Top 20 piano songs that every beginner should learn
This blog article presents 20 piano pieces for beginners, divided into pop and classical. It highlights the necessary techniques, the typical challenges and learning methods. Read on now to find out more.
Learning to play the piano is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the world of music. For beginners, choosing the right pieces to master the basic techniques can be crucial. In this article, we present a selection of 20 piano songs that are perfect for beginners, divided into pop songs and classical pieces. We highlight the technical skills required and give tips on how best to learn these songs.
Technical skills you need
Beginners should first concentrate on finger independence and correct hand position. Both hands must be able to act independently in order to play melodies and accompaniments simultaneously. It is also important to develop a sense of rhythm and timing, especially for pieces that rely on a constant accompaniment. It is advisable to learn basic techniques correctly from the outset, as mistakes are difficult to retrain. If in doubt, you should definitely take your first lessons with an experienced piano teacher.
Challenges and learning time
The learning time can vary depending on the difficulty of the pieces. Easier songs such as “Let It Be” or “Für Elise” require about 1-2 weeks of intensive practicing, while more complex pieces such as “Clair de Lune” can take several months. The biggest challenges are usually the coordination of both hands and keeping a steady tempo. Here too, it is advisable to seek advice so that you don't lose motivation early on in your musical adventure. Even if you initially make small progress quickly, you will soon reach your limits with almost all songs if you don't have the right technique. A few lessons with a qualified piano teacher are also worthwhile here.
Pop songs for beginners
"Let It Be" – The Beatles
Technique: Basic chord progression, simple melody.
Challenges: Rhythmic accompaniment with the left hand.
Learning time: 1-2 weeks.
Why learn: A classic that makes both listening and playing easier.
"Clocks" – Coldplay
Technique: Recurring arpeggios.
Challenges: Coordination of both hands.
Learning time: 2-3 weeks.
Why learn: Perfect for improving dexterity.
"River Flows in You" – Yiruma
Technique: Flowing melody and arpeggios.
Challenges: Consistency of dynamics and tempo.
Learning time: 3-4 weeks.
Why learn: Emotional depth and simple but impressive melody.
"Someone Like You" – Adele
Technique: Chord accompaniment, simple melody.
Challenges: Even touch dynamics.
Learning time: 1-2 weeks.
Why learn: Popular and easily accessible piece.
"Piano Man" – Billy Joel
Technique: Chord changes, bluesy melody.
Challenges: Left hand coordination.
Learning time: 2-3 weeks.
Why learn: A classic that teaches the basics of the blues.
"All of Me" – John Legend
Technique: Combination of chords and melody.
Challenges: Coordination of the hands, rhythmic regularity.
Learning time: 3-4 weeks.
Why learn: Very emotional piece with beautiful harmony.
"Comptine d’un autre été: L’après-midi" – Yann Tiersen
Technique: Repetitive motifs, simple arpeggios.
Challenges: Even tempo, expression.
Learning time: 2-3 weeks.
Why learn: Calm, meditative character, ideal for relaxation.
"Lean on Me" – Bill Withers
Technique: Basic chord progression, groove with the left hand.
Challenges: Rhythmic precision.
Learning time: 2 weeks.
Why learn: Simple but rousing harmony.
"Mad World" – Gary Jules
Technique: Arpeggiated chords, steady flow.
Challenges: Fine dynamics and expression.
Learning time: 2-3 weeks.
Why learn: Melancholic, expressive character.
"Stay With Me" – Sam Smith
Technique: Chord accompaniment, expression.
Challenges: Emphasizing the melody, soft dynamics.
Learning time: 1-2 weeks.
Why learn: Very catchy and soulful.
Classical pieces for beginners
"Für Elise" – Ludwig van Beethoven
Technique: finger independence, melody with the right hand.
Challenges: Fast runs in the right hand.
Learning time: 3-4 weeks.
Why learn: One of the best-known classical pieces, ideal for beginners.
"Prelude in C Major" – Johann Sebastian Bach
Technique: Arpeggios, clear phrasing.
Challenges: Precision and rhythmic accuracy.
Learning time: 2-3 weeks.
Why learn: Perfect for developing control over your playing.
"Minuet in G" – Christian Petzold
Technique: Simple melody and chord accompaniment.
Challenges: Hand independence.
Learning time: 1-2 weeks.
Why learn: Makes it easier to understand baroque music.
"Sonatina in G" – Ludwig van Beethoven
Technique: Hand independence, articulation.
Challenges: Precise trills and runs.
Learning time: 2-3 weeks.
Why learn: Good introduction to the sonatina form.
"Canon in D" – Johann Pachelbel
Technique: Recurring melodies, chord sequences.
Challenges: Uniformity of the sequences.
Learning time: 3-4 weeks.
Why learn: A harmonically accessible piece that forms the basis of many songs.
"Gymnopédie No. 1" – Erik Satie
Technique: Slow melody, easy chords.
Challenges: Sensitive dynamics and expression.
Learning time: 3 weeks.
Why learn: Soothing and minimalistic piece.
"Clair de Lune" – Claude Debussy
Technique: Expressive melody, rubato playing style.
Challenges: Rhythmic freedom, more complex harmonies.
Learning time: 4-6 weeks.
Why learn: Fantastically beautiful and a must for anyone who wants to indulge in the magic of Impressionism.
"The Entertainer" – Scott Joplin
Technique: Rhythmic precision, syncopated rhythms.
Challenges: Coordination of the left hand, fast rhythm.
Learning time: 4-5 weeks.
Why learn: An iconic ragtime piece that is fun to play and develops a sense of rhythm.
"Moonlight Sonata" (1. Satz) – Ludwig van Beethoven
Technique: Even arpeggios, expression.
Challenges: Emotional interpretation, even movement of the left hand.
Learning time: 4-5 weeks.
Why learn: A deeply emotional and meditative piece that touches the soul.
"Arabesque No. 1" – Claude Debussy
Technique: Flowing melody, demanding finger technique.
Challenges: Rhythmic complexity, dynamic contrasts.
Learning time: 6 weeks.
Why learn: Explores the possibilities of the impressionist style with its harmonic sophistication.
How do I get my first piano or electric piano?
A common obstacle for beginners is getting the right instrument. This is where partnerships such as Matchspace Music and Winti-Piano can offer a great solution. The option of renting an electric piano makes it much easier to get started. Especially for those who are not sure whether they want to stick with it long-term, renting offers a cost-effective and flexible alternative.
Advantages of electric piano rental for beginners:
Cost savings: no high purchase costs, instead a monthly rental fee.
Flexibility: If necessary, the instrument can simply be returned or exchanged for another model.
Quality: Modern electric pianos offer good sound quality and touch dynamics, ideal for practicing.
Matchspace Music and Winti-Piano ensure that beginners have a quick and uncomplicated instrument that they can start playing straight away. In addition, they often also offer recommendations for local teachers so that you get the best possible support.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pieces is crucial to encourage motivation and progress. A balanced mix of pop and classical music gives beginners a broad foundation to develop their skills. The biggest challenges lie in finger independence and precision, which can be mastered through continuous practice. Whether online tutorials, video lessons or teachers - the learning methods are varied and everyone has to find the right one for them. With patience and regular practice, these 20 songs can be the perfect introduction to the world of piano playing.
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