How to Play Clocks on Piano
Coldplay
About this piece
Clocks is a beginner-intermediate piano piece by Coldplay that most students can learn in 4-5 weeks.
Driven by one of the most recognizable piano riffs in modern rock, Clocks is built on a propulsive three-chord arpeggio pattern. The fast tempo demands stamina, but the pattern is repetitive enough to build speed gradually.
Practice tips
- The iconic riff uses a Eb-Bbm-Fm arpeggio pattern in groups of three — start at 80 BPM and increase by 5 BPM daily until you can sustain it at 131.
- Use a slight wrist rotation rather than pure finger movement for the arpeggios — this prevents fatigue during the song's four-minute runtime.
- The left hand enters with octave bass notes; keep them short and punchy to drive the rhythm without overwhelming the right-hand arpeggios.
Common mistake
Tensing up during the fast arpeggios, leading to fatigue and uneven timing — shake out your hands between practice runs and focus on staying loose.
How long to learn
Not sure Clocks matches your level? Take the free 2-minute piano level quiz to find pieces that fit where you are.
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Clocks to play on piano?
Clocks is rated Beginner-Intermediate. Driven by one of the most recognizable piano riffs in modern rock, Clocks is built on a propulsive three-chord arpeggio pattern.
How long does it take to learn Clocks?
For a beginner, expect 4-5 weeks. An intermediate player can learn it in 1-2 weeks.
What is the BPM of Clocks?
Clocks is typically played at 131 BPM, in E-flat major.
What key is Clocks in?
Clocks is in E-flat major, typically performed at around 131 BPM.
What's the most common mistake when learning Clocks?
Tensing up during the fast arpeggios, leading to fatigue and uneven timing — shake out your hands between practice runs and focus on staying loose.
Where to find the sheet music
- Free scores on IMSLP (Petrucci Music Library)
- Community sheet music on MuseScore
- Wikipedia: Coldplay
Free public-domain editions of works like Beethoven, Chopin, and Debussy are on IMSLP. For contemporary works, MuseScore has community arrangements.
Ready to practice Clocks?
Upload your sheet music and start learning — at your tempo, hands separately, looping the hard parts.
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