Piano Lessons

The 15 Best Piano Songs to Play With Easy Chords

Posted on by Victor Gomez Ruiz
piano songs chords
03
Nov

Piano Songs Chords for Beginners – Learn to play the most famous pop songs with easy chords.

The 15 Best Piano Songs to Play With Easy Chords

If you are exploring piano songs with easy chords, you are already taking one of the most practical first steps towards real musical fluency. At WKMT, we believe that learning well-known songs is an excellent way to build coordination, confidence, and a natural understanding of harmony, especially when guided by expert teachers through our piano lessons in London, designed for beginners and developing pianists who want to progress with clarity and enjoyment.

Looking to play some of the best piano songs with easy chords? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a list of 15 popular songs that use simple chords, perfect for beginner pianists or anyone looking to play beautiful and contemporary music with ease.

Piano songs with easy chords offer two big advantages: they are simpler to play, as the chords often repeat and contain fewer notes, and they provide a great foundation for singing along. Below, you’ll find song histories, explanations of each chord in the order they appear, diagrams, and video tutorials to help you play each track.

 

Contents

  1. Shallow – Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper
  2. Drivers License – Olivia Rodrigo
  3. Blinding Lights – The Weeknd
  4. Memories – Maroon 5
  5. Easy on Me – Adele
  6. Bad Habits – Ed Sheeran
  7. Levitating – Dua Lipa
  8. Happier Than Ever – Billie Eilish
  9. Good 4 U – Olivia Rodrigo
  10. Peaches – Justin Bieber
  11. Deja Vu – Olivia Rodrigo
  12. Save Your Tears – The Weeknd
  13. Stuck with U – Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber
  14. Heat Waves – Glass Animals
  15. Positions – Ariana Grande

 

1. Shallow – Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper

Shallow, from the film A Star is Born, became an instant hit due to its powerful lyrics and emotive piano accompaniment. Here’s the chord sequence in the order of appearance:

Piano chords in order

  1. Em chord: Press E, G, and B notes together.
  2. D major chord: Press D, F#, and A notes together.
  3. G major chord: Press G, B, and D notes together.
  4. C major chord: Press C, E, and G notes together.

 

2. Drivers License – Olivia Rodrigo

Drivers License is a popular song that became a global hit for its heartfelt lyrics. Follow these chords in sequence:

Piano chords in order

  1. C major chord: Press C, E, and G notes together.
  2. G major chord: Press G, B, and D notes together.
  3. Am chord: Press A, C, and E notes together.
  4. F major chord: Press F, A, and C notes together.

 

3. Blinding Lights – The Weeknd

Blinding Lights brings a vibrant, 80s-inspired vibe that is catchy and easy to play. Play these chords in order:

Piano chords in order

  1. C#m chord: Press C#, E, and G# notes together.
  2. A major chord: Press A, C#, and E notes together.
  3. E major chord: Press E, G#, and B notes together.
  4. B major chord: Press B, D#, and F# notes together.

 

4. Memories – Maroon 5

Memories follows a familiar chord progression based on Pachelbel’s Canon. Play the chords in this order:

Piano chords in order

  1. C major chord: Press C, E, and G notes together.
  2. G major chord: Press G, B, and D notes together.
  3. Am chord: Press A, C, and E notes together.
  4. Em chord: Press E, G, and B notes together.
  5. F major chord: Press F, A, and C notes together.


 

5. Easy on Me – Adele

Easy on Me by Adele has a soft and expressive melody that uses these simple chords in order:

Piano chords in order

  1. C major chord: Press C, E, and G notes together.
  2. Am chord: Press A, C, and E notes together.
  3. F major chord: Press F, A, and C notes together.
  4. G major chord: Press G, B, and D notes together.


 

6. Bad Habits – Ed Sheeran

Bad Habits by Ed Sheeran uses a catchy sequence that’s easy to follow. Play these chords in order:

Piano chords in order

  1. B minor chord: Press B, D, and F# notes together.
  2. G major chord: Press G, B, and D notes together.
  3. D major chord: Press D, F#, and A notes together.
  4. A major chord: Press A, C#, and E notes together.


