Étude Op. 10 No. 1 in C major
About this arrangement
It opens Chopin's first book of Études, Op. 10, published in 1833 and dedicated to his friend Franz Liszt. The nickname "Waterfall" was added later; Chopin did not title his études.
Practise the right hand slowly and in small groups of four notes, letting the hand open and close instead of stretching the whole time. Use loops of one or two bars at 40% before joining them up.
Start with short loops.
Use the section list as a practice map. Start at 50% tempo, loop one section, then return to the full piece once the hand shape feels stable.
Choose Right or Left to focus on one hand. Wait for note checks the highlighted notes as you play them on the screen or a connected MIDI keyboard.
Before you practice.
01 How hard is Chopin's Étude Op. 10 No. 1?
It's one of the hardest études in the set. The right hand needs very wide, fast extensions for the whole piece.
02 How long is the Étude in C major?
Our edition has 79 bars.
03 What should I practise first?
The right hand alone, very slowly, one bar at a time, with a relaxed hand between the stretches.
04 Why is it called the Waterfall?
It's a nickname from later publishers and listeners, inspired by the falling arpeggios. Chopin did not give it a title.
