Clocks, Coldplay (Lesson)

Tutorial on "Clocks" by Coldplay

Hi there everyone, and welcome to this tutorial on the fantastic song by Coldplay called Clocks.

Firstly, I want to say a big congratulations! You're on your piano debut, the very first level of the Rock School syllabus. So well done for taking the plunge and wanting to learn the piano, as well as diving into some great songs that have already been introduced to you at this level.

About the Song

One of my favorite songs by Coldplay is from their big album Rush of Blood to the Head, released in 2002. You can read all about that on the information sheet that comes with the track.

Beginner Level Techniques

As we are at the beginner level, you're just learning some of the basics:

• Learning scales
• Developing nice hand positions
• Approaching the piano using all fingers

As you begin to learn these basic techniques, they will help guide you through all the grades as you develop.

Finger Positioning

What's great about this song is that we are working around a five-finger position with the opening melody. If I think of notes from C to G, we are already using all of those fingers apart from the thumb.

Suggested Finger Technique

• I personally think you should start the melody with the fourth finger to get a bit of extra strength.
• The left hand provides a simple harmonic foundation while the right hand carries the vocal melody.

Right Hand Melody

I suggest starting on A4. The melody is essentially in two sections:

1. Use a bit of pedal if you want to.
2. Change back to A4 and finish nicely on the thumb.

You'll encounter a crotchet rest. After that, go back to G again using the fourth finger. When you get to this point, I would use two and one to navigate through the rest of the melody.

• Use the crotchet rest to jump back up to four again, and continue on that way.

Left Hand Support

With the left hand, try to keep it nicely supporting the melody.

Final Chords

At the very end of the song, we have some nice chords. We want to achieve nice voicing on both hands.

• If you want to use the pedal, change it with each harmony.
• The harmonies include:
  • G Major
  • D Minor (twice)
  • A Minor

If you feel really brave and want to attempt the opening riff (which is not mandatory), go for it! It's a great little section to learn. You can make it easier on yourself by doing the chords first and then breaking them up.

Performance Tips

Remember, as you play this song, you'll notice the words above the melody you're playing:

• Feel free to sing along if you want to!
• For example: "Let's go out and I can be saved, Tides that I try to swim against."

This is an exact replication of Chris Martin's vocal melody.

Practice Makes Perfect

By all means, listen to the track, put on your headphones, and sing along. Once it gets ingrained in you, you'll find it much easier to play.

• I believe that imitating and mimicking the top line of the song will make it feel much more natural for you as you perform and learn it.
• This technique applies not only to this song, but to all the grades and pieces in the Rock School syllabus.

Recap and Encouragement

So to recap:

• Have a lot of fun with this song! It's a really great tune to learn and something that everyone knows.
• If you're ever at a party, or with friends or at school/college, it's a fantastic piece to show off your skills.

You'll surely impress your friends, even at the beginner level!

Always keep that melody strong in the right hand, ensuring the melodic line rises above everything else.

If you have any questions, feel free to send a message, and I'll do my best to answer them for you.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial, and best of luck learning this fantastic song from Coldplay.

All the best! Cheers!