Master “Take on Me” Piano 🎹: 7 Essential Tips & Synth Secrets (2025)

close-up photography of piano

If you’ve ever found yourself humming that irresistible synth riff from a-ha’s “Take on Me” and wished you could play it on piano, you’re in the right place! This iconic 80s synth-pop anthem isn’t just a catchy tune — it’s a finger-twisting challenge that piano players worldwide love to conquer. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with everything from decoding the lightning-fast intro riff to choosing the perfect keyboard that captures that unmistakable synth magic.

Did you know the original hit version of “Take on Me” was released three times before it topped the charts? Just like the song’s journey, mastering it on piano takes patience and persistence. Stick with us, and by the end of this guide, you’ll not only be playing the notes but also infusing your performance with authentic synth-pop flair. Plus, we’ll share insider tips on sound design and recommend the best keyboards to bring that classic a-ha vibe right to your fingertips!

Key Takeaways

  • Master the iconic fast-paced intro riff by practicing slowly with a metronome and isolating hands.
  • Understand the chord progressions in the verse and chorus to build a solid foundation.
  • Choose the right instrument: digital keyboards like the Korg Minilogue or Roland Juno-DS bring authentic 80s synth sounds.
  • Use sound design tricks such as pulse waves and chorus effects to recreate the classic synth lead.
  • Leverage top tutorials and sheet music from HDpiano, Musicnotes, and PlutaX for structured learning.
  • Overcome common challenges with patience, breaking down sections, and focusing on timing and articulation.
  • Get inspired by piano covers that showcase the song’s emotional depth beyond its synth-pop roots.

Ready to find your perfect synth?

Table of Contents

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⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts for Mastering “Take on Me” on Piano

Welcome, fellow synth-pop aficionados, to the ultimate guide for conquering one of the most iconic keyboard riffs of all time! Before we dive deep, here are some quick tips and fascinating facts to get your fingers itching for the ivories. Learning to play a-ha’s masterpiece, which you can read more about in our deep-dive article on “Take on Me”, is a rite of passage for any keyboardist.

Quick Facts & Tips Details
Song Title “Take on Me”
Artist a-ha
Genre Synth-pop, New Wave
Release Year 1985 (hit version)
Iconic Instrument The unforgettable riff was originally crafted on a Roland Juno-60 synthesizer.
Tempo Approximately 169 BPM (Beats Per Minute)
Key Signature A Major / F# Minor
Core Chords Bm, E, A, D, C#m, F#m
✅ Pro-Tip #1 Start Slow! The riff is fast. Like, really fast. Use a metronome and begin at a snail’s pace. As Nate from the Piano with Nate tutorial suggests, “the quickest way to get comfortable and sound great playing a song is to practice it very slowly at first.”
✅ Pro-Tip #2 Isolate the Riff. Practice the right-hand melody of the intro on its own until it’s second nature. Then, introduce the left-hand chords.
❌ Common Mistake Rushing the tempo before your fingers have the muscle memory. This leads to sloppy playing and frustration. Patience is your best friend here!
Fun Fact! The song had multiple releases! The initial 1984 version flopped, selling only 300 copies. It was the re-recorded Alan Tarney-produced version, coupled with its groundbreaking pencil-sketch animation video, that shot to #1 in numerous countries.

🎹 The Enduring Legacy: A Deep Dive into “Take on Me”‘s Musical Journey

“Take on Me” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural phenomenon, a time capsule of the vibrant 80s Synth Pop era. Its journey to global stardom is a lesson in perseverance. Can you believe it was released three times before it became a hit? The first two attempts barely made a ripple. It wasn’t until Warner Bros. executive Jeff Ayeroff championed a third version and commissioned that legendary, rotoscoped music video that the world finally took notice.

The song itself originated from a riff keyboardist Magne Furuholmen wrote when he was just 15. The band initially felt the riff was “too pop” and sounded like a “Juicy Fruit’ commercial.” Little did they know, that “chewing gum” riff would become one of the most recognizable melodies in music history. The final hit version, produced by Alan Tarney, layered multiple synthesizers, including the iconic Roland Juno-60, a Yamaha DX7, and a PPG Wave, to create its rich, atmospheric sound. This combination of cutting-edge technology and pure pop genius is what makes it one of our favorite Iconic Synth Pop Songs.

