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[Children’s Song] Easy Even for Piano Beginners! Introducing Nursery Rhymes with Simple Chords
Familiar nursery rhymes that everyone sang at least once in childhood.
With simple melodies, easy-to-remember lyrics, and straightforward chords, nursery rhymes are perfect for piano beginners to practice! So this time, we’re introducing easy, playable nursery rhymes recommended for children who have just started piano lessons and adults who are beginning to learn on their own.
We’ve selected songs that meet the following conditions: a relatively narrow range, few notes in the melody, and simple chords.
Give them a try!
[Children’s Songs] Easy for Piano Beginners to Play! Introducing Simple-Chord Nursery Rhymes (1–10)
The sound of insectsMonbushō shōka
A Ministry of Education school song that rhythmically depicts the chirping of insects on long autumn nights using onomatopoeia.
First included in 1910 in the “Elementary School Reader Songs,” it was later selected in 2006 for the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” and has remained a beloved classic for many years.
The distinctive calls of insects such as pine crickets, bell crickets, and field crickets overlap like an ensemble, evoking the atmosphere of autumn in the listener’s heart.
With a simple melody and a narrow range, it’s recommended as a practice piece for those just getting comfortable with the keyboard.
It’s also used in elementary school music materials, making it fun to play while singing together with your child.
Why not add this seasonally evocative piece to your autumn repertoire?
Ten thousand feet in the Alpsamerika min’yō
This piece, originally an American folk song, is one that just about everyone sang at least once in childhood and eagerly played along with hand games among friends.
In Japan, it became widely known after it was broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in August 1962.
Its bright, lively melody is built on a very simple chord progression and an easy-to-remember rhythm, making it ideal as a practice piece for those who have just begun learning the piano.
It’s said there are as many as 29 verses to the lyrics, but when performing, it’s best to use it as repetitive practice of short phrases.
First, make sure you can play the melody firmly with your right hand; once you’re comfortable, add the left-hand accompaniment and enjoy the bouncy rhythm.
maple leavesOkanoteiichi
Momiji, a children’s song composed by Teiichi Okano that vividly portrays mountains turning colors as autumn deepens.
Since its inclusion in a textbook published in June 1911, it has been handed down across generations as a beloved classic.
In 2006, it was selected as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” and its beautiful melody remains cherished by many.
Its worldview likens sunlit mountain slopes at dusk and fallen leaves floating on the water’s surface to brocade, nurturing rich emotional expression simply through performance.
The melody features few leaps and smooth fingering, making it ideal for those just beginning the piano.
Once you’re comfortable, try incorporating a round-like arrangement that echoes the melody in succession to savor the beauty of overlapping harmonies.
Tanabata-samaShimousa Kanichi
With lyrics that gently portray the sound of bamboo leaves swaying in the wind and children placing their wishes on brightly colored tanzaku strips, this piece beautifully colors the night of Tanabata.
Since it was included in a textbook published in March 1941, it has been beloved across generations as a song symbolizing summer festivities.
Its simple, Japanese-style melody centered around five tones brings a quiet sense of comfort to listeners.
Because the range is narrow and doesn’t require stretching the fingers widely, it’s perfect as a practice piece for children with small hands or for those just starting piano.
The left hand can accompany with only a few chords, allowing the melody to sing fully while you enjoy the feel of playing with both hands.
Let your thoughts drift to the Star Festival that comes once a year, and try performing it with rich emotion.
Ogre PantsLuigi Denza
“Oni no Pantsu” (The Ogre’s Underpants) is a classic hand-play song often sung in nursery schools and kindergartens around Setsubun, and it’s also world-famous as a Neapolitan popular song.
Its original tune is “Funiculì, Funiculà,” composed in 1880 to celebrate the opening of the Mount Vesuvius funicular.
In Japan, the song is loved for its unique lyrics depicting an ogre wearing tiger-skin clothing.
The key to performing it is to play with a lively, staccato touch that matches the bold melody! The left hand keeps a march-like rhythm, making it perfect for practicing steady tempo.
The chord progression is simple yet powerful, offering plenty of satisfaction even for beginners at the piano.
Press the keys firmly all the way down and play with confidence.
butterflyDoitsu min’yō
The children’s song “Chōchō.” Based on a German folk tune, this piece’s catchy melody and simple chords make it perfect for beginner piano practice.
Once you’ve practiced the melody and can play with both hands by adding the left-hand bass notes, try accompanying with broken chords or arpeggios.
It’s also recommended to transpose it into keys that use black keys—such as D major or E major—to develop your feel for playing on the black keys.
tea pickingMonbushō shōka
This piece from the Ministry of Education’s song collection—also widely loved as a hand-play song—features an easy-to-remember, simple melody and rhythm, making it perfect for beginners just starting piano! Since it was included in an elementary school textbook published in March 1912, this song has continued to depict the tea-picking scenes of the 88th night of spring, and in 2007 it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” With a narrow vocal range and minimal finger movement, it’s ideal not only as a practice piece for small children, but also for adult learners who want to enjoy performing while feeling Japan’s beautiful changing seasons.
Experiencing the joy of playing this nostalgic melody—one that everyone has heard at least once—will surely boost your motivation for daily practice!