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Did you know that some of today’s most popular music can be played with just a few easy piano chords? If you’re looking for easy pop songs to play on piano for beginners, you’re not limited to children’s keyboard songs. In fact, you can play some of the most powerful and popular songs of today with just a handful of chords. Our table below includes easy piano notes for popular songs:
| All About That Bass – Meghan Trainor | A, Bm, E, A |
| Someone Like You – Adele | A, E, F#m, D |
| Clocks – Coldplay | Gb, Db, Ab |
| Stay With Me – Sam Smith | Am, F, C |
| Billie Jean – Michael Jackson | F#m, G#m, A, |
| Fallin’ – Alicia Keys | Em, D |
| Superman – 5 for Fighting | C, G, Am7, F, |
| Drops of Jupiter – Train | G, D, F, C, Dm |
| Bubbly – Colbie Caillat | A, Amaj7, D, C#m, E, Bm7 |
| When I Was Your Man – Bruno Mars | G, F, C, Am, D7, B |
| Love Me Like You Do – Ellie Goulding | G#, Cm, Fm, C#, A#m, D# |
| Take Me to Church – Hozier | G5, F#5, F5, Em, Bm, G, Am, A5 |
| Elastic Heart – Sia | C, G, D, Em |
| Dark Horse – Katie Perry | F, C, Am, G |
| Counting Stars – One Republic | Am, C, G, F |
| Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran | D, D/F#, G, A |
| Clarity – Zedd | Am. D, Em, Bm, C |
| Shake it Off – Taylor Swift | G, Am, C, Em |
| How to Save a Life – The Fray | C, D, Em, G, D/F# |
| Let it Go – Idina Menzel | Em, G, D, Am, C |
Everyone loves hearing popular tunes performed live, whether it’s at a wedding, talent show, or private concert. This means that as a piano player, it’s important to be able to play many genres and artists. If you want to play professionally, expanding your repertoire with pop music is a must for landing steady gigs and impressing your audience.
Let’s check out a diverse and fun selection of easy keyboard pop songs, so you can leave an impression on friends, family, and countless crowd members. Don’t forget to enlist the help of a singer (or sharpen your own singing skills) to deliver the full impact of these pop anthems. Follow these video lessons and work your way up to match the original song, then get ready to WOW your next audience!
If you’re looking to improve your piano sight reading skills, check out this video:
What Are the 4 Pop Song Chords on Piano?
Four popular chords used on the piano for pop songs are major, minor, augmented, and diminished:
- Major chords evoke feelings of happiness and stability.
- Minor chords express sadness and longing.
- Augmented chords feature a sharpened fifth note from the major chord.
- Diminished chords contain a lowered fifth note from the major chord.
If you want to master pop songs to play on piano, easy ways to do it include learning these chords and practicing them often.
And if you’re looking for even more guidance on how to play easy pop songs on piano, be sure to sign up for piano lessons. Your instructor will be able to show you how it’s done, plus, you’ll learn all the helpful skills and techniques showcased in the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wQ1ZXph1HI
How to Play Easy Pop Songs on Piano: Tips to Get Started
Pop songs are a great place to start because of their simple melodies and relatable lyrics. Playing pop songs on the piano is not only entertaining but also a great way to improve your musical skills. Here are some tips to help you get started.
1. Know the Basics
Before diving into pop songs, make sure you have a basic understanding of the piano. Familiarize yourself with the various keys and chords. You can start by learning popular chords and practicing them regularly. This will make it easier to play the chords in pop songs.
2. Choose Songs With Simple Melodies
As a beginner, it’s best to start with songs that have simple melodies. Pop songs like “Let it Be” by The Beatles or “Someone Like You” by Adele have easy-to-play melodies that are not too complicated. These songs are also popular, making them a great choice to impress friends and family.
3. Use Online Resources
The internet is filled with resources that can help you learn how to play pop songs on the piano. YouTube tutorials and online piano courses like those offered by TakeLessons can guide you through popular pop songs. These resources offer step-by-step guidance on how to play the songs, making it easier for beginners to follow along.
