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[Easy to Play Even If You're Not Good with Both Hands!] Simple piano pieces for absolute beginners. Recommended piano songs.
For those just starting the piano, playing with both hands is probably the first big hurdle, isn’t it?
It’s especially confusing when your hands have to move differently.
In more difficult pieces, it’s normal for the left hand to play octaves, and fast passages appear frequently.
Of course, few people tackle such pieces right from the start, but many still choose the wrong pieces to begin with.
This time, we’ve selected some of the simplest works from the piano repertoire, especially for beginners.
[Easy to Play Even If You're Not Good with Both Hands!] Simple piano pieces for absolute beginners. Recommended piano songs (1–10)
Für EliseLudwig van Beethoven
Für Elise, the masterpiece by Ludwig van Beethoven, is a piece that every beginner is likely to encounter.
Even those just starting out will probably recognize it.
The key point of this work is that, despite featuring octaves, its difficulty level is low.
Because there are moments where you can take your time to prepare for the octaves, it’s easy to play even if you struggle with using both hands.
There is a fast passage in the middle section that will likely be challenging, but overall the difficulty is at an elementary to intermediate Sonatina level, so beginners should definitely give it a try.
Dragon Quest / Overture ‘Loto’s Theme’sugiyama kouichi
The pieces composed by Koichi Sugiyama, one of Japan’s leading composers, possess a grand worldview that transcends the realm of video game music.
Skillfully incorporating elements of classical music, this work is marked by an impressive, orchestral-style solemn melody.
Since its release in 1986, it has continued to be cherished as a masterpiece that remains in many people’s hearts.
The march-like tune that begins with a heroic fanfare powerfully evokes the start of an adventure.
Its structure heightens anticipation for an epic story, reminiscent of the curtain rising on a grand opera.
Its use at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2021 Olympics is proof that its appeal is recognized internationally.
In recent years, many musicians have performed game music, and this piece is also recommended for beginning pianists for its clarity; despite its simple structure, it allows for a moving performance.
I Stepped on the CatSakkyokusha fushō
Known worldwide as an easy piano piece loved by many, this work features a lively, friendly melody.
It is often played in G-flat major or F-sharp major; while the sheet music looks difficult due to the many accidentals, many people can somehow play it even without being able to read music.
It is also popular as a practice piece for piano beginners.
In Japan, lyrics have been added that humorously depict an exchange between someone who stepped on a cat and the cat, stimulating children’s imaginations.
Since it was broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta in 1966, it has been cherished by many.
It’s a recommended piece for those just starting the piano or for anyone who wants to improve their playing skills while having fun.
Moonlight, First MovementLudwig van Beethoven
Among piano sonatas, Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata, First Movement” is often considered unconventional.
Haven’t we all been captivated by its heavy yet beautiful melody at some point? The key feature of this first movement is, above all, its unhurried tempo.
Even if your fingers aren’t very agile, you can still play it, and the tempo allows the left-hand accompaniment to prepare properly for what comes next, making it very approachable for beginners.
The fact that you keep the damper pedal depressed for long stretches is also a beginner-friendly aspect.
Minuet in G majorChristian Petzold
This is an elegant miniature by Christian Petzold, an active composer in Germany during the Baroque period.
Known as one of Petzold’s representative works, he served as organist at the Sophienkirche in Dresden from 1703.
Although this piece was long misattributed to Johann Sebastian Bach, its simple, beautiful melody and well-balanced structure have kept it beloved by many.
With few notes and clear parts for both the right and left hands, it’s a simple yet moving masterpiece that is also recommended for those who have just begun learning the piano.
“25 Etudes,” No. 20: TarantellaFriedrich Burgmüller
Let me introduce a piece from 25 Études by the German-born composer Friedrich Burgmüller.
Inspired by a traditional dance from southern Italy, this work is characterized by its lively, bouncing rhythm.
Written in 6/8 time, it calls for a brisk and energetic performance, making it ideal for developing both technique and expressiveness in piano students.
Published in 1852, this collection of studies continues to be highly regarded by many piano educators today.
With its captivating, passionate rhythms and melodies, this piece is also recommended for those who have just begun learning the piano.
Why not experience the vibrant atmosphere of southern Italy through performing it?
CanonYohan Pakkeheruberu
Johann Pachelbel’s Canon, a classical piece that’s extremely popular in Japan as well.
Its distinctive chord progression, known as the Canon progression, has had a major influence on today’s Japanese pop music.
That Canon is often said to be a piece for advanced players.
However, that’s really due to specific arrangements.
With an easy, beginner-friendly score, you’re basically just playing the bass and the leading melody steadily, so even if you’re not comfortable using both hands, it should be relatively easy to perform.