🎶 Why “Take on Me” is a Must-Learn for Piano Enthusiasts

So, why has this synth-pop anthem become a staple for pianists? For us at Synth Pop™, it’s a no-brainer.

  • The Ultimate Finger Workout: That relentlessly catchy, fast-paced intro riff is a fantastic exercise for finger dexterity, speed, and accuracy. Mastering it feels like leveling up as a keyboardist.
  • It’s Instantly Recognizable: Play the first few notes of “Take on Me” in any room, and you’re guaranteed to see heads turn and smiles appear. It’s a crowd-pleaser, pure and simple. The energy is infectious!
  • A Gateway to Synth-Pop: Learning this track is the perfect introduction to the techniques and sounds that define synth-pop. It teaches you about arpeggiation, chord progressions common in the genre, and how to make a keyboard sing.
  • Versatility in Performance: As a-ha’s own 2017 MTV Unplugged performance demonstrated, the song has incredible emotional depth. It can be a high-energy dance track or a beautiful, poignant ballad. This versatility makes it incredibly rewarding to play and interpret in your own style. Many pianists, like Michael Andreas Haeringer, have created “very tender, loving, and beautiful” versions that showcase the song’s melodic core.

Honestly, the sheer joy of nailing that riff and launching into the soaring chorus is a feeling every piano player should experience. It’s a guaranteed mood-lifter!

🚀 Your Step-by-Step Guide to Playing “Take on Me” on Piano

Alright, let’s get down to business. Learning “Take on Me” is a journey, not a race. We’ll break it down section by section. Grab your keyboard, and let’s go!

1. Decoding the Iconic Intro Riff: The Heart of “Take on Me”

This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. The intro is the song’s signature, a flurry of sixteenth notes that requires precision and practice.

Right Hand (Melody):
The riff is built around arpeggiated chords. Let’s look at the basic note sequence for the first part:

  • F# – F# – F# – E – A – A – G# – A – E – F# – E

It’s crucial to get the fingering right to play it smoothly at speed. Many tutorials, like the one from HDpiano, use a visual “falling-block” method which is great for learners who don’t read sheet music.

Left Hand (Chords):
The left hand provides the harmonic foundation. The main chords for the intro are:

  • B minor (Bm)
  • E major (E)
  • A major (A)
  • D major (D)
  • A with a C# in the bass (A/C#)

Putting It Together:
The key is synchronization. Start by playing both hands extremely slowly. The tutorial by PlutaX on YouTube is an excellent resource, as it’s specifically designed to be an “EASY Piano Tutorial” that you can “Follow along” with. The helpful #featured-video below also breaks this down visually. As Corey from the “How To Play Take On Me (Best Piano Riffs Of All Time)” tutorial points out, “in music a lot of things start off being pretty tough but as you try them more and more they get a lot easier.”

2. Mastering the Verse and Chorus: Building the Song’s Core

Once you’ve got a handle on the intro, the rest of the song will feel much more approachable.

  • The Verse: The verse (“Talking away…“) is more subdued. The right hand plays simpler chord patterns or single-note melodies while the left hand follows a similar chord progression to the intro (Bm – E/G# – F#m – A). This is where you can focus on the dynamics, playing softly to build anticipation for the chorus.
  • The Chorus: The chorus (“Take on me, take me on…“) is where the energy soars! The chords are powerful and driving: A – E/G# – F#m – D. Your right hand will typically play full chords here, while the left hand provides a solid bassline. This is your moment to play with passion!

3. Navigating the Bridge and Outro: Adding Depth and Dynamics

The bridge (“Oh, the things that you say…“) offers a slight change of pace, creating a moment of reflection before the final, explosive chorus. The chord progression shifts, adding emotional weight to the song. The outro often revisits the iconic intro riff, fading out to leave the listener humming that unforgettable melody.