4. Practice Daily
Daily practice is essential for any pianist, especially when learning how to play pop songs. It’s best to set aside at least 30 minutes a day to practice. You can start by practicing the chords and gradually move on to playing the actual song. Keep practicing until you can play the entire song from start to finish.
5. Add Your Style
Once you master playing pop songs on the piano, it’s time to add your style to the music. Improvise and experiment with different chord progressions or add a unique flair to the melody. This will help you develop your musical skills and make the songs exciting to listen to.
What Are Some Easy Pop Songs to Play on the Piano?
The top 20 easy pop songs to play on piano include All About That Bass by Meghan Trainor, Someone Like You by Adele, Clocks by Coldplay, Stay With Me by Sam Smith, Billie Jean by Michael Jackson, Fallin’ by Alicia Keys, Superman by Five for Fighting, Drops of Jupiter by Train, Bubbly by Colbie Caillat, When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars, Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding, Elastic Heart by Sia, Dark Horse by Katie Perry, Counting Stars by OneRepublic, Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran, Clarity by Zedd, Shake it Off by Taylor Swift, How to Save a Life by The Fray, and Let it Go by Idina Menzel.
Playing your favorite songs on the piano doesn’t have to be difficult. Start out with songs you enjoy and build from there. Here are five easy popular piano songs for beginners! When you’re ready to advance, try taking private piano lessons. Let’s start with the top 5.
“All About That Bass” – Meghan Trainor
This is a fun, chart-topping song. The chords to this are A – Bmin – E – A. Each of these chords is played for two bars and the entire progression is eight bars. The good news for you is that this progression is repeated nonstop throughout the whole song. Practice playing the bassline in the left hand first and then add the melody in the right hand. Listen for how the melody in the verse is different from the chorus. Later in the song, the chords are played with constant eighth notes. Check out the video below for a play-along tutorial:
Thank you Zachary Marsh for the use of this video.
“Someone Like You” – Adele
This hit from Adele’s album, 21, managed to top the charts in almost 10 countries. You can play most of this song, including the verse and chorus, by playing four repeated chords: A, E, F#min, D. While you play constant arpeggios in the left hand, add the melody in the right. Here is a play-along video to help you learn it:
Thank you Joe Raciti for the use of this video.
For even more ideas check out these 3 easy hit songs!
You May Also Like: 9 Easy Jazz Piano Songs
“Clocks” – Coldplay
This is one of Coldplay’s biggest hits, dating back to 2002. Since it’s so recognizable, this makes it one of the most fun piano pop songs for beginners. It has a few different sections to learn, but let’s just look at the most famous part for now. The right hand plays the signature arpeggio pattern, while the left hand plays chords and rhythmically lines up with the arpeggios. The chords to the verse and chorus are Eb – Bbmin – Fmin. The Eb is played for one bar, Bmin for two, and the Fmin for one. Looking at the bridge, the chords are Gb – Db – Ab. The bridge chords are played with constant eighth notes. This video breaks the song down well:
Thank you MahaloPiano for the use of this video.
“Stay With Me” – Sam Smith
Fortunately for you, Sam Smith decided to repeat only three chords with the same rhythm for this entire song. So, here are the chords: Amin, F, C. After you get the chords in the left hand down, add the melody in your right hand. The video below shows how to add some cool fills to make it interesting:
Thank you DPSM for the use of this video.
“Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson
Just for fun, let’s look at “Billie Jean” from the album Thriller, which dates back to 1982. We’ll focus on the synth parts in this song. In the right hand, play these three chords: F#min – G#min – A – G#min. For these chords, there is a four-note bassline for the left hand to play. When the chords change to Bbmin, there is a second bassline. Using these two basslines and two chord sections, you can play the verses and choruses. Play along with the video below:
Thank you HDPiano for the use of this video.
