10 Easy Piano, Guitar, and Ukulele Songs for Complete Beginners
If you want to learn piano (and maybe try guitar or ukulele too), nothing beats finishing a real song on day one. This beginner‑friendly list gives you 10 easy songs with chords, strum patterns, and tiny practice steps so you can learn to play piano, guitar, or uke quickly—even if you’re starting from zero.
How to use this guide (and learn fast)
- Keep it short and steady: 15–20 minutes, 5 days a week.
- Loop the hard bar: repeat 10–20 seconds at slow tempo, then nudge speed up 5–10%.
- Play what you love: use familiar melodies so your ear helps your hands.
- Smart‑instrument tip (piano): a piano with lights shows the notes to press and waits if you miss, which is the best way to learn piano quickly at home.
Quick Song Table (keys • chords • patterns)
| # | Instrument | Song | Key | Core Chords | Pattern / Tempo |
| 1 | Piano | Ode to Joy (melody + simple LH) | C | C, G, F | RH melody; LH whole‑notes • 70–80 BPM |
| 2 | Piano | Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star | C | C, F, G | Blocked triads or 1‑5 bass • 70–80 BPM |
| 3 | Piano | Happy Birthday | C | C, F, G7 | RH melody; LH roots • 80–90 BPM |
| 4 | Piano | Let It Be (easy comp) | C | C, G, Am, F | 4‑count holds → gentle 8s • 70–80 BPM |
| 5 | Guitar | Three Little Birds | G | G, C, D | D‑D‑U‑U‑D‑U • ~76 BPM |
| 6 | Guitar | Stand by Me | G | G, Em, C, D | Down on beats 1–3; add ghost ups |
| 7 | Guitar | Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door | G | G, D, Am7, C | D‑D‑U‑U‑D‑U • ~72 BPM |
| 8 | Ukulele | Row, Row, Row Your Boat | C | C, G7 | Down‑strums on beats 1–3 |
| 9 | Ukulele | I’m Yours | C | C, G, Am, F | Island strum: D‑D U‑U D‑U |
| 10 | Ukulele | Riptide | Am | Am, G, C, F | D‑D U‑U D‑U • ~88 BPM |
(D = down, U = up)
Part 1 — Easy Piano Songs (4 quick wins)
These are perfect for anyone asking how to learn piano with limited time. If you use a smart keyboard, follow the lights and keep tempo slow at first.
1) Ode to Joy — Beethoven (C Major)
- You’ll practice: right‑hand (RH) melody, left‑hand (LH) whole‑note roots.
- Steps:
- RH only, 2 bars at a time (use app “loop”).
- Add LH C–G–C–G (whole notes).
- Combine at 70% tempo, then +5% after three clean runs.
- Tip: Keep fingers relaxed; aim for even tone.
- Why this helps you learn piano: predictable intervals build confidence fast.
2) Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star (C Major)
- Chords: C, F, G.
- LH options: (a) whole‑note chord holds; (b) 1–5 bass (C–G).
- Steps:
- RH melody with lights on.
- LH on beat 1 (C for first line, F for second, etc.).
- Add gentle pedal only after accuracy is clean.
- Upgrade: Broken‑chord pattern (C‑E‑G‑E, repeat) at 70–80 BPM.
3) Happy Birthday (C Major)
- Chords: C, F, G7.
- Plan:
- Learn the RH tune (loop each phrase).
- LH plays single roots (C–G–C–F–C–G7–C).
- Raise tempo slightly for a sing‑along.
- Party trick: Start on G with RH if you need a higher vocal range.
4) Let It Be — Beatles (Easy Comp, C Major)
- Progression: C–G–Am–F (classic “four‑chord” pop).
- Steps:
- LH whole‑note roots; RH plays chord blocks.
- Move to gentle 8th‑note RH pattern (roll low→high).
- Keep tempo ~70–80 BPM until smooth.
- Why it’s gold for beginners: the same four chords unlock dozens of piano songs to learn next.
Smart keyboard boost: Light‑guided keys (with 127 levels of touch for dynamics) let you shape loud/soft naturally, even at slow tempos. Some compact models use slightly narrower keys (about 7/8 width) to fit small hands and reduce fatigue—handy when you learn to play the piano after work.
Part 2 — Easy Guitar Songs (3 favorites)
If you’re switching from keys to strings, start with open chords and mellow tempos.
5) Three Little Birds — Bob Marley (G Major)
- Chords: G–C–D.
- Strum: D‑D‑U‑U‑D‑U (think “down‑down up‑up down‑up”).
- Steps:
- Practice clean chord shapes; strum on muted strings first.
