PIANUMERO
Easy piano · 9 keys

Ravel · Boléro easy piano by numbers

Maurice Ravel, Boléro (1928), first theme · 42 s · 101 notes · public domain

Boléro is easy to play on the piano with numbers. One hand, 9 keys, about 42 seconds: press the numbers in order, as they light up, and the lesson waits for you. Free, no account needed.

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On paper: the 25 easiest songs, in a printable book · 2 songs free to print

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The interactive lesson needs JavaScript. Meanwhile, here is the whole song in numbers.

Ravel · Boléro piano notes: C B C D C B A C · C A C B C A G E · F G F E D E F G …

The number sheet

The whole song, in numbers. Print it, or put it on your piano.

8C·7B·8C·9D·8C·7B·6A·8C·
8C·6A·8C·7B·8C·6A·5G·3E·
4F·5G·4F·3E·2D·3E·4F·5G·
6A·5G·6A·7B·6A·5G·4F·3E·
2D·3E·2D·1C·1C·2D·3E·4F·
2D·5G·9D·8C·7B·6A·7B·8C·
9D·8C·7B·8C·7B·6A·8C·7B·
6A·4F·4F·4F·4F·6A·8C·6A·
7B·5G·4F·4F·4F·4F·6A·7B·
5G·6A·4F·2D·2D·1C·2D·2D·
2D·2D·4F·6A·4F·5G·3E·2D·
2D·1C·2D·2D·1C·2D·3E·4F·
5G·4F·3E·2D·1C·

How to play Ravel · Boléro on the piano

The hypnotic first theme of Ravel's Boléro, composed in 1928 as a ballet score: one single melody that repeats while the orchestra slowly grows around it. The original is in C major, so it is played here exactly as written, on white keys.

This easy version uses 9 keys (all white keys) and the right hand only: 101 notes, about 42 seconds at 72 BPM in 3/4 time. It has no words.

  1. Find key 1: C4 (middle C). The other numbers go up from there, one white key each.
  2. Press ▶ Listen to hear the song while the numbers light up.
  3. Press 🎹 Play it and play the numbers in order; an arrow shows the next key, and the lesson waits for you.
  4. Want the rhythm too? Press 🌧 Falling notes: each note falls onto its key, and its length shows how long to hold it (how falling notes work).
  5. Finish the song for up to three stars — fewer mistakes, more stars.

The keys

NumberNoteKeyWhere
1CC4middle C
2DD4above middle C
3EE4above middle C
4FF4above middle C
5GG4above middle C
6AA4above middle C
7BB4above middle C
8CC5above middle C
9DD5above middle C

New to numbers? How piano numbers work · Where is middle C? · Know do re mi? The same keys in do re mi

Ravel · Boléro in letter notes

Show the whole song in letter notes, line by line

C B C D C B A C

C A C B C A G E

F G F E D E F G

A G A B A G F E

D E D C C D E F

D G D C B A B C

D C B C B A C B

A F F F F A C A

B G F F F F A B

G A F D D C D D

D D F A F G E D

D C D D C D E F

G F E D C

How to read piano letter notes

Questions

How do you play Ravel · Boléro on the piano, the easy way?

With one hand and 9 keys: put a finger on key 1, C4, and number the keys the song uses from there. Then press the numbers in order: 8 7 8 9 8 7 6 8 (in letter notes: C B C D C B A C). The whole song lasts about 42 seconds; the lesson on this page shows the next key and waits for you.

How many keys do I need for Ravel · Boléro?

9 keys, all white keys, played with the right hand: 1 = C, 2 = D, 3 = E, 4 = F, 5 = G, 6 = A, 7 = B, 8 = C, 9 = D.

What are the first notes of Ravel · Boléro?

In numbers: 8 7 8 9 8 7 6 8. In letter notes: C B C D C B A C.

Is Ravel · Boléro free to play and share?

Yes. Ravel · Boléro is in the public domain (Maurice Ravel, Boléro (1928), first theme). This easy arrangement, its number sheet and its MIDI file are free to use and share for learning.

Can I play it without a piano?

Yes: tap the keys on the page on a phone or tablet, or press the numbers 1–9 on a computer keyboard. The lesson waits for the right key and shows the next one.

How long does it take to learn?

The whole song lasts 42 seconds at 72 beats a minute. Most beginners play it through within a few tries; lower the speed with the slider to go slower.

If you like Boléro, try

Beethoven · Für Elise

Beethoven, Bagatelle No. 25 WoO 59 (1810)

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Eine kleine Nachtmusik

Mozart, Serenade No. 13 K.525 (1787)

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Can-Can

Offenbach, Orpheus in the Underworld (1858)

Easy9 keys20 s

Mozart · Symphony No. 40

Mozart, Symphony No. 40 K.550 (1788)

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