How To Play 'How Do I Say Goodbye' On Piano: Chords & Tutorial

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 63 views

Let's dive into playing Dean Lewis's incredibly moving song, "How Do I Say Goodbye," on the piano! This track is known for its emotional depth and relatively simple yet beautiful chord progression, making it a fantastic choice for pianists of various skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or have been tickling the ivories for years, this guide will walk you through the chords, structure, and tips to bring this song to life on your piano.

Understanding the Emotional Core of the Song

Before we even touch the keys, it's important to connect with the emotional core of "How Do I Say Goodbye." This song is raw, honest, and deals with the incredibly difficult topic of saying goodbye to a loved one facing a serious illness. Understanding this emotional weight will inform your playing, adding depth and sincerity to your performance. Try to listen to the song actively, focusing not just on the notes but on the feeling it evokes. Think about the vulnerability in Dean Lewis's voice and how the simplicity of the arrangement amplifies the emotional impact. This understanding will translate into a more heartfelt and authentic rendition on the piano. Consider the dynamic variations – where the song builds and where it pulls back. These nuances are crucial for conveying the song's emotional journey. Also, pay attention to the subtle shifts in tempo and how they contribute to the overall emotional landscape. By internalizing the emotional narrative, you'll be able to connect with the song on a deeper level and communicate that emotional resonance to your audience.

Identifying the Key and Basic Chords

Okay, guys, let's break down the music! "How Do I Say Goodbye" is primarily in the key of C major. This makes it relatively accessible, as C major has no sharps or flats in its key signature. The basic chords you'll need to know are:

C Major: C - E - G
G Major: G - B - D
Am (A minor): A - C - E
F Major: F - A - C

These four chords form the foundation of the entire song. You'll notice that these are all common chords, making the song easier to learn. Mastering these chords in their root position is the first step. Once you're comfortable with the basic voicings, you can explore inversions to add variety and smoothness to your playing. Inversions involve changing the order of the notes within the chord. For example, the first inversion of C major would be E - G - C, and the second inversion would be G - C - E. Experimenting with inversions can help you create smoother transitions between chords, especially when moving between chords that are far apart on the keyboard. Also, pay attention to the quality of each chord. C major and G major are bright and uplifting, while A minor is more melancholic. Understanding the emotional quality of each chord will help you convey the song's emotional message more effectively.

Chord Progression and Song Structure

The main chord progression in "How Do I Say Goodbye" largely revolves around a simple but effective sequence:

C - G - Am - F

This progression repeats throughout much of the song, creating a sense of familiarity and building emotional resonance. The song structure typically follows a verse-chorus format. Here's a general outline:

Verse: C - G - Am - F
Chorus: C - G - Am - F
Bridge: (May have slight variations, but often returns to the main progression)
Outro: (Often fades out on the C chord)

While the chord progression is repetitive, Dean Lewis adds variation through his vocal melody and dynamic changes. As a pianist, you can mirror this by adding subtle variations in your playing. Try experimenting with different rhythms and voicings to keep the song interesting. For example, you could try playing the chords as arpeggios (playing the notes of the chord one after another) instead of block chords (playing all the notes at the same time). You could also try adding embellishments, such as passing tones or suspensions, to create a more intricate texture. Pay close attention to the dynamic markings in the sheet music or listen carefully to the recording to identify where the song builds and where it softens. These dynamic changes are essential for conveying the emotional arc of the song.

Adding Flavor: Inversions, Voicings, and Dynamics

To really make the song your own, let's explore some techniques to add flavor and emotional depth:

Inversions: As mentioned earlier, using inversions can create smoother transitions between chords. Experiment with different inversions to find what sounds best to your ear.
Voicings: Instead of always playing the chords in their root position, try spreading out the notes or changing the order. For example, you could play a C major chord with the notes C - G - E instead of C - E - G. This can create a more interesting and textured sound.
Dynamics: Pay close attention to the dynamics of the song. Use soft dynamics during the verses to create a sense of intimacy and build to louder dynamics during the choruses to emphasize the emotional intensity.
Rhythm: Experiment with different rhythms. You could try playing the chords as a steady pulse or adding syncopation to create a more driving feel.

