Why It’s Called the “Chopsticks” Song
In this guide, you’ll learn about its history, why it’s called "Chopsticks", see free sheet music and chords, and explore popular solo and duet variations inspired by this enduring melody.
Almost everyone who has touched piano keys has learned part of the
"Chopsticks" Song, originally named The Celebrated Chop Waltz for piano as
a kid, even if you've never had a piano lesson in your whole life. This
is the piano piece where you use your index fingers to hit the keys
with a chopping motion, hence the name.
How to Play Chopsticks Piano – Sheet Music & Chords
Unless you studied piano, most people only learn to play a portion of the first 16 measures of the
actual piece, with kids repeating it many times as parents can stand. Those
measures go like this:
- Play G and F together 6 times
- Play G and E together 6 times
- Play B and D together 4 times
- Play A and E together 1 time
- Play B and D together 1 time
- Play c and C (perfect octave) together 4 times
- B/D 1x
- A/E 1x
Where to Get the Sheet Music of the Song
If you would like to play the entire song, you can find the complete sheet music of the notes on
Musescore.com.
History of the Chopsticks Piano Waltz (1877)
Originally composed by 16-year-old Euphemia Allen, a female British composer, in 1877 under the name Arthur de Lulli, the Chopsticks piano waltz (also known as the Chopsticks song) remains one of the most recognized beginner piano duets. The music's name
comes from the instruction that the music be played in the staccato
chopping motion, akin to the phrase 'chop-chop'.
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EverythingChopsticks.com.