Easy piano · 9 keys

Can-Can easy piano by numbers

Q: How many keys do I need for Can-Can?

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

Q: What are the first notes of Can-Can?

In numbers: 1 2 3 5 4 3 6 6. In letter notes: G C D F E D G G.

Offenbach, Orpheus in the Underworld (1858) · 20 s · 48 notes · public domain

Can-Can is easy to play on the piano with numbers. One hand, 9 keys, about 20 seconds: press the numbers in order, as they light up, and the lesson waits for you. Free, no account needed.

▶ Play it now

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.

Can-Can piano notes: G C D F E D G G · G A E F D D D F · E D C C B A G F …

The number sheet

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

1G·2C·3D·5F·4E·3D·6G·6G·

6G·7A·4E·5F·3D·3D·3D·5F·

4E·3D·2C·9C·8B·7A·6G·5F·

4E·3D·2C·3D·5F·4E·3D·6G·

6G·6G·7A·4E·5F·3D·3D·3D·

5F·4E·3D·2C·6G·3D·4E·2C·

How to play Can-Can on the piano

The "Galop infernal" from Jacques Offenbach's operetta Orpheus in the Underworld (1858), the tune of the French can-can. Here its famous refrain, in C major.

This easy version uses 9 keys (all white keys) and the right hand only: 48 notes, about 20 seconds at 100 BPM in 2/4 time. It has no words.

Find key 1: G3 (below middle C). The other numbers go up from there, to the next key the song uses. Key 1 comes only once: rest your thumb on key 2, C4, and move your hand down for key 1 when it comes.

Press ▶ Listen to hear the song while the numbers light up.

Press 🎹 Play it and play the numbers in order; an arrow shows the next key, and the lesson waits for you.

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).

Finish the song for up to three stars — fewer mistakes, more stars.

The keys

Number	Note	Key	Where
1	G	G3	below middle C
2	C	C4	middle C
3	D	D4	above middle C
4	E	E4	above middle C
5	F	F4	above middle C
6	G	G4	above middle C
7	A	A4	above middle C
8	B	B4	above middle C
9	C	C5	above middle C

Number

Note

Key

Where

below middle C

middle C

above middle C

Can-Can in letter notes

Show the whole song in letter notes, line by line

G C D F E D G G

G A E F D D D F

E D C C B A G F

E D C D F E D G

G G A E F D D D

F E D C G D E C

Questions

How do you play Can-Can on the piano, the easy way?

With one hand and 9 keys: put a finger on key 1, G3, and number the keys the song uses from there. Then press the numbers in order: 1 2 3 5 4 3 6 6 (in letter notes: G C D F E D G G). The whole song lasts about 20 seconds; the lesson on this page shows the next key and waits for you.

How many keys do I need for Can-Can?

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

What are the first notes of Can-Can?

In numbers: 1 2 3 5 4 3 6 6. In letter notes: G C D F E D G G.

Is Can-Can free to play and share?

Yes. Can-Can is in the public domain (Offenbach, Orpheus in the Underworld (1858)). 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 20 seconds at 100 beats a minute. Most beginners play it through within a few tries; lower the speed with the slider to go slower.

More by Jacques Offenbach

If you like Can-Can, try

Can-Can easy piano by numbers

The number sheet

How to play Can-Can on the piano

The keys

Can-Can in letter notes

Questions

More by Jacques Offenbach

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