Megalovania,” composed by Toby Fox, has become an iconic piece associated with the indie game Undertale. Known for its powerful, fast-paced melody, it poses a fun and engaging challenge for pianists of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve your repertoire or an experienced musician wanting to tackle this popular tune, this guide will break down how to play “Megalovania” on the piano.
The Basics Before You Begin
- Understanding the Song Structure: “Megalovania” is in a minor key, typically A minor or D minor, giving it a dark, intense sound. Familiarize yourself with these keys before starting.
- Sheet Music and Practice Tools: Obtain a copy of the sheet music or look up a reliable piano tutorial video for visual assistance. If you’re using sheet music, ensure it’s simplified if you’re a beginner.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
1. Start with the Intro
- The intro of “Megalovania” sets the tone for the entire piece with a strong rhythm and repetitive notes. Begin by finding the starting notes on your piano. If you’re playing in A minor, start with the note A.
- Play a simple arpeggio pattern in your left hand to create a rhythmic backing. Practice until you can keep a consistent tempo.
2. Master the Main Melody
- The main melody is fast-paced and requires precision. Begin by isolating your right hand to practice the melody without any distractions. Focus on playing slowly and evenly.
- Break the melody into small sections, repeating each part until you can play them smoothly. This method is especially useful for tackling the more intricate parts of the piece.
3. Adding the Left Hand
- Once you’re comfortable with the right-hand melody, integrate your left hand. The left-hand part often features repetitive chords or bass notes that support the main theme.
- Start by playing the left-hand notes slowly, matching them with the corresponding right-hand melody. Gradually increase the speed as your confidence builds.
4. Building Speed and Dynamics
- “Megalovania” is known for its fast tempo. Use a metronome to help build speed incrementally. Start at a slower tempo (e.g., 60-70 BPM) and increase the speed in small increments until you reach the desired pace.
- Add dynamics by playing certain parts more loudly or softly, which can add emotion and authenticity to your performance. Emphasize the main beats and use staccato notes to match the song’s intensity.
Tips for Practicing
- Segment Practice: Practice short sections repeatedly before attempting the whole piece. This makes memorization easier and helps with muscle memory.
- Use a Metronome: A metronome will help you maintain a steady rhythm and gradually increase your playing speed.
- Stay Relaxed: Tension can make fast pieces difficult to play. Keep your hands and wrists loose to improve fluidity.
- Repeat with Purpose: Don’t rush through repetitions. Focus on playing each segment accurately, even if it means going over the same part multiple times.
Common Challenges and Solutions
- Fast Finger Transitions: This piece requires quick finger transitions, which can be difficult for beginners. Practice finger drills and exercises to increase your agility.
- Maintaining Tempo: Start slow and only increase speed when you can play the piece comfortably.
- Coordination: Playing with both hands can be tricky. Practice each hand separately before combining them.
Final Touches
- Once you’ve learned the basic structure and can play it fluently, try recording yourself or playing along with a backing track. This can help you identify areas that need improvement and give you a performance-ready feel.
Dylan Price