I hope these piano pop songs for beginners help you learn how to play the piano. Here are 15 more piano pop songs to try, and 15 piano solos that are easier than they seem. Keep practicing them and then make your own list of new pop songs to learn!
Want to Learn Even MORE Easy Keyboard Pop Songs?
If you want to learn more easy keyboard pop songs, these next 15 piano tunes will be perfect for you.
“Fallin'” by Alicia Keys
Neo-Soul/R&B Ballad
“Fallin'” was the debut song from Alicia Keys back in 2001. The song became a success not only because of its beautiful, repeating R&B melodic line, but also because Alicia Keys was the writer, singer, and instrumentalist on the recording (which is not common in pop music). The lyrics are very meaningful, and piano-wise, the song challenges your jazz/R&B/pop playing, as well as blues improvising.
Here’s how to play “Fallin'” on the piano:
Thank you Eric Blackmon Guitar for the use of this video.
“Superman” by Five for Fighting
Mid-tempo Ballad
This early millennium song has a driving melody and powerful chorus. The lyrics are strong, and they tell a story. It has also been featured on many popular TV shows and movies as the theme song or ending credits. It’s a great song for a coffeehouse or a singer/songwriter night. It also happens to be one of the easiest songs in C major to play.
Here’s how to play “Superman” on the piano:
Key of C
C G
It may sound absurd, but don’t be naïve
Amin7 F
Even heroes have the right to bleed
C G
I may be disturbed, but won’t you concede even
AM7 F C G
Even heroes have the right to dream
F
And it’s not easy to be me
Note: Watch for the major and minor changes in this song within the A chord. It’s good practice going back and forth.
“Drops of Jupiter” by Train
Uptempo, Piano Rock/Pop
This Grammy award-winner is a great song to bang out on the piano! You should really let loose and feel the melodies, rhythm, and lyrics, especially after the first verse and each time the chorus hits thereafter. I also encourage you to perform this song with a band, if possible, or re-arrange the song with drums and strings by using computer software.
Here’s how to play “Drop of Jupiter” on the piano:
Key of C
G D
So tell me, did you sail across the sun
F
Did you make it to the Milky way to see
C
The lights all faded, and that Heaven is overrated
G D
Tell me, did you fall for a shooting star
Dm
One without a permanent scar
F
And did you miss me while you were looking for yourself
Note: These are pretty simple chords; notice the dominant 5th motion: G to D, F-C, C-G.
“Bubbly” by Colbie Caillat
Uplifting, Laidback
This warm and cozy song, transcribed from the guitar, is a wonderfully easy pop song to play on piano. The chords and rhythm flow very naturally along with the voice. Let these easy piano chords carry you to an uplifting place, and “crinkle your nose and toes” along with the beat!
Here’s how to play “Bubbly” on the piano:
Thank you Piano Mann for the use of this video.
“When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars
Romantic Piano Ballad
This is a gorgeous song to display your deepest emotions. It’s one of the few songs that truly sounds incredible with just piano alone. It does not need a full band or any other instruments, because the vocals and piano are powerful enough. Plus, you only need to know basic piano technique.
Here’s how to play “When I Was Your Man” on the piano:
Key of G
G F
That I should have bought you flowers
G C
And held your hand, should’ve given you all my hours
F G C
When I had the chance
F G
Take you to every party, cause all you wanted to do was dance
Am D7 F
Now my baby’s dancing
Fmin C F C G/B
But she’s dancing with another man
Note: G/B means you play a G chord in the right hand over a B root in the left hand.
Looking for more romantic piano songs? Try These 15 Piano Love Songs That Will Melt Your Heart
“Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding
Pop, Love EDM Track
It’s also fun to take brand new pop songs from the charts and make them just for piano alone, as an acoustic version. I encourage you to make this EDM song sound more like your own — try performing a cover of it and put it on YouTube!
