27 January 2026
|
Here we present a curated list of some of the easiest songs to learn on the piano drawing from both popular music and the classical works – along with practical tips to help beginners learn them efficiently and musically.
One of the great joys of learning the piano is how quickly a beginner can make real music. Unlike many instruments, the piano offers immediate access to melody and harmony, and with the right repertoire, even early-stage players can sound confident and expressive. The key is choosing pieces that are technically manageable while still musically satisfying.
You can find some of the pieces listed here (in various levels, and with playing tips) and loads more well-known Interactive Sheet Music, at Tomplay.
Popular songs that work beautifully for beginners
1 Let It Be, The Beatles
A perennial favourite for piano students, Let It Be is built around a repeating chord progression and a lyrical right-hand melody. Many beginner arrangements keep both hands in simple positions, making it ideal for developing coordination. Here's a really exciting arrangement of Let It Be for piano and orchestra.
Tip: Focus on playing the left-hand chords smoothly and evenly. Once secure, experiment with gentle dynamics to support the melody.
2 Someone Like You, Adele
This song proves that simple patterns can be powerful. The broken-chord accompaniment is repetitive and predictable, allowing beginners to concentrate on evenness and tone. We really like this easier arrangement of Someone Like You.
Tip: Keep the left hand relaxed and light – tension is the biggest enemy when you're trying to play flowing arpeggios.
Be inspired! Listen to Adele perform Someone Like You
3 Clocks, Coldplay
With its iconic repeating figure, Clocks is excellent for developing rhythmic consistency. Many simplified versions adapt the pattern for smaller hands and slower tempos (in fact, we've found a lovely Easy Level with Orchestra arrangement of Clocks).
Tip: Practise hands separately at first, then bring them together slowly with a metronome.
4 Imagine, John Lennon
Harmonically straightforward and emotionally resonant, Imagine works well in beginner-friendly chordal arrangements, and there as some easier arrangements of Imagine which mainly just present the melody.
Tip: Aim for a singing tone in the right hand and avoid over-pedalling; clarity is more effective than sustain at this level.
Famous classical pieces for beginner pianists
5 Ode to Joy, Beethoven
Perhaps the most famous beginner melody of all time, Ode to Joy sits comfortably in the hand and uses simple rhythms.
Tip: Shape each phrase musically, even at a basic level – this is an excellent early lesson in expression.
6 Minuet in G Major, JS Bach (attributed to Petzold)
Often a student’s first Bach piece, the Minuet in G Major (here, in a very easy arrangement perfect for beginners) introduces Classical style, hand coordination and light articulation.
Tip: Keep the touch crisp and avoid excessive pedal; clarity is essential in Baroque music.
7 Prelude in C Major (a simplified version), JS Bach
While the original is more intermediate, many beginner arrangements preserve the flowing broken-chord texture without technical strain. We found a lovely version of the Prelude in C major here.
Tip: Think in harmonic groups rather than individual notes to maintain musical flow.
Watch John Maul give a lesson on Bach's Prelude in C
8 Für Elise (opening section), Beethoven
The famous opening theme of Für Elise is accessible to beginners and instantly recognisable. Most early students learn just the first section – and that’s perfectly fine.
Tip: Practise the right-hand turns slowly to ensure accuracy and elegance.
General playing tips for beginners
Choose good arrangements. A well-edited beginner version can make all the difference between frustration and progress. As mentioned earlier, the online sheet music resource Tomplay have lots of really good ones.
Prioritise consistency over speed. Slow, accurate practice builds confidence and muscle memory.
Listen as much as you play. Even simple pieces benefit from careful attention to balance, phrasing, and tone.
Celebrate musicality early. Expression is not an ‘advanced’ skill – it should be nurtured from the first lesson.
With the right repertoire, beginners can sound musical, polished, and motivated from the very start. These pieces offer a strong foundation while reminding new pianists why they fell in love with the instrument in the first place. Good luck!
For some more repertoire suggestions, go to Melanie Spanswick’s recent blog on classical repertoire ideas for the beginner to early-intermediate pianist.
For lots of other ideas, including arrangements in all levels, plus playing tips galore and backing tracks so you can play along with an orchestra or other instrumentalists, go to Tomplay.
Watch lots of online lessons for the beginner pianist on Pianist's YouTube channel.