- Play one chord per bar; add full pattern later.
- Keep the right hand moving, even when changing chords.
6) Stand by Me — Ben E. King (G Major)
- Chords: G–Em–C–D (I–vi–IV–V).
- Strum: Downs on beats 1 & 3, then add soft upstrokes.
- Steps:
- Count “1‑2‑3‑4”; strum down on 1 and 3 only.
- Add gentle up on the “and” of 2 and 4.
- Aim for even volume—no hammering.
7) Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door — Dylan (G Major)
- Chords (loop): G–D–Am7–G–D–C.
- Strum: D‑D‑U‑U‑D‑U at ~72 BPM.
- Steps:
- Learn the two‑bar loop slowly.
- Use Am7 (x02010) for easy fretting.
- Record a 60‑second clip each week—your timing will jump.
Smart guitar boost: An LED‑guided fretboard with an app that visualizes fingerings turns “find the chord” into “follow the light.” Great if you’re teaching yourself by ear.
Part 3 — Easy Ukulele Songs (3 smile‑inducing picks)
Ukulele is perfect for tiny practice windows and quick wins.
8) Row, Row, Row Your Boat (C Major)
- Chords: C, G7.
- Strum: Down on beats 1 and 3.
- Steps:
- Switch between C and G7 slowly; keep fretting hand relaxed.
- Sing softly while strumming—steady time matters most.
- Add light ups on “and” of 2 when steady.
9) I’m Yours — Jason Mraz (C Major)
- Chords: C–G–Am–F.
- Strum (island): D‑D U‑U D‑U.
- Steps:
- Loop the chord cycle at a whisper volume.
- Keep wrist loose; let the pick glide.
- Smile—this one feels good fast.
10) Riptide — Vance Joy (Am)
- Chords: Am–G–C–F.
- Strum: D‑D U‑U D‑U around 88 BPM.
- Steps:
- Practice chord shapes in order (no strum).
- Add the pattern at low volume.
- Increase tempo only after three clean loops.
Smart ukulele boost: A guided app that shows chord diagrams, listens to your strum, and tracks progress makes it easy to learn how to play without lessons.
Mini Practice Plan (30 minutes that actually works)
Use this three‑block plan whether you learn piano online, guitar, or uke:
- 5 min Warm‑up:
- Keys: five‑note patterns (C–D–E–F–G) with metronome at 60 BPM.
- Strings: silent chord changes (no strum), then soft down‑strums.
- 20 min Song Focus:
- Chunk‑Loop‑Ladder: practice 2 bars → loop 10x → if clean 3x, +5–10% tempo.
- Keys: add LH roots or blocked triads only after RH is clean.
- Strings: keep right hand moving; count out loud.
- 5 min “Victory Lap”:
- Play your best section once. End feeling successful.
Repeat five days a week. You’ll finish songs quickly and avoid burnout.
Gear tips for faster wins (optional but helpful)
- Piano/keyboard: A compact smart keyboard with full‑key multi‑color lights and 127‑level touch helps you learn to play the piano by seeing and feeling what to do. Some models include a 6×3 pad section for one‑tap chords and beats—handy for quick accompaniment. Materials like ABS/PC are easy to keep clean, and slightly narrower keys (~7/8 width) can be kinder to small hands.
- Ukulele: A 23″ concert size balances comfort and tone. App‑guided lessons and eco‑friendly woods are nice bonuses
- Guitar: LED‑guided fretboards plus a free gamified app can get you through 7 songs in 7 days with steady practice. Mahogany/spruce builds are comfortable and warm‑sounding.
FAQs (quick, honest answers)
How long does it take to learn piano enough to play songs?
With a smart, song‑first plan, many beginners can finish one melody in Week 1 and a two‑hand version within 3–4 weeks. Consistency matters more than session length.
Is piano hard to learn?
It’s very approachable if you start with simple songs, slow tempo, and visual guidance. Chords + rhythm first is the best way to learn piano for most adults.
Can I learn piano by myself?
Yes. Guided LEDs, “pause‑and‑wait” lessons, and short loops remove early roadblocks. That’s the simplest answer to how to learn piano by yourself.
What’s the best keyboard to learn piano on?
One you’ll actually play daily: portable, headphone‑friendly, and ideally with light‑up guidance and an app.
Can I learn piano online only?
Absolutely. Many learners start and stick with app‑guided lessons. You can always add a teacher later for technique and style coaching.
Your next step
Pick one song from each section (or just stick with keys if learn piano is your priority). Keep tempo slow, loop tiny sections, and record a 60‑second clip at the end of the week. That’s it—the fastest path from “beginner” to “I can play this.”
