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Recommended practice pieces for beginner keyboard players

Recommended practice pieces for beginner keyboard players
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Even if you think, “I want to play my favorite song on the keyboard to my heart’s content,” sometimes that song is a bit too hard for beginners.

It’s best to start by practicing finger movements with something simple.

So in this article, we’ll introduce lots of songs perfect for those just starting to practice the keyboard! Begin with the pieces listed here, and one day you’ll be ready for that dream piece you admire.

We’ve picked selections from a wide range of genres, so try finding something that suits your taste!

Recommended Practice Pieces for Keyboard Beginners (1–10)

Ghost in the FlowersYorushika

Yorushika – Ghost in a Flower (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
Ghost in the FlowersYorushika

Yorushika’s “Hana ni Bourei” is a song where the piano, with its distinctive phrases, really leaves an impression.

Released digitally in 2020, it reached No.

6 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

Many people love Yorushika, so this is definitely a track you should try.

In the first verse, both the A and B sections are performed with just vocals and piano, and the buoyant, two-handed arpeggios are especially striking.

Since it’s a crucial phrase that defines the piece, make sure to practice it thoroughly!

New Treasure IslandSakanakushon

Sakanaction / New Treasure Island -Music Video-
New Treasure IslandSakanakushon

It’s a dance-rock number with a striking structure that jumps from a laid-back intro to an uptempo groove.

One of Sakanaction’s signature works, it was released in 2015 and is well known as the theme song for the film “Bakuman.” The keyboard part features a retro synth sound, and the chord progression is based on a repeating pattern, making it easy to learn.

It’s ideal for practice, helping you build both a sense of rhythm and smooth chord changes.

Start with the intro or the chorus first.

Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy

It’s a youthful rock number with an emotional melody line that resonates deeply.

As one of Vaundy’s signature songs, it was released in 2020.

The chord progression, centered on D major, follows a classic pop pattern.

It’s ideal for practicing left-hand chord accompaniment, and the right-hand melody line is relatively simple.

Although the tempo is a bit fast at 150 BPM, you can master it comfortably by starting slowly and gradually increasing the speed.

Since the roles of both hands are clearly defined, it’s recommended to practice each hand separately before putting them together.

Marigoldaimyon

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]
Marigoldaimyon

“Marigold” is Aimyon’s fifth single, released in 2018.

It reached No.

1 on the Oricon Singles Chart and has become one of her signature songs.

With a relaxed 8-beat tempo, it’s relatively easy for beginners to play.

Also, “Marigold” is in D major, which uses two sharps and features simple, easy-to-remember chords, making it a great choice for those attempting chord-based playing for the first time.

It’s also perfect for working on as a band, so be sure to add it to your practice repertoire!

secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE

ZONE “secret base ~What You Gave Me~” MUSIC VIDEO
secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE

It’s a ballad brimming with end-of-summer nostalgia.

Released in 2001 by ZONE, its lyrics portray a story of friendship and farewell that resonate deeply and evoke each listener’s own memories.

The original key is F-sharp major, but transposing to G major leaves just one sharp, making it easier to play.

For the left-hand accompaniment, start with the root notes and gradually build up the chords.

The right-hand melody features many repeated notes, so the trick is to lift your fingers cleanly between strikes.

Since the tempo is on the relaxed side, you can practice without rushing.

Song of PointillismMrs. GREEN APPLE feat. Inoue Sonoko

It’s a ballad whose beautiful melody and poignant lyrics resonate deeply.

A collaboration between Mrs.

GREEN APPLE and Sonoko Inoue, it was loved by many as an insert song for the 2018 film “Aonatsu: 30 Days With You.” Centered on the white keys in the key of C major with a slow tempo, it’s very approachable.

The progression mainly uses basic chords like C, F, G, and Am, and the frequent repetition of the same patterns makes it easy to remember.

Be sure to play it with feeling.

PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Pretender [Official Video]
PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism

The 2019 smash hit “Pretender”—I bet many people want to play this song.

“Pretender” is Official HIGE DANDism’s second single, and it dominated the charts across Oricon, Billboard, karaoke, and streaming.

The piano part has complex rhythms and chords, so it might be a bit tough for beginners.

But if you practice step by step, you’ll definitely be able to play it, so if you love the song, don’t give up—keep practicing.

Nailing that final sixteenth-note phrase will definitely feel great!