 

7. Levitating – Dua Lipa

Levitating by Dua Lipa has a fun rhythm that makes it ideal for beginners. The chords follow this sequence:

Piano chords in order

  1. Em chord: Press E, G, and B notes together.
  2. Am chord: Press A, C, and E notes together.
  3. D major chord: Press D, F#, and A notes together.
  4. G major chord: Press G, B, and D notes together.


 

8. Happier Than Ever – Billie Eilish

Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish has an emotional chord progression that’s simple and rewarding. Play these chords:

Piano chords in order

  1. Am chord: Press A, C, and E notes together.
  2. C major chord: Press C, E, and G notes together.
  3. G major chord: Press G, B, and D notes together.
  4. F major chord: Press F, A, and C notes together.

 

9. Good 4 U – Olivia Rodrigo

Good 4 U is upbeat and catchy with a repeating chord pattern. Follow this order:

Piano chords in order

  1. E major chord: Press E, G#, and B notes together.
  2. A major chord: Press A, C#, and E notes together.
  3. C#m chord: Press C#, E, and G# notes together.
  4. B major chord: Press B, D#, and F# notes together.


 

10. Peaches – Justin Bieber

Peaches by Justin Bieber uses a relaxed and smooth chord progression. The chords follow this sequence:

Piano chords in order

  1. C major chord: Press C, E, and G notes together.
  2. Am chord: Press A, C, and E notes together.
  3. F major chord: Press F, A, and C notes together.
  4. G major chord: Press G, B, and D notes together.


 

11. Deja Vu – Olivia Rodrigo

Deja Vu is minimalist and flows smoothly with simple chords. Play the chords in this order:

Piano chords in order

  1. A major chord: Press A, C#, and E notes together.
  2. E major chord: Press E, G#, and B notes together.
  3. F#m chord: Press F#, A, and C# notes together.
  4. D major chord: Press D, F#, and A notes together.


 

12. Save Your Tears – The Weeknd

Save Your Tears is melodic and catchy with an easy progression. Follow these chords:

Piano chords in order

  1. C major chord: Press C, E, and G notes together.
  2. G major chord: Press G, B, and D notes together.
  3. Am chord: Press A, C, and E notes together.
  4. F major chord: Press F, A, and C notes together.


 

13. Stuck with U – Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber

Stuck with U is a duet with a simple, repeating chord structure. Follow these chords:

Piano chords in order

  1. C major chord: Press C, E, and G notes together.
  2. G major chord: Press G, B, and D notes together.
  3. Am chord: Press A, C, and E notes together.
  4. F major chord: Press F, A, and C notes together.

 

14. Halo – Beyoncé

Halo is one of Beyoncé’s most iconic songs, known for its powerful melody and heartfelt lyrics. It has a straightforward chord progression, making it great for beginner pianists. Play the chords in this order:

Piano chords in order

  1. A major chord: Press A, C#, and E notes together.
  2. Bm chord: Press B, D, and F# notes together.
  3. F#m chord: Press F#, A, and C# notes together.
  4. D major chord: Press D, F#, and A notes together.


15. Positions – Ariana Grande

Positions has a smooth, R&B-inspired chord structure that’s easy to follow. Play these chords in sequence:

Piano chords in order

  1. Am chord: Press A, C, and E notes together.
  2. Dm chord: Press D, F, and A notes together.
  3. G major chord: Press G, B, and D notes together.
  4. C major chord: Press C, E, and G notes together.

 

 

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Learn to play your favorite songs on the piano

Whether you’re a fan of artists like Billie Eilish or Beyoncé, learning these popular songs with easy chord progressions is a fantastic way to build confidence on the piano. Focusing on chord transitions and playing with harmony will enrich your understanding of music theory, giving you a foundation that’s beneficial for learning more complex genres like jazz or classical music. Embrace the journey with sheet music, and enjoy the transformative experience of playing these beautiful pieces!
 

