If you’ve been searching for piano sheet music for Bohemian Rhapsody, you’re definitely not alone.
The Bohemian Rhapsody is one of the most rock songs of all time, written by Freddie Mercury from Queen. It has resonated with audiences due to its intense and personal lyrics. The music is equally intense and catchy, consisting of a suite with great variety in textures. Just in case you want to watch the amazing official 1975 video by Queen again… check it out.
We can all agree that the piano solo played by Freddie Mercury is one of the most touching moments of the video, made more tragic after knowing what went on in his life. The piano solo version requires advanced skills, but is an audience favorite if mastered and performed. An easy version is included in the links below, but also requires skill in note-reading and knowledge of rhythm.
Can You Find Beginner AND Advanced Bohemian Rhapsody Piano Sheet Music?
Yes, you can absolutely find piano sheet music for Bohemian Rhapsody in different levels. MusicNotes has a super easy version, that’s great for beginner players, and the website also offers an advanced version, with more complex options that will challenge more intermediate players.
Of course, if you’re playing with an ensemble, or you want the option of singing along with lyrics, referring to guitar chords, and also playing a straightforward piano arrangement, the Hall Leonard piano/vocal/guitar score is a great option.
If you’re really looking for a challenge, then you can tackle the advanced piano solo version arranged by Philip Keveren.
If your note-reading capabilities are elementary, keep at it! It is like learning a new language. While your teacher can help provide reading exercises, learning notes is really the student’s responsibility and your progress will depend on how often and how consistently you practice! Of course, there are a plethora of YouTube tutorials for Bohemian Rhapsody and all kinds of songs, but if you can read music, you can play ANYTHING!!
Here are some tips for learning advanced sheet music to guide you as you work through this wonderful piece:
1. Read Carefully
Just want to put it out there! As a piano teacher, one of the most surprisingly difficult things I’ve encountered in lessons is teaching students how to read the score carefully, particularly notes and rhythm. With something as complicated as the Bohemian Rhapsody, make sure to observe and dissect each measure carefully. It is difficult to change bad habits and notes, so taking the time to learn correctly at the beginning will save you a headache later!
2. Practice Hands Alone
It is tempting to use both hands at the very outset. Do not!! Sight reading a few times through is fine, but after that, take the hands separately and focus on learning one hand at a time. It will help organize the music in your mind and is necessary when focusing on details. While learning hands alone, focus also on creating good fingerings, following articulation markings, and learning the correct rhythm.
3. COUNT!!!!
Speaking of rhythm, counting is essential for all stages of learning. The time signature tells you the number of beats per measure, so if you are missing a beat, that means something is incorrect! There is a saying that music consists of pitch and rhythm, and without one or the other, music becomes chaotic and disorganized. Rhythm is like the grouping of words into understandable sentences.
The rhythm in Bohemian Rhapsody is particularly difficult. The ties and syncopation require slow practice and correct counting, so make sure to mark in the rhythm for difficult passages. Listening to the original song will help you learn the feel of the music and grasp the rhythm more easily, but note that there is usually freedom of tempo and rhythm in a performance. This freedom should be added LATER, not at the beginning when learning the piece. Otherwise, your tempo will be off and will sound wrong without a solid grounding first.
4. Simplify the Left Hand
Unlike classical music, there is more leeway for popular music to be arranged freely. Therefore, simplify the left hand if needed by playing just the bass note or chord rather than extensive passagework. Sheet music includes chord symbols at the top of the staff, which will tell you what harmonies to play in each measure. For beginners, just play the note listed as single notes in the bass. For example, if the chord symbol says C, C6, or C7, simply play a single C or C major chord in the left hand.
Additionally, some passages in the right hand can also be simplified. Listen to the original song to understand the tune and find a way to alter some rhythms for easier reading. As long as the important notes and contour of the melody remain the same, the piece is still recognizable.
5. Avoid Too Much Pedal
Pedal is like makeup – it blurs the blemishes. While pedal is useful for a final product, it is often detrimental during practice. Pedal covers up the problems and makes it difficult for our ears to hear what our fingers really play. Students often use the pedal to cover up difficult spots or as a safety net for spots they are unsure of. Practice without pedal at the beginning and alternate between removing and adding pedal throughout your later practice. Pedal should ONLY be used if absolutely necessary to connect notes or to add color to the music near the final stages.
6. Take it Slowly
Learning music is a journey, and one needs the patience, focus, and perseverance to do well. The more difficult the piece, the more work is required.
Although we all wish we can just pull out our piano sheet music for Bohemian Rhapsody, sit down and perform the piece to awe our friends and family, most of us have to practice and practice and practice before attempting a performance of the work.
Learn to enjoy the process of putting a piece together, just as forming a life-long friendship with someone is about going through ups and downs together. With patience and taking it slow and carefully, you will be playing the piece soon enough!
Alison Chiang