Your Song?

[@Julie.Hebert]

Hi, I am looking for a way to play it in D or in C. Can you help us?

[@abdielarmandocruzleon2449]

Gracias amigo, he querido aprender esta canción desde hace años, muchas gracias. :')

[@nonilonalipio1216]

Good day , can you play Ballade pour Adeline with piano cover chords , thanks

[@chriscrawford1958]

I’m trying to purchase your course for Pop with Your Song and Piano Man, but it says “no longer available”! Why not???

[@daviperez97]

Good afternoon. could you share the figures?

[@andersoncostarj5458]

Maravilhoso 👏🏾😍🇧🇷

[@ericedelman]

Working this out on guitar. Anything on guitar with lots of Eb and Ab is a challenge. I had learned the whole thing in the wrong key. Doh!

[@tonyarmstronggames9207]

Im here cuz i wanna play this song to my girlfriend

[@NyxSilver8]

Do Chords only - 1 & 2 /& - 1/& 2 & - and SING for Christ's sake, sing!!

[@lauraclark1575]

So cute!

[@John-Kriton]

I forgot when I asked 😐

[@tonyarmstronggames9207]

@@John-Kriton damn that’s mean but ok

[@John-Kriton]

I'm just messing with you 😂

[@DamianWader]

So I was thrilled by your demo and how you go about approaching a song learning it and improvising on it. I immediately checked out your website only to find it was so convoluted and confusing. I love your method but can't stand the piecemeal way you go about offering it on the web. My God just charge a strong monthly rate and be done with it. I spent 20 minutes just trying to figure out where the hell I should start and then I didn't feel like practicing anymore.

[@marthelenada6197]

Thank you!!!!

[@zepaulopallermo1458]

what program do you use to make this kind of video with the keyboards

[@tthephenomenal]

Could you also teach us how to play “rocketman” or “I’m still standing”?

[@NyxSilver8]

He did the Rocket Man tutorial 4 years ago.

[@TerrysTravelRreviews]

Hi. On the chords what's with the yellow keys?

[@lauraclark1575]

Can I purchase this music from you please?

[@awol2602]

Hope you don't mind me pointing out you haven't got the hope you don't mind bit ! Great tutorial nevertheless.

[@OyukTuning]

Aaaaw, thank u soo muuuch

[@elsharkio]

Hey - are you using the RD800 piano sound for the tutorial or some other VST piano? Thanks

[@ZACHLEEmusic]

The chorus is made up of the same chords just different order, so don't worry y'all!! :)

[@Anaconda_czy]

U probs should show us what we're actually playing before playing it

[@harrysutton8651]

hey Coen, I need some help.... I bought the "Oldschool Pop Premium Tutorial Pack" a while back and I want to get back to the website which its on.... and I have forgot it, could you send me the link to the website for the songs?

[@TerrysTravelRreviews]

Hi, may I ask what software you use to bring the piano up on your screen and the keys to change colour as you play it?

[@th0ma572]

I don’t know if I’m just terrible at piano but I have no clue on what I’m doing

[@abcd-by6rw]

are you pushing the right keys? The fact you have no clue about what you are doing is good, because he tells you what to do.

[@petergravelle8826]

wow! u should please also do " daniel " TY

[@iwasright9686]

If you know the intro and the verse, you can easily figure out the chorus. No need to go to the premium route for that. It’s shady that people to do that on KZbin, but it’s his channel. So… oh well.

[@randychambers7902]

the secret is to first be able to read music and automatically transfer it to the keys with muscle memory. If a student cannot do the latter, then of course an instructor will always be "too fast".

[@artzombie1626]

k well obvs like and sub one of the best put together tutorials ive seen yet thanks