The joke evolved when fans jokingly requested a "Russian version" of the "E" meme. Sheet Music Boss obliged by transposing the simple "E" into the key of and adding aggressive, rapid-fire rhythms inspired by the "Rush B" meme from the game Counter-Strike . This gave birth to "Rush E" —a track that starts off challenging but quickly descends into total musical chaos. 3. Making the "Impossible"
Today, "Rush E" is more than just a song; it is a meme-culture anthem and a benchmark for piano technique, inspiring countless tutorials , covers, and even a sequel, "Rush E 2". Rush E: A Completely Unnecessary History and Analysis
The saga began with , a YouTube channel known for piano tutorials. In early 2018, they posted a video that poked fun at overly simplistic tutorials. It featured a single note—the letter "E"—played repeatedly to a basic beat. It was meant to be a satirical "world's easiest" piano lesson. 2. The "Russian" Transformation RUSH E
The story of "Rush E" is a digital-age legend that transformed from a simple joke into one of the most famous (and impossible) pieces of music on the internet. 1. The Humorous Origins
: High-profile creators like Penguinz0 (Charlie) reacted to covers, propelling it into the mainstream. The joke evolved when fans jokingly requested a
To ensure "Rush E" lived up to its name, the creators used "word-painting," where the physical layout of the notes on the digital score actually spells out the letter . This design choice made the piece humanly impossible to play; at certain points, the score requires dozens of fingers hitting keys simultaneously at breakneck speeds. 4. Viral Success and the Quest for Mastery "Rush E" exploded in popularity thanks to several factors:
: It hit right as the "Deep Fried E" meme featuring Lord Farquaad/Markiplier was peaking. In early 2018, they posted a video that
: Real-world pianists began a global competition to see who could play the "playable" sections the fastest.