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How to Play Bach's Prelude in C (Simplified) on Piano
Bach's first prelude is pure flowing broken chords — C, D minor, G, back to C. This simplified arrangement keeps the opening shape (climb each chord, hold the top) while skipping the virtuoso stretches.
It's also a stealth music-theory lesson: you're literally playing a I–ii–V–I progression.
🎼 Key: C major
📊 Level: medium
🎵 19 notes
💡 Tip: start at 50% speed in Practice Mode
🎹 Prelude in C Major (Simplified) — Notes to Play (in order)
C4 – E4 – G4 – C5 – E5 – D4 – F4 – A4 – D5 – F5 – G3 – B3 – D4 – G4 – B4 – C4 – E4 – G4 – C5
Notes marked with + play at the same time (two hands). Open the piano above, switch to Practice Mode, and follow the green highlights.
✅ 4 Tips to Learn It Faster
- Roll each chord bottom-to-top like a gentle wave, don't stab the notes.
- Hold each top note (E, F, B, C) while the next chord begins.
- Keep wrists loose — arpeggios punish tension fast.
- Once smooth, try the left hand doubling the lowest note of each bar.