1. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” is a quintessential first song for piano beginners. Its simplicity lies in its use of just five notes, making it playable with a single hand. The instantly recognizable melody is easy to memorize and provides a gentle introduction to piano playing.
Video Tutorial: [Learn ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ on Piano – Easy video Tutorial for Kids & Beginners**
Piano Notes:
Verse 1: Twinkle, twinkle, little star, How I wonder what you are! Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky.
Piano Letters: C C G G A A G, F F E E D D C, G G F F E E D, G G F F E E D, C C G G A A G, F F E E D D C,
Verse 2: When the blazing sun is gone, When he nothing shines upon, Then you show your little light, Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.
Piano Letters: G G F F E E D, C C G G A A G, F F E E D D C, G G F F E E D,
Verse 3: Then the traveler in the dark Thanks you for your tiny spark; He could not see which way to go, If you did not twinkle so.
Piano Letters: G G F F E E D, C C G G A A G, F F E E D D C, G G F F E E D,
Verse 4: In the dark blue sky you keep, And often through my curtains peep, For you never shut your eye Till the sun is in the sky.
Piano Letters: C C G G A A G, F F E E D D C, G G F F E E D, G G F F E E D,
Note: Piano letters correspond to white keys. C is to the left of two black keys.
2. Mary Had a Little Lamb
Another timeless nursery rhyme, “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” is ideal for beginner piano players. This song uses only three notes, simplifying the learning process and allowing you to focus on finger placement and rhythm. It’s a fantastic piece for developing basic finger dexterity.
Video Tutorial: [Easy Piano Tutorial for ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb’ – Perfect for Beginners**
Piano Notes:
Verse 1: Mary had a little lamb, Little lamb, little lamb, Mary had a little lamb, Its fleece was white as snow.
Piano Letters: E D C D E E E, D D D E G G, E D C D E E E, D D E D C,
Verse 2: And everywhere that Mary went, Mary went, Mary went, Everywhere that Mary went, The lamb was sure to go.
Piano Letters: E D C D E E E, D D D E G G, E D C D E E E, D D E D C,
Verse 3: It followed her to school one day, School one day, school one day, It followed her to school one day, Which was against the rules.
Piano Letters: E D C D E E E, D D D E G G, E D C D E E E, D D E D C,
Verse 4: It made the children laugh and play, Laugh and play, laugh and play, It made the children laugh and play, To see a lamb at school.
Piano Letters: E D C D E E E, D D D E G G, E D C D E E E, D D E D C,
Note: Piano letters indicate white keys. C is the white key immediately to the left of a pair of black keys.
3. Ode to Joy
Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” is a globally recognized melody that’s surprisingly accessible for piano beginners. Its beauty lies in its simplicity, using a limited set of notes that are easy to remember and play. “Ode to Joy” serves as a wonderful introduction to playing with both hands and is often recommended by piano teachers for its foundational value.
Video Tutorial: [Learn ‘Ode to Joy’ on Piano – Easy Tutorial with Step-by-Step Guidance**
Piano Notes:
Right Hand:
E E F G G F E D
C C D E E D D
E E F G G F E D
C C D E D C C
D D E C D E F E C
D E F E D C D G
E E F G G F E D
C C D E D C C
Left Hand Part:
C G C G
C G C G C
G C G C G G
A
C G C G C
4. Jingle Bells
“Jingle Bells,” a beloved holiday classic, is a cheerful and engaging song for beginner pianists. Its limited note range and repetitive structure make it easy to learn. “Jingle Bells” is also a great tune for practicing playing with both hands and adding a festive touch to your learning.