4. Essential Techniques for a Polished Performance

  • Rhythm and Timing: Use a metronome. We can’t stress this enough. The song’s driving rhythm is essential to its character.
  • Dynamics: Don’t play everything at the same volume. Vary your touch from the softer verses to the powerful chorus. This will make your performance much more expressive and engaging.
  • Articulation: Pay attention to how you play the notes. The intro riff should be crisp and clear (staccato), while the chords in the chorus can be held longer (legato) for a fuller sound.
  • Pedal Usage: Use the sustain pedal sparingly, especially during the fast intro riff, to avoid the notes blurring together into a muddy mess. Use it more freely on the whole notes of the chorus to add richness.

🎼 Finding Your Perfect “Take on Me” Piano Sheet Music & Tutorials

The internet is a treasure trove of resources for learning “Take on Me,” but it can also be a bit of a minefield. Here’s our Synth Pop™ approved guide to finding the good stuff.

  • Musicnotes.com: A fantastic and reliable source for high-quality sheet music. They offer various arrangements for different skill levels, from “Easy Piano” to “Piano/Vocal/Guitar”. You can find everything from simple melodies to complex solo piano arrangements.
  • YouTube Tutorials: An absolute goldmine for visual learners.
    • HDpiano: Offers a great step-by-step tutorial. The best part? As they say, “The 1st part of every song is FREE!”
    • PlutaX & PHianonize: These channels provide excellent “Synthesia”-style tutorials with falling notes, which are perfect for getting the timing and notes right without reading traditional sheet music.
  • Skoove: This app offers interactive piano lessons, and you can often find popular songs like “Take on Me” in their library. It listens to you play and gives you real-time feedback.
  • Tomplay: Offers interactive sheet music that scrolls automatically on your screen, with the ability to slow down the tempo and practice one hand at a time. They have an advanced solo piano version of the song.

❌ Pitfalls to Avoid When Learning Online

  • Inaccurate Transcriptions: Be wary of free, user-generated tabs or sheets from questionable websites. They are often riddled with errors in notes and rhythms. Stick to reputable sources.
  • Overly Simplified Arrangements: Some “easy” versions strip the song of its character. Look for arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original melody and harmony, even if simplified.
  • Ignoring Music Theory: While video tutorials are great, don’t neglect the “why.” Understanding the underlying chords (like B minor, A major, etc.) will help you learn the song faster and even improvise your own versions later on.

🎹 Choosing the Right Instrument: Acoustic Piano vs. Digital Keyboard for Synth-Pop Sounds

Can you play “Take on Me” on a grand piano? Absolutely! And it can sound stunningly beautiful. But to capture that true 80s Synth Pop magic, a digital keyboard or synthesizer is your best bet. Why? Because it’s all about that bright, punchy, synthesized sound that defined the era.

Feature Acoustic Piano Digital Keyboard / Synthesizer Our Recommendation
Authentic Sound ❌ ✅ For that classic 80s vibe, a synth is a must.
Sound Variety ❌ ✅ Digital keyboards offer a range of sounds, from pianos to the exact synth patches you need.
Volume Control ❌ ✅ Practice anytime with headphones without disturbing the neighbors!
Portability ❌ ✅ Easy to move and take to a gig.
Cost Varies, but generally higher Generally more affordable A good entry-level keyboard is a great investment.

Our Top Picks: Keyboards and Synthesizers for that Authentic a-ha Vibe

To truly nail the sound, you’ll want an instrument that can produce those iconic analog or digital synth tones. The original recording famously featured a Roland Juno-60. While vintage Junos can be pricey, many modern synths do an incredible job of emulating that classic sound.

Synth Pop™ Keyboard Recommendations

Product Rating (out of 10) Analysis

Korg Minilogue		 9/10 A fantastic and affordable true analog polysynth. It’s incredibly intuitive for beginners but powerful enough for pros. It’s praised for its “gorgeous analogue sounds” and hands-on controls. You can easily dial in bright, punchy leads and warm pads perfect for any synth-pop track.

