Beginner-friendly songs to learn on piano

Absolutely not!

When I was learning piano as a kid, my teacher focused heavily on traditional sheet music, and honestly, it was my biggest hurdle. Luckily, there’s a simpler way—graphical representations with piano letter notes make learning so much easier (you'll see an example in the guide to learning 'Let It Be' below).

► ARTMASTER TIP: Find out more about piano letter notes and learn to play your first simple melodies in our guide — Start playing piano: an easy guide for beginners.

Let’s face it: not everyone wants to start with classical pieces or nursery rhymes like "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" (although we have covered it here). For a lot of people, those don’t spark excitement or feel that relevant. That’s why jumping straight into learning a real song you love can make all the difference. Here’s why:

• It’s more motivating: Playing a song you recognise and enjoy is far more rewarding than working through exercises or simple melodies.

• Teaches practical skills: Most modern songs are built on basic chords, so you’re learning something that applies to tons of other music.

• Feels achievable: A single song keeps things simple. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, you can focus on mastering something real.

• Builds confidence fast: Nailing a song you love shows you what’s possible and keeps you inspired to keep learning.

• Moves beyond the basics: Playing a song you know makes the piano feel less like a classroom exercise and more like something you can enjoy every day.

Starting with a song makes piano accessible, fun, and totally personal—whether that’s a Beatles classic or a pop hit you’ve always loved.

► ARTMASTER TIP: Learning a song on piano isn’t just enjoyable—it’s proven to have lasting benefits. Discover how learning music benefits the brain and body based on recent studies.

Finding the right song for you makes all the difference. Here’s how to pick one that keeps you motivated:

• Keep it simple: Choose a song with a clear melody and minimal chord changes.

• Make it personal: Pick something you genuinely love or a piece tied to a special memory.

• Check for resources: Ensure the song has beginner-friendly music or tutorials available.

Take a look at the list of 10 simple piano songs we've put together. There is a wide range to choose from, so hopefully you can find something there to motivate you too.

Here’s our selection of songs that blend timeless classics with modern favourites, each chosen for its simplicity, recognisability, and ability to help beginners build essential piano skills.

1. "Let It Be" by The Beatles

• C - G - Am - F : This timeless classic is incredibly accessible, with its simple, repetitive chord progressions. It’s perfect for beginners to build smooth transitions and experiment with dynamics.

2. "Your Song" by Elton John

• C - Dm - Em - E : This iconic song introduces players to essential chord shapes and provides a great platform for exploring dynamics and phrasing.

3. "Clocks" by Coldplay

• Eb - Bb - Fm - Ab : Known for its iconic arpeggiated riff, Clocks helps beginners develop finger strength and timing. The repetitive patterns make it easy to memorise while practising coordination between both hands.

4. "Lean On Me" by Bill Withers

• C - F - G - Am : This soulful anthem is built on simple, repetitive chord progressions, making it beginner-friendly. Its rhythm introduces syncopation, which is great for timing and left-hand practice.

5. "My Future" by Billie Eilish

• Gm - G# - G#m : The song’s slow and soft nature is ideal for beginners focusing on developing left-hand bass notes while exploring right-hand harmonies.

6. "In The End" by Linkin Park

• Em - C - G - D : This rock favourite combines simplicity with a touch of rhythmic complexity. Beginners can practice alternating between black and white keys, while the pentatonic trick adds a fun and creative flair.

7. "All of Me" by John Legend

• Em - C - G - D : Its simplicity in chord structure, combined with emotional depth, makes it a favourite for beginners. The song is also great for practising dynamics and expressive playing.

8. "Someone Like You" by Adele

• A - E - F# - D : This emotional piece is perfect for practising left-hand arpeggios and coordination. Its flowing, repetitive patterns allow beginners to focus on building consistency while delivering a performance that feels deeply personal and moving.

9. "Stay With Me" by Sam Smith

• Am - F - C - G : With its repetitive chord structure, Stay With Me is great for or focusing on hand coordination and timing while introducing dynamic variation.

10. "Piano Man" by Billy Joel

• C - G - Am - F - Dm : Though slightly more challenging, its iconic riff is a fantastic motivator for beginners ready to stretch their skills, as it teaches about rhythm and chord inversions.

► ARTMASTER TIP: To find all the chords in these songs, take a look at our guide to piano chords, including simple keyboard diagrams.

Learning this song (a favourite of my uncle), was what kept me motivated to keep playing. It’s got simple chords which are basically the same in the verse and chorus, and the contrast between the softer verses and fuller chorus makes it ideal for practising dynamics.

Take a look at David Bennett explaining how to play the chords to 'Let It Be' on piano from his Piano for Beginners course.

Step 1: Start with the right-hand chords

In this arrangement, your right hand will be mostly playing the full chords for the song. Here are the shapes to practice:

• C major: C-E-G

• G major (1st inversion): B-D-G

• A minor: A-C-E

• F major part: (see below)

Take your time practising each chord and focus on smooth transitions between them, as David explains in his video above. Here are the notes on his arrangement from the course:

Step 2: Add the left-hand bass notes

The left hand plays single bass notes that correspond to each chord:

• C - G -A - F

Keep the bass notes steady as you add them to your practice.

Step 3: Combine both hands

Now, play the right-hand chords and left-hand bass notes together. Start slowly and focus on timing. This is where the song begins to come together.

Step 4: Add rhythm and dynamics

To make your playing more expressive:

• Experiment with dynamics: play softly in the verses and louder in the chorus.

• Add rhythmic variation: try holding the bass notes steady while playing the chords with a slight swing.

Step 5: Play the whole song

Once you’ve practised, bring it all together and play the full song with the vocal part. It doesn’t have to be perfect—what matters is enjoying it.

And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be

For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be (x3)

And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me
Shinin' until tomorrow, let it be

I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be

And let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be (x2)

► ARTMASTER TIP: For a complete guide to playing this song and other iconic tunes from Coldplay to Linkin Park and the 12-bar blues, try out David's course👇 for free by starting your 7-Day Free Trial.

No matter which song you choose, here are a few practice tips that you can apply to any track.

1. Start with the right hand

• Play the melody slowly. Focus on accuracy rather than speed.

• Use finger numbers to develop muscle memory.

2. Add the left hand gradually

• Practice simple chords or bass notes in isolation before combining with the melody.

• Start hands together only when both are steady individually.

3. Use a metronome

• A metronome is a really useful and simple tool to help maintain rhythm.

4. Break it down

• Divide the song into sections (intro, chorus, bridge). Learn and practice each part before putting them together.

5. Refine and add emotion

• Focus on dynamics by playing louder in dramatic sections and softer during introspective parts. Experiment with phrasing to make the music your own.

6. Celebrate small wins

• Record yourself playing and watch your progress. Play it for friends or family for encouragement.

► ARTMASTER TIP: For more practice tips, check out our guide — The art of effective music practice

Learning songs was what kept me going when I started playing piano, and I know they can do the same for you. If you’re ready to get started, David Bennett’s Piano for Beginners Course on ArtMaster is the perfect next step. David has been sharing his passion for music on his YouTube channel, which has over 1 million subscribers.

His lessons are clear, step-by-step, and focus on teaching real songs like "Let It Be",. "Lean On Me', "Clocks" and "Imagine". With his guidance, you’ll build confidence, learn essential skills, and enjoy the process every step of the way.

Sign up today and you'll be playing your first song before the end of your free trial!

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