No matter your approach to learning how to play the piano, you’re probably itching to get your hands on a good variety of catchy, engaging easy piano songs that you can practice with.
When you practice a variety of different musical styles, you’ll get a more well-rounded learning experience that will help you better develop your skillset.
Take a look at these 20 great choices for songs to help you broaden your horizons and have fun while you practice!
1. “Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon
This great rock song was written in the late 1970s and has gotten tons of listeners into the groove since then!
On top of being a definite crowd-pleaser and providing a touch of humor, this catchy song is also surprisingly simple to play.
“Werewolves of London” is written in the key of G Major and maintains a moderate tempo that’s easy to follow along with. You won’t feel swept away by this song and wind up tripping while trying to keep up with a quick tempo–the song is as easy going as it is enjoyable.
Also, let’s be honest: It’s hard to find an easy party song that’s more fun to sing along with than this one! If it helps though, here’s a list of easy piano rock songs, you might find another you like there.
2. “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
This classic jazz single was written by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss and performed by Louis Armstrong, stealing people’s hearts with its gentle tune and vivid imagery since it was released in 1967.
Luckily for jazz fans who are eager to share in the melodies, it’s also very easy to learn on the piano!
Written and played in the key of F Major, “What A Wonderful World” sticks with a slow, dreamlike pace that makes learning a breeze. The slower tempo and the artfulness of Jazz will also provide you with plenty of opportunities to put some heart into it and make this song your own once you get comfortable.
Related article: 12 Great Jazz Piano Songs That Are Easy To Learn
3. “Let It Be” by The Beatles
If you want to practice your budding piano skills with an easy-going classic that carries an equally laid-back message, then “Let It Be” by The Beatles is a great choice!
This song holds a special place in many people’s hearts since it was the last single released before Paul McCartney announced that he planned to leave the band.
Some people might glance over the sheet music for the piano theme of “Let It Be” and hesitate since it incorporates a few different chords. However, don’t let this turn you away!
The chords are way easier to learn than they appear to be on paper, and getting a feel for this song is sure to give you a confidence boost that empowers you to press towards more challenging pieces. Check out more songs by the Beatles next.
4. “The Blue Danube” by Johann Strauss
Some new pianists, especially younger ones, might balk at the sight of a classical piece.
But there’s no need!
Any maestro with years of experience can play more complicated versions of this piece that sound very difficult, but there are simplified versions designed for beginners that are quite easy.
One of the advantages of learning a few classical pieces early on in your piano studies is that you’ll realize that even the most impressive songs can be broken down into manageable parts.
This will help you lay a good foundation for other genres of music and allow you to impress people with your well-rounded repertoire in the meantime! For more, see easy classical piano songs.
5. “One Love” by Bob Marley
Also known as “People Get Ready,” this reggae song is exciting to learn and great for generating some good vibes! It’s also relatively easy to tackle while still providing a few challenges that will help any beginner pianist grow and improve.
When you first listen to the piano version of this song, the smattering of quick notes here and there may make it sound trickier than it really is. Take your time, slow down the tempo, and focus on accuracy to begin with. Once your hands get comfortable with how the song is played, you’ll be able to increase your speed and play it like a pro. See more easy songs by Bob Marley you can learn.
6. “Summertime” by George Gershwin
The song “Summertime” was composed by George Gershwin in the 1930s and made popular by the opera “Porgy and Bess”. “Summertime” may have been originally written as an aria for the opera stage, but it soon found its home in the world of Jazz and has since become an icon both for its moving melodies and incredible lyrics. In fact, this song has been recorded more than 25,000 times!
As is the case with most popular songs, “Summertime” piano adaptations are available for all skill levels. The song is very beginner-friendly since it gives so much opportunity for personal expression and embellishment once you learn the basic notes that make up the core of the song. Once you get started, there’s virtually no limit to the creative twists you can add to this timeless classic! Take a look at more easy piano pop songs next.
7. “The Cradle Song” by Johannes Brahms
Many people also know this song by names such as “Wiegenlied” or, simply, “Brahms’ Lullaby”. This gentle, lightweight tune has been making people smile since it was first released way back in 1868, and it’s also very fun and easy to play. Learning this song will give you the opportunity to practice various chords and harmonies at a manageable pace, which is always helpful when you’re just getting started!
