How to Play Hello on Piano
Adele
About this piece
Hello is a beginner-intermediate piano piece by Adele that most students can learn in 3-4 weeks.
Adele's comeback single opens with a haunting piano introduction before building into a massive chorus. The F minor tonality and expressive dynamics make it a great study in emotional playing.
Practice tips
- The iconic intro uses a Fm-Ab-Eb-Db progression with arpeggiated chords — let each arpeggio ring with sustained pedal and focus on the top note carrying the melody.
- The chorus demands powerful block chords — practice dropping into the keys with arm weight from above rather than pressing from the finger to get a resonant, non-harsh fortissimo.
- The transition from quiet verse to explosive chorus is the key moment — practice the last two bars of the verse and first two bars of the chorus as a four-bar unit.
Common mistake
Playing the intro arpeggios too mechanically — they should have a slight rubato, lingering on the top note of each arpeggio like Adele's voice lingers on key words.
How long to learn
Not sure Hello 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 Hello to play on piano?
Hello is rated Beginner-Intermediate. Adele's comeback single opens with a haunting piano introduction before building into a massive chorus.
How long does it take to learn Hello?
For a beginner, expect 3-4 weeks. An intermediate player can learn it in 1 week.
What is the BPM of Hello?
Hello is typically played at 79 BPM, in F minor.
What key is Hello in?
Hello is in F minor, typically performed at around 79 BPM.
What's the most common mistake when learning Hello?
Playing the intro arpeggios too mechanically — they should have a slight rubato, lingering on the top note of each arpeggio like Adele's voice lingers on key words.
Where to find the sheet music
Free public-domain editions of works like Beethoven, Chopin, and Debussy are on IMSLP. For contemporary works, MuseScore has community arrangements.
Ready to practice Hello?
Upload your sheet music and start learning — at your tempo, hands separately, looping the hard parts.
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