Embarking on your piano journey can be incredibly exciting, and choosing the right songs to start with is crucial for building confidence and momentum. If you’re a complete beginner wondering where to begin, understanding the fundamentals of music – pitch (the note’s sound) and rhythm (the timing between notes) – is your first step. The easiest piano songs for beginners are those that feature simple rhythms and melodies that don’t jump around the keyboard too much.
Initially, learning piano is best approached one hand at a time. Even seasoned pianists often practice each hand separately before combining them. For beginners, starting with one-handed songs allows you to focus on note recognition and finger placement without the added complexity of coordination. Remember, finding the most comfortable finger for each note might require some experimentation. Once you discover the optimal fingering, consistently using it will significantly streamline your learning process and improve your muscle memory.
To guide you on this exciting musical adventure, here are seven basic piano songs perfect for beginners:
1. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
“Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” isn’t just for children; it’s a fantastic starting point for adult beginners too. Begin by placing your right thumb on Middle C. Remarkably, nearly all the notes you need for this song are conveniently located right under your fingers, with only the highest note extending just slightly beyond your pinky finger’s reach. To see it in action and learn at your own pace, check out this helpful video demonstration of “Twinkle Twinkle”:
2. Happy Birthday
“Happy Birthday” is an incredibly practical and basic piano song to learn. Imagine being able to play this familiar tune at a birthday celebration – you’ll be the star of the party! Similar to “Twinkle Twinkle,” start with your right thumb on Middle C. The first part of the song comfortably sits under your hand. However, “Happy Birthday” introduces a slightly larger interval jump – an octave leap from your starting C up to the next C. Playing this higher C with your pinky finger sets you up perfectly for the subsequent notes. You’ll also encounter your first black key – a B flat. Practice along with this tutorial to master “Happy Birthday”:
3. Jingle Bells
The chorus of “Jingle Bells” is undeniably one of the best Basic Piano Songs To Learn. Its repetitive notes and universally recognized melody make it exceptionally approachable. Knowing the tune beforehand greatly simplifies the learning process compared to deciphering unfamiliar sheet music. While the verses are a touch more intricate, they remain manageable for beginners. Explore this tutorial for “Jingle Bells” and start playing a holiday classic:
4. Hallelujah
Once you’ve gained confidence with right-hand melodies, it’s time to introduce your left hand and explore the world of chords. Chords are the harmonic foundation of most music, and learning basic chords in your left hand is a valuable skill that unlocks countless songs. “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen stands out as a beautiful yet basic piano song for beginners to practice two-handed playing. This video tutorial will guide you through playing chords in your left hand while maintaining the melody in your right:
5. Havana
“Havana” is a catchy and engaging song that injects a bit more rhythm and complexity into your learning. The right-hand melody is slightly more intricate, featuring an off-beat rhythm that presents a fun challenge. In the chorus, the left hand establishes a repeating pattern, making it easier to grasp once you get the hang of it. The song begins with a couple of chords in the right hand before transitioning into the main melody. This tutorial provides a step-by-step approach, breaking down each hand separately before combining them. While perhaps not as straightforward as the previous songs, “Havana” is still within reach for beginners who are ready for a slightly greater challenge:
6. Prelude in C Major by Bach
If you’re eager to venture into classical music, Bach’s “Prelude in C Major” is one of the best basic piano songs to learn. It represents a step up in difficulty compared to the earlier songs as it utilizes a wider range of the keyboard and requires two hands to achieve its full sound. Interestingly, although it’s a two-handed piece, you only play one note at a time, with the melody cleverly distributed between both hands. The left hand notes are sustained while the right hand plays, creating the illusion of continuous harmony. A helpful feature of this piece is its repeated patterns within each measure. Once you master a pattern, you’ll find it reappears in the subsequent measure, simplifying the learning process. Sheet music for this piece might initially look daunting, but by focusing on one note at a time and recognizing the repeating patterns, you’ll find it more accessible than it seems. This video series breaks down “Prelude in C Major” into manageable sections, guiding you through each hand and reinforcing the repeated patterns:
7. Für Elise
Having conquered Bach’s Prelude, you might be ready to take on Beethoven’s iconic “Für Elise.” This timeless piano piece, surprisingly, is one of the most rewarding basic piano songs to learn once you’re comfortable playing with both hands. “Für Elise” introduces a few black keys, and some intervals between notes are wider than in the Bach Prelude. However, if you’ve diligently practiced the previous songs, you’ll be well-prepared for this challenge. The first section of “Für Elise” is particularly suitable for beginners. The second section presents a significant technical leap, so focusing on mastering the first, most recognizable part is a great initial goal. Your friends will undoubtedly be impressed when they hear you play this famous melody!
Learning to play the piano is a journey filled with discovery and growth. Starting with these seven basic piano songs provides a solid foundation and makes the process enjoyable and achievable. To further enhance your learning experience, consider incorporating helpful tools like music education apps such as Tonara Studio. These apps can make practice sessions more engaging and effective, encouraging consistent practice and faster progress. And if you’re seeking personalized guidance, explore Tonara Connect to find experienced piano teachers who can support your musical aspirations!