Video Tutorial: [Simple Piano Tutorial for ‘Jingle Bells’ – Great for Beginner pianists**
Piano Notes:
(D^) B – B B B – B B B-^D G A B (Oh) Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
^C ^C ^C ^C ^C B B (Oh what fun it is to ride)
B B B A A-B A-^D (In a one horse open sleigh)
B – B B B – B B B-^D G A B (Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way)
^C ^C ^C ^C ^C B B (Oh what fun it is to ride)
B B ^D ^D ^C-A G (In a one horse open sleigh)
D – B A G D D D D B A-G E (Dashing through the snow in a one horse open sleigh)
E ^C B A F# ^D-^D ^C A B (Over the fields we go laughing all the way)
D B A – G D D – B A – G E (Bells on bobtail ring making spirits bright)
E E ^C B A ^D ^D ^D ^D ^E-^D ^C A – G (What fun it is to ride and sing a sleighing song tonight.)
5. Heart and Soul
“Heart and Soul” is an instantly recognizable and playful tune that’s perfect for piano duets, but also great for solo beginners. Learning “Heart and Soul” provides a fun introduction to basic chords and playing with both hands, enhancing coordination and musicality.
Video Tutorial: [Follow this simple Piano Tutorial for “Heart and Soul” – Easy Song for Beginners**
6. Chopsticks
“Chopsticks” is a timelessly popular and remarkably simple melody, loved by generations of beginner pianists. Often played with just one finger or hand, “Chopsticks” is excellent for developing hand-eye coordination and getting comfortable with the piano keys.
Video Tutorial: [Learn ‘Chopsticks’ on Piano – Fun and Easy Tutorial for Beginners**
7. Can Can
The “Can Can” is a lively and upbeat melody that’s guaranteed to energize your piano practice. Its relatively simple structure and recognizable tune make it an achievable and rewarding piece for beginners, providing a sense of accomplishment and rhythmic practice.
Video Tutorial: [Here is a video Tutorial for “Can Can”**
8. Für Elise
Beethoven’s “Für Elise” is arguably one of the most famous piano pieces in the world. While it might sound complex, the beginning section is quite manageable for beginners. Learning the opening of “Für Elise” introduces slightly more complex melodies and rhythms, while still relying on relatively simple chord structures, making it a great next step for progressing beginners.
Video Tutorial: [Play ‘Für Elise’ on Piano – Easy Tutorial**
Piano Notes:
E Eb E Eb E B- D C A-
C- E- A- B-
E- Ab- B- C
E- E Eb E Eb E B- D C A-
C- E- A- B-
E- C B- A-
E Eb E Eb E B- D C A-
C- E- A- B-
E- Ab- B- C
E- E Eb E Eb E B- D C A-
C- E- A- B-
E- C B- A-
B- C D E
G- F E D
F- E D C
E- D C B-
E- E
E- E Eb E Eb E Eb E Eb E Eb E Eb E B- D C A-
C- E- A- B-
E- Ab- B- C
E- E Eb E Eb E B- D C A-
C- E- A- B-
E- C B- A-
9. Amazing Grace
“Amazing Grace” is a classic hymn known for its beautiful and serene melody. Its simplicity in structure and chord progression makes it an ideal choice for beginners. “Amazing Grace” allows you to practice playing with both hands in a gentle and expressive way, focusing on musicality and feeling.
Video Tutorial: [Here is a great video tutorial for “Amazing Grace”**
Piano Notes:
D – G – B G-B Amazing grace
A G E D How sweet the sound
D G B-G B A ^D That saved a wretch like me…
B ^D B G I once was lost
E G E D But now I’m found,
D G B-G B A G Was blind, but now I see…
10. When the Saints Go Marching In
“When the Saints Go Marching In” is an energetic and joyful song perfect for concluding our list of beginner piano tunes. Its upbeat rhythm and simple chord structure make it fun and relatively easy to learn. This song is excellent for practicing basic chords and playing with both hands in a more lively style.
Video Tutorial: [Learn ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’ on Piano – Easy Tutorialwith Note Labels**
In conclusion, these 10 Beginner Piano Songs offer a fantastic starting point for your piano playing adventure. Each song is selected for its ease of learning and the enjoyable musical experience it provides. Mastering these tunes will not only build your skills and confidence but also ignite your passion for music. At Craft Music, we are dedicated to supporting your musical journey with a range of beginner piano lessons tailored to your needs. Contact us today to discover how we can help you achieve your musical aspirations and unlock your full potential as a pianist.
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