From classic songs, to timeless compositions and
popular music, there are many songs suitable for
beginners out there. All of these tracks are proof that
truly great music does not need to be complicated.
This is indeed one of the most amazing things about
learning an instrument: you can get started and feel
like you can already play a full song even without
years of training!Find out more and keep reading
about the 25 songs that any beginner pianist should
learn how to play
1) Let it Be (By The Beatles)
The fab four are probably one of the most successful
bands in the history of music, and one of those
recording artists that will probably never be forgotten
due to their massive influence and contribution to
music as we know it. Some of their amazing songs
are easy to play on the piano, including “Let It Be,”
which is one of their later songs and a true classic
tune helmed by Paul McCartney & co. This iconic
piano structure has been copied so many times
over, and it is still so influential to this day.
2) The Storm, It’s Coming (By Glen Hansard)
This is a fairly little-known song from the talented
Oscar-winning songwriter and actor Glen Hansard.
This track is perfect for beginners, because it is
entirely based on a very simple and minimalistic
piano arrangement. The track is not very ornate,
meaning that it is simple to play, but still very
beautiful and haunting. This is also a great track for
people who want to try play and sing, since it is a
perfect song for vocal and piano.
3) Changes (By XXXTENTACION)
Rap artist XXXTENTACION actually surprised most
of his fans and music listeners alike when he
released this song. His music is normally known for
his fat beats and coarse lyrics, but this time around,
the artist went for something completely different.
This is a very simple piano arrangement with some
soulful and emotional vocals with a personal twist.
An official instrumental version of the song is also
available on Spotify, making it easier for people to
isolate the piano arrangement and learn how to play
it.
4) The Happy Birthday Theme
This is a classic song and it is always handy to have
in your repertoire! The good news? The happy
birthday song is actually quite easy to play and it can
also be a really good exercise for people who are
looking to become more familiar with lead melodies
and one-note lines.
5) Someone Like You (By Adele)
Adele’s hit “Someone Like You” is a truly huge hit,
and it features a minimalistic arrangement with
mostly just piano and vocals. This track is also
relatively easy to play and most beginners can
comfortably take on the challenge of playing this
song.
6) Für Elise (by Ludwig Van Beethoven)
Für Elise is one of Beethoven’s most timeless and
famous compositions. The artist was an absolute
musical genius, capable of creating incredibly
complex material. However, Für Elise is a relatively
simple melody, and this is perhaps why it is so well
loved and remembered by most people! The song is
a common choice for beginners and it is a great
introduction to classical music.
7) The Entertainer (By Scott Joplin)
Scott Joplin created some of the most memorable
melodies and themes in the history of music, but his
1902 melody, “The Entertainer,” is perhaps one of
his best remembered works. This is a song that’s
great for beginners, although it can be quite
challenging at first. This is the classic example of a
song that you can master if you take it slow and try
to learn the parts at lower speeds, so you can speed
it up when you feel more comfortable.
8) Claire de La Lune (By Claude Debussy)
This composition is credited to Debussy, and it is a
simple, yet powerful melody. Curiously, this was also
one of the very first songs to be recorded in the
history of recorded music! One of the oldest
available recordings is indeed a take on this track.
9) Imagine (By John Lennon)
How could we not mention Imagine? When most
people think of piano in popular music, this is one of
the very first songs that come to mind. Release in
1971, the track became a true evergreen, with lyrics
that have become iconic and memorable, loved and
remembered by millions of people all throughout the
world.
10) Piano Man (by Billie Joel)
The title of this song speaks for itself: a true piano
classic!
So this was our top ten, but the possibilities are
endless! Here are other notable mentions and songs
you should consider. Whether you enjoy classical
music, pop, rock, jazz, rap or R&B, these amazing
piano melodies will resonate with you.
11) Swan Lake Theme (by Tchaikovsky)
Swan Lake Theme is one Tchaikovsky’s most
famous compositions, and it is definitely the kind of
track that most beginners tackle as their introduction
to classical music. This is a simple melody – it has
some tricky parts, but it’s easy to figure it out with
time and patience!
12) DunnoMac (by Mac Miller)
This song is a classic example of how a simple
piano melody can fit in any style of music. Mac Miller
captured the heart of so many people with this song.
In particular, there is a Spotify live version floating
around on streaming platforms and Youtube, which
is only with piano and vocals. A perfect rendition for
people to learn more this song on their keyboards at
home.
13) Boulevard of Broken Dreams (by Green Day)
Green Day is one of those bands who are more
known for loud punk guitars and roaring drums
rather than piano parts. However, they do have
some amazing songs involving piano in their
catalog. Their radio hit, Boulevard of Broken
Dreams, is definitely one of them. The song is built
on a simple chord progression and a fantastic piano
arrangement, giving way to a memorable and
timeless song.
14) Rocket Man (by Elton John)
Rocket Man is one of the most iconic and well known songs in the career of this talented performer,
and there is something truly special about this
melody, which thematically reminds of the David
Bowie classic, “A Space Oddity.”
15) Thinking Out Loud (by Ed Sheeran)
Ed Sheeran is one of the most successful and
beloved pop artists of our generation. What’s special
about this sound is definitely the fact that it
showcase the singer’s ability to come up with a
stunning melody in a simple way, that even
beginners can easily learn.
16) Orinoco Flow (by Enya)
It is safe to say that Orinoco Flow is probably one of
the most famous new age songs ever, from an artist
that help popularize Celtic and New Age sounds.
This track is heavily based on Enya’s lush and
reverb-drenched vocal performance, but it is also
notable for its playful and refreshingly simple guitar
parts. The pizzicato synth tones are easy to play,
and it’s fun to explore the rhythmic possibilities of
this beautiful song.
17) Respect (by Aretha Franklin)
“Respect” is a bonafide classic, which defined a
generation of musicians. Thankfully, it’s easy for
people to learn this song on the piano, and sing
along to this timeless and beloved classic.
18) MmmmBop (by Hansen)
This is kind of a throwback hit, and some people
today might not be aware of Hansen, even though at
one point they were perhaps the original teenage
idols and they were very iconic! This song is simple
to play, and it is great for that nostalgic vibe.
19) How You Remind Me (by Nickelback)
This is a rock song at heart, but it can be arranged
for piano very seamlessly, because the chord
progression is simple and effective. A great track to
sing along to!
20) All Apologies (by Nirvana)
This is one of the most beautiful and memorable
nirvana song, and while the chord progression is
very simple, it can be a good exercise for people
who want to learn how to play the lead lines along
with the rhythm, playing the chords and the simple
vocal melody with the piano as well.
21) What A Wonderful World (by Louis Armstrong)
This song has jazz leanings, so some beginners
might struggle with the chords. However, learning
one of the most famous and beloved songs in the
world definitely has got its perks, and you’ll be glad
you went through the extra effort!
22) The Jingle Bells Theme
This timeless song knowns no age and it is an
evergreen. Will you be the one delighting your family
with a nice piano performance next year?
23) Silent Night
Silent Night is one of those amazingly classic songs
that will never get old. It is a Christmas classic for a
reason, and thankfully, it is also very easy to play
and sing.
24) Closer (by Dead Rituals)
This modern indie rock banger features some piano
elements, but even though it is mostly a guitar based song, it’s easy to figure out the chords and
understand how to adapt it on the piano!
25) Billie Jean (by Michael Jackson)
Last, but definitely not least, Billie Jean is a timeless
song, which can seamlessly be adapted to a piano solo performance. The chords are simple – but can
you sing along like the king of pop?
What are your favorite songs to learn on piano? Let
us know and share your favorite beginner hits with
us.