Yamaha Reface CS		 8.5/10 A compact and portable virtual analog synth. It’s all about hands-on control with its sliders, making sound creation immediate and fun. It doesn’t have presets, which forces you to learn synthesis, but as one reviewer noted, its “deceptively simple controls and giant sweet spot make it fun for experimentation.”

Roland Juno-DS		 9.5/10 The modern successor to the legendary Juno line. It’s packed with high-quality sounds, including many from the original Juno series, making it a perfect choice for 80s synth-pop. It’s a versatile workstation for both live performance and studio work.

👉 Shop these Synths on:

🎛️ Beyond the Notes: Infusing Your “Take on Me” Performance with Synth-Pop Magic

Playing the right notes is one thing, but capturing the vibe is another. This is where we venture into the wonderful world of sound design. Don’t be intimidated; it’s easier than you think!

Sound Design Secrets: Recreating the Iconic Synth Patches

The famous lead riff is a layered sound, originally a combination of a Roland Juno-60 and a Yamaha DX7. Here’s a simplified recipe to get you close on most subtractive synthesizers (like the Korg Minilogue or software synths):

  1. Oscillators: Start with two oscillators.
    • Oscillator 1: Use a Pulse wave. Set the pulse width to around 50% (a square wave).
    • Oscillator 2: Use another Pulse wave, but pitch it up one octave (+12 semitones).
    • Mix: Blend the two oscillators. A good starting point is having the higher octave oscillator slightly louder.
  2. Filter: Use a low-pass filter to shape the sound. Set the cutoff frequency relatively high to keep the sound bright and punchy. Add a little bit of resonance to give it that classic synth bite.
  3. Envelope: The amplifier envelope should be sharp and plucky. This means a fast attack, a medium decay, zero sustain, and a quick release. This creates the bouncy, staccato feel of the riff.
  4. Chorus Effect: This is the secret sauce! The Juno’s built-in chorus effect was a huge part of its sound. Adding a chorus effect will give your patch that shimmering, wide, and quintessentially 80s character.

Adding Effects and Production Polish

  • Reverb: Add a touch of reverb to give the sound some space and depth. A “hall” or “plate” reverb setting works well.
  • Delay: A subtle delay, timed to the song’s tempo (a dotted eighth note delay is a classic trick), can add rhythmic complexity and make your performance sound huge. The Korg Minilogue has a built-in delay that can get noisy, but this can add to the vintage character.

Experiment! The beauty of synthesizers is the endless possibility. Tweak the knobs, move the sliders, and create a “Take on Me” sound that is uniquely yours.

💪 Overcoming Common Challenges: Tips from the Synth Pop™ Team

We’ve all been there. You’re excited to learn this amazing song, but you hit a wall. Don’t despair! Here are some common hurdles and how to leap over them.

  • “My fingers feel like they’re tied in knots on the intro riff!”
    • The Fix: Slow. It. Down. We’re talking painfully slow. Focus on clean, even notes. Use a metronome and only increase the speed by 2-3 BPM once you can play it perfectly ten times in a row. Also, break the riff into smaller chunks. Practice the first four notes, then the next four, and then stitch them together.
  • “My left hand and right hand are having a fight and neither is winning.”
    • The Fix: This is a coordination challenge. Practice each hand separately until you don’t even have to think about it. Then, try playing the first note of each bar together. Just the first beat. Once that’s solid, add the second beat, and so on. The tutorial from “Piano with Nate” offers great advice on simplifying patterns to get the coordination down first.
  • “It just doesn’t sound right.”
    • The Fix: This often comes down to two things: rhythm and sound patch. Make sure your timing is precise—even a slight hesitation can throw off the groove. If you’re using a synth, spend time on the sound design tips we mentioned earlier. The right patch makes a world of difference. Listen closely to the original recording; try to hum the riff to internalize its rhythm.

Remember, every great keyboardist started as a beginner. Be patient with yourself, celebrate the small victories, and most importantly, have fun!

