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Ten easy songs to learn on the piano as a beginner
Pieces simple enough to play early, but musical enough to be worth playing — the ones that keep a new student at the instrument.
31 August 2023 · 5 min read
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The piano is one of the most fun yet sophisticated musical instruments to learn, and although learning theory, scales, chords and reading notes is an essential part of this process, there's always a sense of accomplishment and 'I did that!' when learning a whole new song.
And we understand the level of excitement that beginners have everytime they perfect songs. This is why we've curated a list of the easiest songs that you can not only learn, but also master on the piano at your beginner's stage of learning.
Learning should always be fun and enjoyable, and we hope that every musician gets to feel the joy of achievement from the very beginning of their musical journeys!
10 easy songs for beginners
Here's our list of the top 10 easiest songs for beginners to learn to play on the piano:
When the saints go marching in
'When the saints go marching in' has an easy, catchy tune and a rhythmic pattern. It's a great song for beginners to familiarise themselves with finger numbers. It can be learnt in C, F, and G with separate hands and both the hands together. This is a delightful piece for beginners that aids them in learning basic and foundational skills for the piano.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star
This infamous nursery rhyme has become a stepping stone on everyone's piano-learning journey. It is a timeless classic with a melody that is extremely simple and repetitive which makes it fun to learn and play. It is played in C major which makes it fairly easier, and can be learnt on the right hand as well as both hands together and is great for beginners to learn hand coordination.
Mary had a little lamb
'Mary had a little lamb' is another nursery rhyme that translates itself really well to the piano. It mostly uses the right hand and is a piece that can be picked up easily by beginner learners - both kids and adults. Learning to play nursery rhymes on the piano for beginners is the equivalent of young kids learning to sing them in school. It's easy, repetitive, has a tune that sticks in the mind and doesn't have too many patterns.
Jingle Bells
Jingle Bells is an all time favourite for people of all generations. It's catchy, lively, festive, and brings people together. It has a really easy progression and is perfect for beginners to learn on the piano. The great thing about this piece is that it can be played solely by the right hand if you're not yet ready or confident to bring your left hand into the mix. And the familiarity of the song will keep the learner interested to perfect the very last note.
Happy Birthday
'Happy Birthday' is not only loved by all but is a must-know for everyone learning the piano. Show off your piano skills by accompanying the singing with your performance, and leave everyone impressed at parties. Its repetitive melody and easy progression makes it a favourite for all beginners. Its familiarity and simplicity are what every learner loves about learning the song.
Let it be
'Let It Be' by The Beatles is considered one of the easiest pop songs for beginners to learn on the piano. It is a simple yet beautiful piece that will stick with you for years, and will always have people singing to your tune. The song is played in C major which is great for a beginner, and helps you to learn the different C major chords. While some parts of the song can get a little tricky, a little motivation and a lot of practice will go a long way to fix that!
All of me
Although John Legend himself plays his song 'All of Me' with more complex chords, there are multiple beginner versions available that are simplified without taking away the soul of the song. The song is not very technical and can be learnt by beginners who love pop.
Chopsticks
'Chopsticks' may not be the most interesting or lively piece out there, but it is definitely one that can be mastered by piano novices. And many beginners love learning this tune on the piano. The duet can be played with a teacher or another musician friend and helps with basic hand coordination for the pianist.
Amazing Grace
'Amazing Grace' is considered an easy song for beginners in the piano because of its simple melody and slow tempo. Typically played in the C major chord, the song is great for learning hand coordination and steady chord progression. Learning to play this song is a very rewarding experience that will warm hearts wherever it is performed.
Fur Elise
At first glance, Beethoven's 'Fur Elise' is not the easiest song out there for the beginner's stage. However, it is such a timeless and loved song that many people are extremely eager to learn it and feel a great sense of pride and accomplishment when they're able to successfully play it. If you want to impress people with your piano-playing skills, this is the song for you.
As you can see, a song isn't necessarily as complex as it sounds. There are many many songs that you can learn to play even as a beginner. Remember to practise continually and have a lot of fun on your journey of learning!