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Tutorial: how to play “Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Joy Division on the piano

Man following a piano tutorial

Video tutorial

Learn to play “Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Joy Division on piano. Start a free trial today to access the lesson!

Introduction

“Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Joy Division is a haunting anthem that carries the essence of post-punk music from the 1980s. Written by Ian Curtis, the song delves into the depths of a troubled relationship, expressing emotions of sadness, longing, and despair.

Joy Division, hailed as pioneers of the post-punk movement, made a lasting impact on the music scene with their distinctive sound and introspective lyrics. The band’s unique style fused raw emotions with dark melodies, setting them apart as one of the most influential bands of their time.

Widely recognized for its poignant lyrics and melancholic melody, “Love Will Tear Us Apart” remains a timeless classic that resonates with listeners across generations. The song’s emotional depth and raw honesty continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Playing “Love Will Tear Us Apart” on the piano requires a mid-level skill set. Familiarity with chord progressions in the key of E minor, and the ability to convey the song’s somber mood through subtle dynamics and phrasing, are essential for capturing the essence of the piece. The song’s hauntingly repetitive piano riff creates a sense of melancholy and longing that draws listeners into its emotional narrative.

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Chords charts

The chords for “Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Joy Division are:

Piano Chord E-Minor
Piano Chord G-Major
Piano Chord D-Major
Piano Chord A-Major
Piano Chord C-Major

Lesson plan

Step 1: listen to the song

Listen to the song “Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Joy Division a couple of times to get a sense of its overall structure and nuances.

Step 2: practice the “Love Will Tear Us Apart” chords

Take a look at the chord charts and practice playing those chords. Make sure that you’re paying attention to your hand positioning.

Step 3: try the tune in the right hand

Try playing the melody in the right hand only initially and get accustomed to it.

Step 4: learn the left hand accompaniment

Now take a look at the accompaniment in the left hand and get more familiar with that part.

Step 5: play both hands together

Once you’ve learned the song for both hands separately, you can try playing hands together. It’s helpful to start slowly and then increase tempo as you get more accustomed to playing both parts simultaneously. You can use the metronome in the Skoove app to help with this.

Interesting facts

“Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Joy Division is considered one of the band’s most iconic songs, showcasing their unique blend of post-punk music with emotional depth.

The song was released in 1980 and became a poignant reflection of lead singer Ian Curtis’s tumultuous personal life and struggles with relationships.

Despite its success, Ian Curtis tragically passed away in May 1980, only a month after the song was released. His death further heightened the song’s impact and added to its haunting legacy.

Over the years, “Love Will Tear Us Apart” has been covered by numerous artists, solidifying its status as a timeless classic in the alternative music genre.

Conclusion

By following this tutorial on “Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Joy Division, you have gained insight into playing a hauntingly beautiful piece that delves into the emotions of a troubled relationship. Mastering the chord progressions and techniques of this song can help players enhance their grasp of playing in E minor, G major, D major, A major, and C major.

As you continue your musical journey, remember that each song tells a unique story and offers valuable lessons in music theory and emotional expression. Exploring more piano tutorials will not only expand your repertoire but also deepen your understanding of various musical styles and techniques.

Take the next step in your musical evolution by signing up for additional lessons today. Unleash your potential, refine your skills, and immerse yourself in the world of music with confidence. Let your passion for playing the piano flourish with each new lesson you undertake.

FAQs for “Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Joy Division

The key of the song is E minor.

The chord progression for the verse is Em – G – D – A.

The song was composed by Ian Curtis.

The song was released in 1980.

The song belongs to the post-punk genre.

The difficulty level is considered to be mid-level.

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Generated by AI with Verified Data Sources

This piano tutorial has been produced using an innovative AI process where we integrate data from respected sources like GetSongbpm API, the YouTube API, OpenAI API, and Perplexity API. Our approach carefully combines these resources to create structured, user-friendly piano learning content.”

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