Here’s how to play “Love Me Like You Do” on the piano:
Key of G#
G# Cm
So love me like you do, love me like you do
Fm C#
Love me like you do, love me like you do
A#m Fm D#
Touch me like you do, touch me like you do
Note: The great thing about this song is that all four choruses have the same chords!
7. “Take Me to Church” by Hozier
Pop, Blues Ballad
This piano song is easy to play because it has very simple chords. The vocal melodic line makes the song sound very mysterious. It’s also a great song for practicing those minor chords and scales. It won song of the year at the 2014 Grammys!
Here’s how to play “Take Me to Church” on the piano:
Key of Am
Downbeat: G5 F#5
F#5 F5 Em
Take me to church, I’ll worship like a dog
Bm
At the shrine of your lies, I’ll tell you my sins
G
So you can sharpen your knife
Am Em A5 G5
Offer me that deathless death, good God let me give you my life
Note: Because this is primarily a guitar song, there are many power chords, like F5 for example, which means you play just the root and 5th of the chord. Talk about an easy piano chord!
“Elastic Heart” by Sia
Passionate Pop EDM
From the soundtrack of “Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” “Elastic Heart” is a pop song from Australian artist Sia. It’s groovy, especially dominant in the chorus, and it translates well into an easy keyboard pop song. I encourage you to really groove in this song and try to be “in the moment,” because it’s very powerful!
Key of C
C G D
Well I’ve got thick skin, and an elastic heart
Em D
But your blade it might be too sharp
C G D
I’m like a rubber band until you pull too hard
Em D
But I may snap when I move close
C G D Em D
But you won’t see me move no more
C G D Em D
Cause I’ve got an elastic heart
“Dark Horse” by Katy Perry
Pop/Rap and Pop/Hip-Hop
Have fun with this one and explore how rap and piano can play along with each other! Their respective rhythms complement each other well. It also has a really fun intro that doubles as a fast exercise for your fingers!
Here’s how to play “Dark Horse” on piano:
Thank you HowtoPlayTutorial for the use of this video.
“Counting Stars” by One Republic
Bright, Uptempo Pop
This feel-good song will have everyone singing, clapping, and dancing along! It’s a great song to show off your piano and vocal skills, as you can add in fun embellishments and improvisation!
Here’s how to play “Counting Stars” on piano:
Key of Am
Am C
Lately I’ve been, I’ve been losing sleep
G F
Dreaming about the things that we could be
Am C
But baby I’ve been, I’ve been praying hard
G F
Said no more counting dollars, we’ll be counting stars
“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
Easy Listening Ballad
This is a very soft easy listening piece. It’s perfect to play on a rainy day or lazy afternoon. Challenge yourself and try re-harmonizing the chords, or do different inversions to make the song sound a bit more dramatic.
Here’s how to play “Thinking Out Loud” on the piano:
Key of C
D D/F# G A D D/F#
So honey now, take me into your loving arms
A
Kiss me under the light
D D/F# G A
Of a thousand stars, place your hand
D D/F# G A
On my beating heart, I’m thinking out loud
Bm A G D/F# Em A7 D
Maybe we found love right where we are
“Clarity” by Zedd
Vocal EDM Song
This is one of the best EDM songs on piano to play; try exploring with synthesizers and different effects on an electric keyboard. This is an EDM-driven song, but its core is on the piano. A fun idea is to use different keyboard settings played with the left and the right hand.
Here’s how to play “Clarity” on the piano:
Thank you Todd Downing for the use of this video.
“Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
Upbeat, Funky Pop
This is a fun, upbeat song with a funky beat. Don’t be afraid of the syncopation and the tempo changes. It’s a great song to practice your rhythm chops while having fun!
Here’s how to play “Shake It Off” on the piano:
Thank you Mint Music for the use of this video
“How to Save a Life” by The Fray
Rock-Pop Ballad
This 2005 hit predominantly features piano; it’s mostly a rock song, but the piano is undoubtedly the highlight. The piano does a good job of making the song sound full. The song’s lyrics convey a strong message of key values and lessons in life.