Why Learning Piano with Easy Chords is Beneficial

Learning piano through songs with simple major and minor chords provides an accessible introduction to playing and understanding music. Songs by popular artists like Billie Eilish and Beyoncé often use repetitive chord progressions, which makes it easier to grasp the fundamentals of harmony and rhythm. Many beginners start with pop songs because they don’t require advanced sheet music reading skills, and can quickly progress to playing more complex genres, including jazz.
The importance of music theory can’t be overstated when it comes to mastering the piano. By learning the difference between a major chord and a minor chord, players begin to understand how different emotions are conveyed through music. Major chords typically produce a bright, happy sound, while minor chords often carry a more melancholic or introspective tone. This interplay of chords creates a balanced harmony that is central to music composition.
 

Building a Foundation with Major and Minor Scales

Working with these easy songs helps you get comfortable with major and minor scales. A scale is a sequence of notes in a specific order that forms the basis of any song. Most pop songs are written in a major or minor scale, which determines the overall mood of the piece. For example, “Halo” by Beyoncé and “Shallow” by Lady Gaga both use a mix of major and minor chords to create a dynamic and emotionally rich sound.
Understanding scales and practicing them regularly is an excellent way to build muscle memory on the piano. Knowing your way around these scales not only helps in playing popular songs but also makes reading sheet music easier as you progress. Many students find that scales help reinforce their understanding of music theory, making it easier to learn chord progressions in a variety of styles.
 

Connecting Pop Music to Music Theory Concepts

One of the advantages of learning pop music on the piano is how it demonstrates essential music theory concepts in action. For instance, every song on this list incorporates a specific chord progression—the order of chords that defines the song’s structure. This concept is fundamental to virtually all music, from classical to jazz and beyond.
When you’re able to recognize a chord progression, you start to understand the ‘blueprint’ behind the music. You’ll notice common progressions like the I–V–vi–IV pattern, which appears in countless pop songs. Learning these patterns helps you anticipate the next chord and develop a deeper sense of the song’s harmony and rhythm, strengthening both your analytical and playing skills.
 

Harmony and Emotional Expression in Pop Music

Harmony plays a significant role in conveying emotion in music. Pop songs often employ simple harmonies that create a strong emotional connection with the listener. By playing songs like “Drivers License” or “Easy on Me,” you’re not only practicing basic chord progressions but also experiencing how harmony shapes the mood of a song.
Learning to identify whether a song uses primarily major or minor chords can enhance your understanding of musical storytelling. Major chords generally give a sense of optimism, while minor chords add depth and a sense of melancholy. As you grow more familiar with these harmonies, you’ll start to see how genres like pop, jazz, and classical music each use harmony uniquely to evoke different emotions.
 

Progressing from Easy Chords to Advanced Piano Techniques

Starting with easy chords is just the beginning of your piano journey. Once you’re comfortable with major and minor chords and basic chord progressions, you can explore more advanced concepts in music theory. This might include learning complex scales, like the blues scale in jazz, or exploring chord inversions that add variety to the sound of a chord.
Advanced players often incorporate arpeggios, extended chords, and modulations into their playing. These techniques add richness to the sound and enable more expressive performances. If you’re interested in styles like jazz or classical music, progressing beyond basic chords will allow you to engage more deeply with the piano and improve your interpretation skills.
 

Getting Started with Sheet Music and Chord Charts

For those interested in reading sheet music, starting with chord-based pop songs is an excellent stepping stone. Chord charts are often simpler than traditional sheet music and provide a quick way to learn the song structure. As you become more confident with chords, you can transition to reading full sheet music, which combines both melody and harmony for a richer musical experience.
Using a combination of chord charts and sheet music allows you to explore different ways of interpreting songs, from simple accompaniments to full arrangements. It also enhances your ability to play by ear—a valuable skill in both jazz and pop music.
 

Piano and Guitar: Understanding Musical Connections

The relationship between the piano and the guitar is closer than you might think. Both instruments rely on similar chord structures, which means that learning a guitar chord can translate directly to the piano. For example, the chord shapes for C major or A minor on the guitar have direct equivalents on the piano. This connection is helpful not only for playing songs but also for understanding how melodies and harmonies interact across different musical contexts. If you’re learning a song that features both piano and guitar, such as those by The Beatles or Bruno Mars, you can appreciate how the melody is shaped by the combination of these instruments.
 