Remember, the goal is to enhance the emotional impact of the song. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. Listen carefully to the original recording and pay attention to how Dean Lewis uses dynamics and rhythm to convey the emotional message of the song. Try to incorporate these elements into your own playing.

Simplifying the Chords for Beginners

If you're just starting out on the piano, don't be intimidated! You can simplify the chords even further:

C Major: Just play the C note!
G Major: Just play the G note!
Am (A minor): Just play the A note!
F Major: Just play the F note!

While this won't give you the full harmonic richness of the song, it will allow you to play along and get a feel for the rhythm and melody. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually add more notes to the chords.

Another helpful tip for beginners is to focus on the left hand. Try playing the root notes of the chords (C, G, A, and F) in the left hand while playing the melody in the right hand. This will give you a solid foundation to build upon. You can also try playing simple arpeggios in the left hand, breaking up the chords into individual notes. This can create a more flowing and less intimidating sound. Remember, the key is to start slow and gradually increase the complexity as you become more comfortable.

Finding Sheet Music and Tutorials

Alright, where can you find resources to help you learn? Here are some great options:

Musicnotes.com: This website offers a variety of sheet music arrangements for "How Do I Say Goodbye," catering to different skill levels.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: While primarily a guitar resource, Ultimate-Guitar often has chord charts and simplified versions of songs that can be helpful for piano players as well.
YouTube: Search for piano tutorials of "How Do I Say Goodbye." Many talented pianists have created videos breaking down the song and offering helpful tips.

When searching for tutorials, look for ones that provide clear explanations of the chords and rhythm. It's also helpful to find tutorials that show the hand positions on the keyboard. This can help you visualize the chords and make it easier to learn. Don't be afraid to try different tutorials until you find one that resonates with you. Some tutorials may be more detailed than others, or they may use different teaching styles. Experiment and find the resources that work best for your learning style.

Practice Tips for Success

Okay, let's talk practice. Here are some tips to help you learn "How Do I Say Goodbye" effectively:

Start Slow: Don't try to play the song at full speed right away. Begin by practicing the chords slowly and deliberately, focusing on accuracy.
Break It Down: Divide the song into smaller sections and practice each section separately. Once you've mastered each section, you can start putting them together.
Use a Metronome: A metronome can help you keep a steady beat and improve your rhythm. Start with a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
Record Yourself: Recording yourself playing can help you identify areas where you need to improve. Listen back to your recording and pay attention to your rhythm, dynamics, and accuracy.
Be Patient: Learning a new song takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Just keep practicing and you'll eventually get there.

Adding Your Own Personal Touch

Once you've mastered the basic chords and structure, feel free to add your own personal touch to the song. Experiment with different voicings, rhythms, and dynamics to create a unique interpretation. You could also try adding embellishments, such as trills or grace notes, to add a touch of flair. The most important thing is to connect with the emotional core of the song and let your own personality shine through.

Consider adding a brief instrumental introduction or outro to the song. This can be a great way to showcase your creativity and add a personal touch. You could also try transposing the song to a different key to better suit your vocal range or playing style. Don't be afraid to experiment and take risks. The goal is to make the song your own while still honoring the original emotional intent.

Final Thoughts: Expressing Emotion Through Music

"How Do I Say Goodbye" is a powerful song that resonates with many people because of its raw emotional honesty. By learning to play it on the piano, you have the opportunity to connect with that emotional depth and share it with others. Remember to focus not just on the notes but on the feeling behind the music. Let the emotional weight of the song guide your playing and allow you to express yourself through music.

So, go forth and create some beautiful music! Let the emotional power of Dean Lewis's "How Do I Say Goodbye" flow through your fingers and touch the hearts of those who listen. Happy playing, guys!