Here’s how to play “How to Save a Life” on the piano:
Key of A#
C D Em
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
G D/F#
Somewhere along the bitterness
C D Em
And I would have stayed up with you all night
G D/F# G
Had I known how to save a life
“Let It Go” by Idina Menzel
Musical Theater/Movie Soundtrack, Power Ballad
From the popular movie “Frozen,” you can play this song two ways — in a Broadway/movie soundtrack style, or in a rock ballad style as Demi Lovato covered. Both ways sound outstanding on the piano. This song has many diverse elements, including softer verses, driven choruses, and a climactic bridge. This is the #1 most-requested song for piano players today.
Here’s how to play “Let It Go” on the piano:
Thank you Music By Motoko for the use of this video.
Where to Find Easy Songs to Play on Piano Sheet Music
As a beginner piano player, finding easy songs to play on piano sheet music can be quite challenging. It can be overwhelming to know where to start and which songs to choose.
Here are some of the best places to find an easy pop song to play on the piano.
1. Beginner Piano Method Books
One of the best places to start looking for easy piano sheet music is in beginner piano method books. These books are designed specifically for beginners, starting with simple exercises and gradually working up to more complex pieces.
Some great beginner piano method books include Alfred’s Basic Piano Library and Faber & Faber’s Piano Adventures. These books offer an excellent selection of popular songs that are easy to play and perfect for beginners.
2. Online Sheet Music Libraries
Another great resource for finding easy piano sheet music is online sheet music libraries. Many websites offer hundreds of thousands of sheet music downloads that range from classical to contemporary music.
Some of the most popular sites include Sheet Music Plus, Musicnotes, and 8notes. These websites have user-friendly interfaces that allow you to browse by genre, level of difficulty, and artist.
3. YouTube Tutorials
If you’re looking for a more visual approach to learning easy piano songs, then YouTube piano tutorials are an excellent option.
There are thousands of video tutorials online that can walk you through the process of playing popular songs on the piano. Some popular YouTubers who offer beginner-friendly tutorials include Piano Tutorial Easy, The Online Piano & Violin Tutor, and HDpiano.
4. Simplified Sheets
Many sheet music publishers offer simplified versions of popular songs to make them easier to play for beginners. These simplified sheets replace complex chords with simpler ones and eliminate the more challenging melodies.
Some popular publishers include Hal Leonard and Cherry Lane Music. These simplified versions of popular songs are great for those who are just starting and want to play some of their favorite songs.
Play Through These Piano Pop Songs for Beginners to Improve Your Technique AND Have Fun
These piano easy pop songs for beginners will keep you having fun while learning. And the tutorials above are designed to help you learn easy keyboard pop songs with just a handful of piano chords easy! To keep track of all your favorites, try compiling a notebook specifically for piano pop songs. When taking on a new song, you may want to start slowly and work out the voicings one by one. Try to find chord voicings that work smoothly together, so you can seamlessly transition between chords. As your muscle memory grows, you won’t even have to think about how to play these easy piano chords!
While YouTube videos are a great piano learning resource, there’s no replacement for hands-on piano lessons. Whether in-person or online, personalized guidance makes all the difference when it comes to learning the piano. If you’re interested in mastering the pop piano techniques that you hear in these tunes, schedule a piano lesson with a professional teacher near you or try a live streaming lesson!
A piano instructor can provide you with a roadmap to get you from where you are now to where you want to be. With each lesson, your instructor will help you gain the confidence and skills you need to master your next performance. We look forward to seeing your own piano videos on YouTube!
What are your favorite easy pop songs to play on piano? Let us know in the comments below!
Liz T. teaches singing, acting, and music lessons online. She is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music with a B.M in Vocal performance and currently performs/teaches all styles of music including Musical Theater, Classical, Jazz, Rock, Pop, R&B, and Country. Learn more about Liz here!
