How to Play Hozier's 'Take Me to Church' on Piano

"Take Me to Church" by Hozier is one of the most powerful modern songs you can learn on piano. Its gospel-influenced sound and dramatic chord progressions make it deeply satisfying to play, and it's a hugely popular piece for players at every level.

The Chords That Drive the Song

The song revolves around a four-chord progression in A minor:

A minor – F major – C major – G major

This Am–F–C–G loop is the backbone of the entire song. What makes it so effective on piano is the dynamic contrast — sparse and intimate in the verses, then thunderous and full in the chorus. Play the verse chords softly with open voicings, then shift to heavy block chords as the chorus hits. The left hand carries a steady driving pattern throughout, anchoring the rhythm while the right hand handles the melody and upper chord voices.

Learn It on Melodease.com

Head over to melodease.com to start learning. Their free note visualization tool makes nailing those Am–F–C–G transitions smooth and intuitive, even if you're just getting started.

Practice the quiet moody intro, the building verse, and the explosive chorus at your own pace. Start your free account today and bring this modern classic to life on your piano!