One of the best things about learning the piano is how quick and easy it is to get started. Unlike stringed instruments, where you first have to learn to strum chords or strum strings, you can start playing the piano simply by pressing the right keys. That said, there are plenty of easy piano songs you can learn today.
In this guide, we've rounded up 32 easy songs to get you started. You don't need to know how to read sheet music. We have included tutorials for all songs.
With soundtracks and popular songs on this list, there's something for everyone. There is also classical music that sounds intricate and impressive even if you are a beginner pianist.
the common chords
There are thousands of chords and chord variations. Fortunately, you only need to know a handful to play some beautiful and easy piano music. Many piano pieces and popular songs consist of just these common chords.
Most people start with "triad" chords. They all consist of three-note patterns on the keyboard.
Chords not on this list can be easily looked up online. Don't worry if you see a chord you don't recognize.
The notes of these chords are usually all played simultaneously. In some songs, you cycle through the notes of a chord. These are called "arpeggios". Chords aren't the only thing to understand when it comes to playing songs on the piano.
Melodies are played by learning individual notes and playing them individually in rhythm. If you want to play impressive-sounding piano music for beginners, the melody will often be crucial.
Chords are often more of an accompaniment to the singing, while the melody or "hook" is what people recognize. As you improve on the piano, you'll learn to integrate your right and left hands. The left usually plays a bass line or chords while the right plays the melody.
Practical tips to learn songs faster
In addition to finding songs that are easy to learn, consider the following tips to speed up the process even more and have complete songs playing in virtually no time:
- Learn in sections:It helps to divide the song into several sections and learn them one by one. Intro, Verse, Chorus. Don't try to learn in a "linear" way and go from beginning to end. One section at a time is easier on the brain.
- Start with the right hand: don't try to combine the two hands too quickly. This can be difficult to coordinate, especially in the beginning. Just focus on the right hand melody first, then combine chords as needed.
- Choose the songs you like: This is yet another motivational tip. You're less likely to stick with it if you don't like the song.
- Slow things down:If you learn the song slower than you are used to, it will be easier for you to learn the notes and move between them. If necessary, use YouTube's playback speed controls.
12 superleichte Piano-Songs
1. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star – Kinderreim
This is a great piano song for kids to learn. Simple, fun and a song that everyone knows.
Difficulty: 2/10
Impressive score: 4/10
2. Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday is not only a great song to learn because it's easy, it's one of the most useful piano music pieces! Get everyone to sing along when it's someone's birthday.
Difficulty: 2/10
Impressive score: 4/10
3. When you're happy and you know it
Difficulty: 1/10
Impressive score: 4/10
4. Chopsticks
What a fun song for beginners. There are probably millions of people who learned chopsticks as their first piano piece. It may be simple, but it's effective and can have you sounding great in minutes.
Difficulty: 1/10
Impressive score: 4/10
5. For Elise - Beethoven
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jOsHod6zWM
Most people get pretty excited when they realize they might be one of the first to play a Beethoven song in their songbook. Fur Elise, a love song by the renowned composer, has a surprisingly simple motif.
Difficulty: 2/10
Impressive score: 6/10
6. Bells
You might feel a little silly learning Jingle Bells 11 months of the year, but when the holiday season is over, it's great to know a Christmas song.
Difficulty: 2/10
Awesome Score: 5/10
7. Take Me to the Moon - Frank Sinatra
Difficulty: 2/10
Impressive score: 6/10
8. Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
This is a very popular beginner ukulele song, but your piano teacher might encourage you to play it as one of your first songs as well.
Difficulty: 2/10
Impressive score: 6/10
9. Halleluja – Leonard Cohen (C, Am, F, G, E7)
Difficulty: 3/10
Impressive score: 7/10
10. Let It Be - The Beatles (C, G, Am, F)
Difficulty: 3/10
Impressive score: 6/10
11. Look What You've Done To Me - Taylor Swift
One of the easiest pop songs you'll find. Catchy and great for sing-alongs.
Difficulty: 2/10
Awesome Score: 5/10
12. Part of Your World - The Little Mermaid
Difficulty: 2/10
Awesome Score: 5/10
15 moderately easy piano songs
1. Coldplay - The Scientist (Dm7, A#, F, Fsus2)
Difficulty: 4/10
Impressive score: 8/10
2. Lean on Me – Bill Withers (C, F, Em, G, G7)
This Bill Withers classic is a breeze, especially if you can handle quick chord changes. There are some more complicated paddings you can add, but they are optional for beginners.
Difficulty: 5/10
Impressive score: 8/10
3. Minuet in G - Bach
Difficulty: 4/10
Impressive score: 8/10
4. Cannon in Re - Earth
Difficulty: 5/10
Impressive score: 7/10
5. What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong (F, Am, Dm, Am, Gm)
Difficulty: 4/10
Impressive score: 7/10
6. Let Her Go - Passenger (D, C, Em, G, Bm)
Difficulty: 5/10
Impressive score: 8/10
7. Jar of Hearts – Christina Perri (Bm, D, A, Em, G)
Difficulty: 5/10
Impressive score: 7/10
8. Africa – Toto
Difficulty: 5/10
Impressive score: 7/10
9. Imagine - John Lennon (C, Cmaj7, F, E, E7)
Difficulty: 5/10
Impressive score: 8/10
10. Mad World – Gary Jules (Fm, A#, G#, D#)
Difficulty: 5/10
Impressive score: 8/10
11. How to Save a Life - The Fray (A#, F, Gm, F, D#)
Difficulty: 5/10
Impressive score: 8/10
12. Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2 – Chopin
This is one of those songs that most people know the melody of, even if they don't know it's by Chopin. You'll sound like a real pro when you master this.
Difficulty: 5/10
Impressive score: 9/10
13. Into the Jungle - The Lion King
Difficulty: 4/10
Impressive score: 7/10
14. Hedwig's Theme – Harry Potter
Difficulty: 5/10
Impressive score: 7/10
15. City of Stars - Ryan Gosling (La La Land)
Ryan Gosling learned piano in four months, taking piano lessons for his role in La La Land. This is one of the easiest parts of the movie. It's very easy to learn this piano song even though it sounds impressive.
Difficulty: 5/10
Impressive score: 8/10
5 intermediate songs for piano
1. Married Life - Above
Difficulty: 6/10
Impressive score: 8/10
2. Rewriting The Stars - The Great Showman
Difficulty: 7/10
Impressive score: 9/10
3. Piano Man – Billy Joel (C, G, F, D7)
Degree of difficulty: 6/10 (depending on the arrangement)
Impressive score: 8/10
4. Winner Takes All - Abba
Difficulty: 6/10
Impressive score: 9/10
5. I'm Still Standing - Elton John
Difficulty: 6/10
Impressive score: 8/10
Diploma
Depending on the arrangement you choose, you may have noticed that most of these songs have simpler and more complex versions. The tutorials we've selected are great for learning in a simple way, but make sure everyone can identify what you're playing.
You don't need to reach the pro level to enjoy full songs and play in front of friends or family. As you can see, there are many songs you can learn on a rainy afternoon.
Anna Rivera
Anna teaches piano and guitar and also has extensive experience recording music. She is well versed in music psychology and loves to share the benefits of learning to make music.