The piano notes for Noche de paz
Phrase by phrase, as shown beneath each note in the sheet music:
- G A G E G A G E
- D D B C C G
- A A C B A G A G E
- A A C B A G A G E
- D D F D B C E
- C G E G F D C
How to Play It
- Count 6/8 in two long beats, not six: "one-two-three, four-five-six." Use the metronome to mark only one and four, at about 50 beats per minute.
- The characteristic rhythm is a dotted eighth note followed by a sixteenth note and an eighth note. Say it aloud with that lilting feel, then play it.
- For the first phrase, place your thumb (1) on E: play G with 3, A with 4, and E with 1. For D D B C C G, move your thumb to G: play D with 5, B with 3, C with 4, and G with 1.
- The phrase "D D F D B C E" fits with your thumb on B: play D with 3, F with 5, B with 1, C with 2, and E with 4.
- The last phrase descends to low C. Take your time shifting hand positions, and hold the final note for its full length without cutting it short.
The left hand
Add one chord per measure, following the symbols above: C major (C), G7 (G7), and F major (F). In 6/8, play the chord on the first count and again on the fourth to keep the rocking feel. Before putting both hands together, practice just the chords with the metronome.
Chords in this score: C, G7, F.
About the Piece
Franz Xaver Gruber wrote the music and Joseph Mohr wrote the lyrics. It was first performed on Christmas Eve in 1818 in Oberndorf, Austria, and has long been in the public domain. This version has the right-hand melody in C major, with note names underneath and left-hand chords above.
Frequently asked questions
What are the piano notes for Silent Night?
In C major: G A G E G A G E, then D D B C C G, then A A C B A G A G E (twice), then D D F D B C E, and finally C G E G F D C.
Is Silent Night easy to play on piano?
It's at an early intermediate level. The notes are easy, but the 6/8 time signature and dotted eighth note and sixteenth note rhythm take practice. It helps to learn Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star or Ode to Joy first.
What is the time signature of Silent Night?
In 6/8, counted as two long beats with three eighth notes each. To learn more about time signatures, see this guide.