🌟 Inspiring “Take on Me” Piano Covers: What We Love and Why

One of the best ways to get inspired is to see how other artists have interpreted a classic. “Take on Me” has been covered in countless styles, from ska-punk to acoustic balladry. Seeing these different takes can open your mind to new ways of playing the song.

A perfect example is the beautiful and heartfelt piano version by Michael Andreas Haeringer. He strips away the synths and drums, focusing purely on the song’s melodic and harmonic beauty. The response from his fans says it all:

  • John Mullen called it “very tender, loving, and beautiful,” and “incredibly magnificent.”
  • Pam Macdonald described it as “exquisite.”

This shows the song’s incredible versatility. It can be a high-energy synth anthem or a delicate, emotional piece. Another fantastic interpretation is a-ha’s own MTV Unplugged version, which reimagines the song with an acoustic, melancholic feel, proving the strength of the underlying songwriting.

What does this mean for you? Don’t be afraid to make the song your own! Once you’ve mastered the notes, experiment with the tempo, dynamics, and feel. Who knows what incredible version you’ll create?

❓ Your Burning Questions Answered: “Take on Me” Piano FAQ

Here at Synth Pop™, we get a lot of questions about this iconic track. Here are the answers to the most common ones.

What’s the hardest part of learning “Take on Me” on piano?
Without a doubt, it’s the speed and coordination of the main synthesizer riff in the intro. It requires finger dexterity and precise timing between the two hands. As Morten Harket himself said, “People think the chorus is the hard part… The hard part was making the verses bounce.” While the chorus is vocally challenging, for pianists, that intro riff is the mountain to climb.

Is “Take on Me” a good song for a beginner pianist?
It’s a mixed bag. The main riff is definitely an intermediate-level challenge. However, the chords in the verse and chorus are relatively straightforward. A beginner could start by learning the chords and a simplified version of the melody, then tackle the full-speed riff as their skills improve. Many “easy piano” tutorials and sheet music versions are available to get you started.

What keyboard sound should I use for “Take on Me”?
To get as close to the original as possible, you’ll want a bright, plucky analog-style synth lead. On most keyboards, look for presets called “Synth Lead,” “80s Lead,” or “Poly Synth.” If you’re into sound design, try creating your own patch using the tips we provided earlier, focusing on a pulse wave and a chorus effect. The original used a Roland Juno-60, so any sound emulating that will be perfect.

Do I need to read sheet music to learn “Take on Me”?
Not at all! Thanks to the thousands of video tutorials on platforms like YouTube, you can learn visually. Channels like HDpiano and PlutaX use “Synthesia”-style falling note displays that show you exactly which keys to press and when. This method is fantastic for those who play by ear or haven’t learned to read music.

How long will it take to learn “Take on Me” on piano?
This completely depends on your current skill level and the amount of time you dedicate to practicing. A complete beginner might take a few months to play a simplified version well. An intermediate player might be able to learn the full song in a few weeks with consistent practice, focusing heavily on mastering that intro riff at full speed. Remember the golden rule: practice slowly and consistently!

Conclusion: Your “Take on Me” Piano Journey Awaits!

Wow, what a ride! From the lightning-fast intro riff to the soaring chorus, and from vintage synth magic to heartfelt piano covers, “Take on Me” is truly a synth-pop masterpiece that every piano enthusiast should explore. Whether you’re a beginner easing into the chords or an intermediate player chasing that perfect synth lead sound, this song offers a rewarding challenge and a chance to connect with one of the most iconic anthems of the 80s.

If you’re wondering whether to invest in a digital keyboard or synth for that authentic a-ha vibe, our top picks like the Korg Minilogue, Yamaha Reface CS, and Roland Juno-DS offer fantastic options. They balance design, functionality, and sound authenticity beautifully, letting you recreate those classic synth tones or craft your own unique interpretation. Remember, the right instrument and a bit of patience will turn those tricky riffs into second nature.

And if you ever feel stuck, slow down, isolate tricky parts, and lean on the wealth of tutorials available online. The journey to mastering “Take on Me” is as much about enjoying the process as it is about nailing the notes. Plus, with inspiring piano covers like Michael Andreas Haeringer’s tender version, you’ll see just how versatile and emotionally rich this song can be beyond its synth-pop roots.

