How to Play “The Entertainer” by Joplin on Piano (2 Levels, Free)

Listen and play: 2 levels

About the piece

The Entertainer is a classic piano rag written by Scott Joplin in 1902. It is one of the most recognizable pieces of American music, defined by its syncopated rhythm and joyful, bouncing melody. It gained massive popularity decades later through its use in the 1973 film The Sting.

This piece is a fantastic challenge for intermediate players. It features a lively, constant rhythm that captures the spirit of ragtime, requiring focus on timing and steady hand coordination between the syncopated right hand and the rhythmic left hand.

Which level should you choose?

• Right hand only: focus entirely on the iconic syncopated melody. This version is perfect for mastering the rhythmic feel of the ragtime style.
• Both hands: the complete version where the left hand provides the characteristic steady bass accompaniment. This is the authentic way to play the piece.

Fingering and hand position

Because this piece covers a wide range of the keyboard, your hands will need to move frequently. Start by finding a comfortable position in the middle range of the keyboard and be prepared to shift your hand up and down to follow the melodic leaps.

Keep your fingers curved and your wrists flexible to handle the quick staccato notes. The syncopation relies on accenting the off-beats, so stay relaxed to maintain a consistent flow without tensing up during the faster passages.

Practice tips

• Listen to the full version multiple times to internalize the syncopated rhythm.
• In Rhythm mode, start at a very slow speed to ensure you hit the correct keys before building up tempo.
• Master the melody with your right hand first until you can play it without stopping.
• Practice the left-hand rhythm independently to ensure it remains steady like a metronome while the right hand plays the melody.

Learn it step by step

Start by focusing on the right hand melody until it feels natural. Break the piece down into smaller phrases and practice each section individually. Once the right hand is fluent, begin practicing the left hand part alone to develop a steady beat. Finally, slowly combine both hands one measure at a time, keeping your speed very low until you are confident, then gradually increase to the original tempo.

Frequently asked questions