Using Minor and Major Chords in Pop and Rock Music

Minor chords play a significant role in conveying emotion in songs across genres, from pop music to rock music and even the blues. When you play a song like “Lean on Me,” you can feel the shift in tone when moving between major and minor chords. This approach is common in the music of artists like Taylor Swift, whose songs often balance between major and minor keys to tell compelling stories through their lyrics and melodies. Similarly, many Elton John classics, such as “Your Song,” combine major and minor chords to create a rich, dynamic sound that has made his music timeless.
 

The Influence of Rock Music and The Beatles on Piano Learning

Learning the piano isn’t just about classical music—it’s also a gateway into genres like rock music. Iconic bands such as The Beatles have written numerous piano-driven rock songs that are great for beginners. Tracks like “Let It Be” and “Hey Jude” use straightforward chord progressions that are easy to follow. These songs often include major scales that provide a strong foundation for understanding chord notation. By playing rock music, you also get a chance to explore more rhythmic patterns and harmonies that differ from classical compositions, yet are no less musically rich.
 

Expanding Your Chord Vocabulary with Slash Chords and Chord Notation

As you progress with your piano skills, you’ll encounter more complex chords like slash chords. A slash chord, written as something like C/G, means you play a C major chord with a G bass note. This type of chord notation can add depth and variety to your playing, creating new textures in your music. Slash chords are frequently used in Bruno Mars songs, where they help build tension and release, giving his tracks a distinctive sound that blends pop with R&B influences. Learning these chords can enhance your ability to play more sophisticated arrangements and add new layers to songs you’re already familiar with.
 

Applying the Major Scale and Blues to Your Playing

Understanding the major scale is essential not only for classical music but also for contemporary styles like the blues. The major scale forms the basis for most Western music, and knowing it will allow you to transition easily into playing songs from different genres, including rock and pop. The blues scale, which modifies the major scale by incorporating flat notes, can bring a soulful, expressive quality to your playing. Even classical composers like Chopin have compositions that reflect blues influences, offering an unexpected way to connect classical piano techniques with more modern sounds.
 

Learning from Piano Legends: Chopin and Elton John

While Chopin is known for his romantic, intricate compositions that showcase the expressive range of the piano, artists like Elton John bring a pop sensibility to the instrument. Learning songs from these artists can deepen your understanding of how piano styles have evolved. Chopin’s use of complex harmonies and minor chords contrasts beautifully with the catchy, rhythmic chord progressions found in Elton John‘s music. Both styles offer valuable lessons in melody and song structure, enhancing your ability to play a wide range of music—from classical to contemporary hits.
 

Bringing It All Together: How Popular Songs Enhance Your Skills

Playing songs by Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, and The Beatles not only improves your technical skills but also helps you become a more versatile pianist. By learning these artists’ songs, you practice chord changes, rhythm, and melody in ways that are engaging and fun. Each song introduces different techniques, from simple guitar chord progressions adapted for the piano to more complex structures using slash chords and chord notation. This well-rounded approach allows you to build a strong musical foundation, preparing you for everything from playing Lean on Me to tackling the works of Chopin or composing your own music.
 

From Rock to Pop: The Journey of Musical Discovery

Your journey from playing simple pop hits to exploring rock music and the blues opens up a world of possibilities. The chord progressions in rock songs often incorporate powerful major and minor chords that are also found in blues and classical music. Playing songs by The Beatles or exploring Elton John’s rich piano arrangements can offer insights into different styles, helping you understand how to create a balanced melody that complements the chord progression. Whether you’re playing contemporary hits or diving into classic rock, each style enhances your skills and expands your musical horizons.
 

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Piano Journey

Learning these songs with easy chords provides a fulfilling introduction to piano playing, offering insights into music theory, harmony, and the emotional impact of music. Whether you’re inspired by Beyoncé’s emotive ballads or intrigued by Billie Eilish’s unique sound, each song on this list offers something valuable. The piano journey is about growth, discovery, and finding your voice as a musician.
Remember, the goal is to enjoy the process. Starting with pop songs and gradually building your skills with major and minor chords, chord progressions, and eventually sheet music will make you a versatile and expressive player. Embrace each new concept with curiosity, and enjoy the rich, transformative experience of learning the piano.