Brahms’ Lullaby primarily features one main melody that’s both simple and instantly recognizable. Many adaptations then build upon the pleasant, easy tune and add increasingly complex chords that are sure to help you adapt and grow. This song is one of those classics that no pianist’s repertoire should be without and it gives a great amount of return for the effort!
8. “To A Wild Rose” by Edward MacDowell
Completed in 1896 and written entirely for solo piano, “To A Wild Rose” is one of ten pieces in Edward MacDowell’s Woodland Sketches Op. 51. While any of his pieces from the Woodland Sketches are worth learning, “To A Wild Rose” is particularly charming in its simplistic melody and slow, easy tempo.
Many people who learn to play this song wind up having to make a concerted effort to slow themselves down in order to properly play “with simple tenderness” as the piece dictates. However, that means that you won’t feel any pressure to rush or be as likely to trip yourself up while learning this song! For that reason, alongside its elegant and beautiful sound, this piece is ideal for beginners.
9. “When the Saints Go Marching In”
While this universally-recognized piece was originally written as a Christian hymn, its exuberant melody and inspiring lyrics made it popular with people around the world regardless of their religious views. This song also gained popularity when it was adapted and recorded by a number of reputable recording artists, such as Louis Armstrong in 1938.
Since most hymns are designed to be easy to learn so that people can catch on quickly and join in, “When the Saints Go Marching In” is a wonderful beginner piece. This song will help you set a solid foundation as a pianist and help you get confident in your ability to coordinate your hands with one another.
Here’s the song as played by Louis Armstrong:
Related Article: 3 Easy Worship Songs for Piano
10. “Heavy Heart Blues” by Champion Jack Dupree
William Thomas “Champion Jack” Dupree may have gotten his nickname from his boxing career, but many people know him for his contributions to the world of American Blues. Champion Jack Dupree had a difficult childhood in New Orleans and actually taught himself to play the piano, so rest assured that once you dedicate yourself to his music you’ll be playing the blues in no time as well!
Starting out with iconic songs like this one from Champion Jack Dupree will broaden your horizons and expand your versatility as a budding pianist by giving you a solid starting point in boogie-woogie piano. The tempo is nice and manageable, and the tune is flexible enough to give you plenty of creative freedom once you get going.
11. “The Git Up” by Blanco Brown
If classic hymns and old-fashioned blues or jazz aren’t modern enough for your tastes, then you can practice your beginner piano skills with this 2019 single from Blanco Brown. One of the fun things about this piece is that its jaunty melody really makes the most of those left-hand harmonies and sounds more complex than it really is!
Once you sit down to learn it, “The Git Up” is very easy to get a feel for. Many spots in the melody require you to strike the same key repeatedly in a rhythmic pattern, which is great for developing your ear for rhythm and your music counting skills as well. All in all, this is a good piece with a lively, rewarding sound that will make a great addition to your practice set.
12. “Fly Me to the Moon” – Frank Sinatra
While most people know this song by the title “Fly Me to the Moon,” it was originally called “In Other Words” when Bart Howard wrote it in 1954. This piece was popularized by Frank Sinatra when he recorded his own version in 1964 as a nod to the Apollo lunar missions.
The gentle, heartfelt melody of “Fly Me to the Moon” is very simple and easy to learn. The fingering required from each hand is doable, and the tempo is gentle and slow. If you’re looking for a good first foray into the beautiful marriage of pop and jazz, then “Fly Me to the Moon” is a perfect choice! In the mood for more of Sinatra? Check out these easy to learn Frank Sinatra songs on piano next.
13. “Clocks” by Coldplay
Just about everyone in the room will recognize this song if you start to play it, regardless of their musical backgrounds and tastes! Coldplay is an alternative rock band with plenty of popular songs, but “Clocks” is seen as one of their signature songs after it steadily climbed in popularity following its release in 2002.
“Clocks” has been played on the radio countless times and it’s extremely easy to learn. The light, airy melody of this Coldplay classic is fun and refreshing to play, especially when you want to take a break from more intense pieces. The tempo is also moderate, making it easy to keep up with while still allowing you to work up a good rhythm that isn’t too slow or drowsy. Overall, this popular song is well-balanced and offers a pleasant learning experience!
