Favorite Short and Easy Piano Songs for Complete Beginners
Learning to play the piano as a complete beginner can be daunting, but with the right choice of songs, it can also be incredibly rewarding and fun. This guide highlights a collection of short and easy piano songs that cater to beginners while still sounding pleasant and enjoyable to both the player and the listener.
Why Start with Short and Easy Songs?
Beginners often start with simple pieces because they can gain confidence and a sense of achievement quickly. Short and easy songs allow learners to focus on developing basic piano skills such as finger control, rhythm, and reading music.
Classic Options
Some classics are surprisingly well-suited for absolute beginners. Piano books like the James Bastien Piano Basics series offer great introductions to learning the piano with simple tunes like:
Soldier's Joy: A traditional folk tune that is relatively simple to learn. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star: Arguably the most recognizable tune on the planet, it’s great for beginners to acclimate to the keys and basic finger movements. Classical Melodies: Simple classical pieces by composers like Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach, such as Brahms#39; Lullaby and Canon in D.Children's Songs and Folk Music
Children's songs and traditional folk music can be excellent for beginners as they are easy to memorize and full of charm. Some suggestions include:
Ring Around the Rosie: Perfect for practicing basic finger techniques. Mississippi Mud: A fun African-American folk song that’s easy to learn. Three Blind Mice: A well-known nursery rhyme that’s simple to play.Traditional Dance Tunes
Simple traditional dance tunes can help develop a sense of rhythm and control, without overwhelming the beginner. Explore tunes like:
Two-Step: A slow dance that can be learned quickly and is easy to play. Virginia Reel: A lighthearted and easy-to-learn dance tune.Rock and Blues
If you’re drawn to modern music, simpler rock and blues tunes can make great starting points. Start with:
Goldfish (I Can't Get No): A simplified rock tune by The Beatles, easy to follow and catchy. 12 Bar Blues: An essential element of popular music, providing a structure but with simpler chord progressions.Classical Piano Basics
While classical music can seem daunting, there are many simpler classical pieces that can be learned by beginners:
Canon in D: A famous 12th century piece by Johann Pachelbel, adapted for easier playback. Minuet in G Major: An introductory piece by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, simple in nature yet elegant.Key Takeaways for Beginners
To truly enjoy learning the piano, a few key elements can help:
Basic Chords: Familiarize yourself with simple chord structures. Finger Control: Practice basic finger movements and techniques. Reading Music: Learn to read and interpret sheet music. Rhythm and Grove: Develop a sense of beat and timing.By incorporating these elements, any beginner can enjoy playing the piano and gradually move towards more complex pieces.