Adele’s heartfelt ballad is a fantastic first song for beginners. The left hand plays a repeating broken chord pattern, while the right hand carries the melody. This piece helps develop coordination and introduces you to playing with both hands together.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

• The left-hand pattern repeats, so once you get it down, half the work is done.
• The melody is simple and follows the song’s vocal line.
• It builds confidence with expressive playing.

Pro Tip: Start by practicing the left-hand pattern separately before adding the melody.

2. "Hallelujah" – Leonard Cohen

This beautiful song has been covered countless times, and its slow, steady pace makes it perfect for beginners. It primarily uses simple chords with a flowing rhythm, helping you get comfortable transitioning between notes smoothly.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

• The chord progression is easy to learn.
• The melody moves at a manageable pace.
• It’s a great song for practicing emotional expression on the piano.

Pro Tip: Try playing along with a backing track or singing while playing to build confidence.

3. "All of Me" – John Legend

This romantic hit features arpeggios (broken chords), which help develop finger dexterity and independence between hands. While it might take a little patience, mastering this pattern will open up more advanced pieces in the future.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

• The arpeggios are repetitive, so once you learn the pattern, the song flows naturally.
• It teaches how to balance melody and accompaniment.
• A great introduction to playing more expressive, dynamic music.

Pro Tip: Start slow and gradually increase speed using a metronome to stay in time.

4. "Still D.R.E" – Dr. Dre

Yes, hip-hop can be beginner-friendly on the piano! The instantly recognizable riff from "Still D.R.E" is built on a repeating pattern that’s easy to pick up and sounds impressive once mastered.

Check out our article on How To Play Still D.R.E.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

• The right-hand riff repeats throughout the song, making it easy to learn quickly.
• Great for practicing finger positioning and rhythm.
• A fun way to impress friends with a cool, modern song.

Pro Tip: Focus on keeping the rhythm steady—this song is all about groove!

5. "Imagine" – John Lennon

This timeless classic has a beautifully simple chord progression and melody, making it one of the best beginner songs to learn on the piano.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

• The left-hand chords are easy to play and move smoothly.
• The melody follows the vocal line, making it easier to learn by ear.
• It’s a great introduction to playing expressively with dynamics.

Pro Tip: Play softly and smoothly to capture the song’s dreamy quality.

Tips for Learning These Songs

No matter which song you start with, these tips will help:

• Start slow – Don’t rush! Take your time to get comfortable with each section.
• Practice hands separately – Master each hand on its own before playing together.
• Use a metronome – This helps develop a steady rhythm.
• Listen to the original song – Familiarizing yourself with the music makes it easier to replicate.
• Be patient – Learning piano takes time, so enjoy the process.

Beyond the Basics: What’s Next?

Once you’ve mastered these songs, here’s how to take your skills to the next level:

• Learn basic scales – This will help with finger strength and flexibility.
• Experiment with improvisation – Try adding your own flair to songs.
• Explore new genres – Jazz, classical, or even video game music can introduce you to new techniques.
• Consider structured learning – Platforms like Melodics offer interactive lessons to keep your progress on track

The Joy of Playing Piano

These five songs are just the beginning of your piano journey. Playing the piano is about more than just hitting the right notes—it’s about expression, creativity, and enjoying the process. Whether you’re playing for yourself, impressing friends, or just unwinding after a long day, music has the power to bring joy.

So, pick a song, sit at your keyboard, and start playing. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can make music!

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Whether you're aiming to master the keys, refine your technique, or build a solid foundation in music theory, Melodics provides the interactive lessons and expert guidance you need to level up your keyboard skills.