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Happy Birthday

Chords & Piano Lesson
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Hello! Below you'll find my "Happy Birthday" chords & lyrics chart as well as a tutorial video on how to play the piano accompaniment.
 

Happy Birthday is such a universal song that every musician should have up their sleeves. It's so great to be the one to lead everyone in a singalong at a birthday party, or to send a surprise recording to a loved one when you can't be there for their special day. The video includes a simple chord accompaniment for singing, as well as a more intermediate version that incorporates the melody.

Enjoy!

Lesson Video
Chord Chart

Happy Birthday Piano Tutorial

Here's a piano tutorial video for Happy Birthday:

Happy Birthday Chords & Lyrics

            F               C
Happy Birthday to you
            C7             F
Happy Birthday to you
            F7                  Bb
Happy Birthday dear ____
            F            C7 F
Happy Birthday to   you
This document is the author's own work and represents his interpretation of this song. It's intended solely for private study, scholarship or research.
This chord chart is here only to support online learning. We recommend buying official transcripts from a licensed and reputable publisher.
Happy Birthday Piano Tips
1. Take It Slow: It's counterintuitive, but the quickest way to get comfortable and sound great playing a song is to practice it very slowly at first. Steady rhythm and counting are crucial to sounding like a pro, so let yourself get used to feeling the beat at a slow, easy tempo. Once you can nail "Happy Birthday" slowly, *gradually* speed it up. You'll sound much better than if you jumped in at full speed!
 
2. Use The Pedal Wisely: Utilize the sustain pedal to connect the chords smoothly, timing your lifts with the arrival of a new chord. For help with sustain pedal timing, check out this video.  
 
3. Simplify if need be: "Happy Birthday" still sounds great even if you simply hold out the chords and ignore most of the rhythm patterns and extra details in the tutorial video. Feel free to keep it simple, especially if you sing while playing. As you get comfortable, you can always add the fancy stuff later.
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