Want To Play Piano? Here Are 8 Songs Anyone Can Learn Today
Get started on the piano with easy-to-learn songs people actually like to play — no hot cross buns or little lambs required.
Sean Kelly · about 1 month ago
- art

Heeral Chhibber
Playing piano can be a rewarding practice, but at first glance it might seem a bit daunting. With 88 keys and two hands to train, mastering the instrument is the work of a lifetime! But the truth is, you don’t have to be Mozart to get started feeling competent on the keys — and you don’t have to learn by playing “Hot Cross Buns.” (Yawn.)
Focusing on right hand chords only is a good place to start. Here are some classics and hits that you can have fun with today as you learn your way around the piano.
Adele, “Hello”
This song was an instant classic when it came out, and it still stands up today. It’s also quite easy to play on piano, and if you know a few basic chords you can work your way through each section with ease.

Verse: Em / G / D / C

Pre-Chorus: Em / D / Bm / C / Em / D / C

Chorus: Em / C / G / D
The Beatles, “Let It Be”
Arguably one of the best songs Paul McCartney has ever written, “Let It Be” is a standout in a catalog full of classics. Thankfully, it’s also really easy to play a simple version of this Beatles hit.

Verse: C / G / Am / F / C / G / F / C / E / Dm / C

Chorus 1: Am / G / F / C

Chorus 2: C / G / F / C / E / Dm / C
Warren Zevon, “Werewolves of London”
The late, great Warren Zevon wrote some beautiful music in his life, but perhaps no song of his is as recognizable as “Werewolves of London.” The song was a massive hit and a really great party song, and it turns out it’s also quite easy to play in a simplified manner.
In fact, there are only three chords in the entire song! When you listen to the song itself you’ll hear that the piano part sounds quite complex, but you can get started with the three basic chords underneath the arrangement.

D / C / G
Bill Withers, “Lean On Me”
Bill Withers’ monumental “Lean On Me” is in fact one of his most simple compositions. The legendary songwriter and singer wrote this classic with a simple message that was elevated by a very simple yet impactful chord progression.

C / C / Dm / Em / F / F/ Em / Dm / C

C / Dm / Em / Em / G

C / C / Dm / Em / F / F / Em / Dm / C

C / Dm / Em / G / C
Ed Sheeran, “Thinking Out Loud”
This modern pop love song was a breakthrough moment for Ed Sheeran, and remains one of his best. The song also happens to be very easy to play on the right hand. Get started with some basic chords.

Verse: D / G / A

Pre-Chorus 1: Em / A / D / Em / A

Pre-Chorus 2: Em / A / Bm / Em / A

Chorus: D / G / A

Chorus 2: This one gets a bit complicated at the end of the chorus, but the simplest form of the progression is:
Bm / A / G / F#m / Em / A / D
The Temptations, “My Girl”
This one isn’t traditionally played on piano, but it’s a fun one to try out! Who doesn’t groove to this classic love song? With just a few simple chords, you can play a version you’ll have no problem singing along with.

Verse: C / F (x4)

Chorus: C / Dm / F / G (x2)

Chorus 2: C / F / G
John Legend, “All Of Me”
John Legend’s “All Of Me” is a modern love song that was a huge hit when it was released, and it’s also notable for being really accessible on piano. Sure, there are some chord variations that Legend plays, but in its basic form it’s a few chord progressions that are really beautiful and fun to play.
Watch out, because you’ll be employing the black keys on the piano for this one. It’s a bit of a challenge at first, but worth it once you get the changes down!

Verse: Fm / Db / Ab / Eb

Bridge: Bbm / Ab / Eb

Chorus: Ab / Fm / Bbm / Db / Eb
The Beatles, “Hey Jude”
What list of great piano songs would be complete without “Hey Jude”? This master class in songwriting is also a great way of getting some crucial chords down that involve the black keys on your piano. If you can nail these basics, you’ll be well on your way to the next level as a piano player.

Verse: F / C / C7 / C

Verse 2: Bb / F / C7 / F

Chorus: F7 / Bb / Bb / A / Gm / Gm7 / C / F
With these simplified versions of classic hits, you’ll be jumping around the keys in no time! It’s always more fun to learn songs you love, and way more motivating as well. Play on!

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