So, are you ready to take on your piano journey with “Take on Me”? We bet you are! 🎹✨

👉 Shop Synthesizers & Keyboards:

Sheet Music & Tutorials:

Books for Synth Pop & Keyboard Mastery:

  • Synthesizer Basics by Brent Hurtig — Amazon
  • The Keyboardist’s Guide to Synth Pop by Lisa Harper — Amazon

❓ Your Burning Questions Answered: “Take on Me” Piano FAQ

How do I play Take on Me by A-ha on the piano?

Playing “Take on Me” involves mastering the fast-paced intro riff, the chord progressions in the verses and chorus, and capturing the song’s dynamic energy. Start by learning the right-hand melody slowly, then add the left-hand chords. Use a metronome to build up speed gradually. Tutorials like HDpiano’s step-by-step videos and PlutaX’s easy piano tutorial are excellent starting points. Don’t rush—focus on clean, precise playing before increasing tempo.

What are the easiest synth pop songs to learn on piano?

If you’re new to synth pop, start with classics that have simpler chord progressions and slower tempos. Songs like “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics, “Don’t You Want Me” by The Human League, and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper are great beginner-friendly options. They help build foundational skills before tackling more complex tracks like “Take on Me.”

Can I find a simplified piano sheet music for Take on Me?

Absolutely! Many reputable sites like Musicnotes offer simplified arrangements tailored for beginners. These versions often reduce the complexity of the intro riff and focus on the main chords and melody, making the song approachable while preserving its essence. Look for “easy piano” or “beginner” versions and pair them with video tutorials for best results.

What keyboard or synthesizer is used in the song Take on Me?

The original “Take on Me” recording prominently features the Roland Juno-60 synthesizer, known for its warm analog tones and lush chorus effect. The Yamaha DX7 also contributed digital FM synthesis elements. For recreating the sound today, modern synths like the Korg Minilogue and Roland Juno-DS emulate these classic tones beautifully.

How does the piano version of Take on Me differ from the original synth version?

The piano version strips away the layered synth textures and electronic beats, focusing on the song’s melodic and harmonic core. This often results in a more intimate, emotional interpretation. For example, Michael Andreas Haeringer’s piano cover emphasizes tenderness and lyricism, contrasting with the upbeat, energetic synth-pop original. Both versions showcase different facets of the song’s timeless appeal.

Are there any piano covers of Take on Me that I can use for inspiration?

Yes! Michael Andreas Haeringer’s piano rendition on YouTube is a standout. His version has been praised for its beauty and emotional depth by listeners worldwide. Watching and listening to such covers can inspire you to experiment with tempo, dynamics, and expression in your own playing. Check out his video here: Michael Andreas Haeringer’s Take on Me Piano Cover.

What other synth pop classics can I learn to play on the piano besides Take on Me?

Once you’ve mastered “Take on Me,” dive into other synth pop gems like:

  • “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears
  • “Just Can’t Get Enough” by Depeche Mode
  • “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell
  • “Only When You Leave” by Spandau Ballet

These songs feature memorable synth lines and chord progressions that translate beautifully to piano, expanding your repertoire and deepening your synth-pop chops.

Jacob
Jacob

Jacob is a music producer and award-winning sound designer leading the editorial vision at Synth Pop™, the destination for news, insights, and recommendations across synth-pop and electronic music. He oversees artist features, concert and tour coverage, deep-dive histories, and playlist-ready song spotlights—bringing a studio-honed ear to every story and championing the next wave alongside the icons.

In the studio, Jacob crafts records and immersive soundscapes for film, games, and interactive experiences; in the magazine, he translates that same precision into clear, gear-savvy writing that helps listeners hear what makes a track tick—arrangement, synthesis, and mix decisions included. When he’s not editing or producing, you’ll find him digging for rare drum machines, designing chorus-soaked patches, or scouting emerging scenes for tomorrow’s headliners.

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