Related Article: 19 Best Coldplay Piano Songs To Play
14. “Come Sail Away” by Styx
Styx is an icon of 1970s progressive rock, and “Come Sail Away” is arguably one of their most widely recognized songs to date. The encouraging lyrics and memorable tune of this song are extremely engaging, making its popularity understandable!
“Come Sail Away” is another of those great songs that sounds impressive when you play it, but is easier to learn than it seems. The melody features a few intricacies here and there that are bound to provide you with a fun opportunity to get better at your fingering. This holds especially true for your left hand, which will keep busy and improve in dexterity while you learn to play this prog-rock classic!
15. “Morning Mood” by Edvard Grieg
“Morning Mood” is a lighthearted, ethereal piece in E Major is from Edvard Grieg’s “Peer Gynt,” Op. 23, which was written for a play in 1875. The melody is most often heard on the flute, with its sweet notes easily conjuring imagery of a bright and peaceful Norwegian morning, but this song sounds gorgeous on the piano as well.
This piece is easy to learn but it still offers some unique twists that will help you grow familiar with the way an arrangement can break the mold for the sake of expression. For instance, this song features its climax far earlier in the composition than the usual in order to symbolize the sun’s breaking rays. Have fun with this piece and allow it to open your mind to what music can do!
16. “Swan Lake Theme” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Tchaikovsky is a household name when it comes to classical music, and his haunting Swan Lake Theme is one of the pieces for which he is best known. Interestingly, the ballet “Swan Lake” was a flop when Tchaikovsky first came out with it in the mid 1870s, failing to become popular until later. By now, its timeless simplicity and elegance are sure to impress once you get a feel for the song.
Your left hand will have an especially easy time with this song, only playing a couple of notes to complement the melody that’s tugged at heartstrings for many decades. The slow tempo of this song makes it easy to learn as well, and the melody feels very natural and comfortable to play.
17. “Brick House” by the Commodores
If soul and funk make your heart sing, then try your hand at learning “Brick House”! This song was actually formed via an impromptu jam session that the band enjoyed while some of the studio equipment was undergoing necessary repairs, and it’s since become a soul classic. “Brick House” has been covered and produced by several different bands, and it’s a great song for beginning pianists to learn.
This memorable song kicks off in the key of A minor with a lively, funky tune that you’re sure to feel in your bones while you play. The rhythm is also unique and provides a lot of interest even while remaining simple and manageable, making it rewarding to learn!
18. “I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5
This 1970 single by The Jackson 5 was their fourth number-one pop hit in a row, making it particularly significant to the band and their professional music career. “I’ll Be There” is also touted as the first song that really prompted people to recognize that The Jackson 5 had true potential.
“I’ll Be There” is written in the key of F Major and features a lot of broken chords that enable you to play a rich-sounding piece without getting in over your head: Many of the parts of the song that appear intricate at first glance wind up being simpler than they seem once you break them down.
19. “Ode To Joy” by Ludwig van Beethoven
No list of beginner piano pieces would be complete without this hallmark piece from Beethoven! “Ode To Joy” was written by German playwright and poet Friedrich Schiller and made increasingly famous by Beethoven’s use of it in his Ninth Symphony. Many people consider Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony to be his greatest work!
Instantly recognizable from just the first new notes, “Ode To Joy” is extremely beginner-friendly and makes a worthwhile addition to your practice lineup. The melody is arranged in the key of C Major, making it a breeze to learn and simple to remember. To learn more songs in C major, check this article Songs In C Major For The Piano.
20. “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
Another beginner piece in the friendly key of C Major is “Respect”. This song was first created and released in 1965 by Otis Redding, but was popularized a couple of years later by soul music icon Aretha Franklin. Franklin added a refreshing twist to the lyrics, changing the perspective to that of a strong woman who’s independent and confident, and reworked the music by adding in the memorable chorus line of “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” that so many fans love to sing along with.
The upbeat melody and rhythm of this piece will give any beginner piano player the opportunity to work on their ability to accent a piece with deft fingering. Your left hand’s dexterity will surely improve after practicing this song a bit, too!
Remember:
With practice and dedication, you can learn to play just about any song that you want on the piano. Any of these 20 songs should provide a well-rounded blend of gentle challenges that will help you get a better feel for the piano without feeling overwhelming. Give them a try, push your limits by giving each song your own twist once you’ve learned it, and know that this is just the beginning!
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