20 Easy Pop Songs to Play on Piano | Keyboard Tutorials

Did you know that some of today’s most popular music can be played with just a few easy piano chords? If you’re looking for easy pop songs to play on piano, you’re not limited to children’s keyboard songs. In fact, you can play some of the most powerful and popular songs of today with just a handful of chords. 

Everyone loves hearing popular tunes performed live, whether it’s at a wedding, talent show, or private concert. This means that as a piano player, it’s important to be able to play many genres and artists. If you want to play professionally, expanding your repertoire with pop music is a must for landing steady gigs and impressing your audience.

Let’s check out a diverse and fun selection of easy keyboard pop songs, so you can leave an impression on friends, family, and countless crowd members. Don’t forget to enlist the help of a singer (or sharpen your own singing skills) to deliver the full impact of these pop anthems. Follow these video lessons and work your way up to match the original song, then get ready to WOW your next audience!

If you’re looking to improve your piano sight reading skills, check out this video:

What Are the Top 20 Easy Pop Songs to Play on Piano?

The top 20 easy pop songs to play on piano include All About That Bass by Meghan Trainor, Someone Like You by Adele, Clocks by Coldplay, Stay With Me by Sam Smith, Billie Jean by Michael Jackson, Fallin’ by Alicia Keys, Superman by Five for Fighting, Drops of Jupiter by Train, Bubbly by Colbie Caillat, When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars, Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding, Elastic Heart by Sia, Dark Horse by Katie Perry, Counting Stars by OneRepublic, Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran, Clarity by Zedd, Shake it Off by Taylor Swift, How to Save a Life by The Fray, and Let it Go by Idina Menzel.

Playing your favorite songs on the piano doesn’t have to be difficult. Start out with songs you enjoy and build from there. Here are five easy pop songs to play on piano for beginners! When you’re ready to advance, try taking private piano lessons. Let’s start with the top 5.

“All About That Bass” – Meghan Trainor

This is a fun, chart-topping song. The chords to this are A – Bmin – E – A. Each of these chords is played for two bars and the entire progression is eight bars. The good news for you is that this progression is repeated nonstop throughout the whole song. Practice playing the bassline in the left hand first and then add the melody in the right hand. Listen for how the melody in the verse is different from the chorus. Later in the song, the chords are played with constant eighth notes. Check out the video below for a play-along tutorial:

Thank you Zachary Marsh for the use of this video.

“Someone Like You” – Adele

This hit from Adele’s album, 21, managed to top the charts in almost 10 countries. You can play most of this song, including the verse and chorus, by playing four repeated chords: A, E, F#min, D. While you play constant arpeggios in the left hand, add the melody in the right. Here is a play-along video to help you learn it:

Thank you Joe Raciti for the use of this video.

For even more ideas check out these 3 easy hit songs!

You May Also Like: 9 Easy Jazz Piano Songs

“Clocks” – Coldplay

This is one of Coldplay’s biggest hits, dating back to 2002. Since it’s so recognizable, this makes it one of the most fun piano pop songs for beginners. It has a few different sections to learn, but let’s just look at the most famous part for now. The right hand plays the signature arpeggio pattern, while the left hand plays chords and rhythmically lines up with the arpeggios. The chords to the verse and chorus are Eb – Bbmin – Fmin. The Eb is played for one bar, Bmin for two, and the Fmin for one. Looking at the bridge, the chords are Gb – Db – Ab. The bridge chords are played with constant eighth notes. This video breaks the song down well:

Thank you MahaloPiano for the use of this video.

“Stay With Me” – Sam Smith

Fortunately for you, Sam Smith decided to repeat only three chords with the same rhythm for this entire song. So, here are the chords: Amin, F, C. After you get the chords in the left hand down, add the melody in your right hand. The video below shows how to add some cool fills to make it interesting:

Thank you DPSM for the use of this video.

“Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson

Just for fun, let’s look at “Billie Jean” from the album Thriller, which dates back to 1982. We’ll focus on the synth parts in this song. In the right hand, play these three chords: F#min – G#min – A – G#min. For these chords, there is a four-note bassline for the left hand to play. When the chords change to Bbmin, there is a second bassline. Using these two basslines and two chord sections, you can play the verses and choruses. Play along with the video below:

Thank you HDPiano for the use of this video.

I hope these piano pop songs for beginners help you learn how to play the piano. Here are 15 more piano pop songs to try, and 15 piano solos that are easier than they seem. Keep practicing them and then make your own list of new pop songs to learn!

Want to Learn Even MORE Easy Keyboard Pop Songs?

If you want to learn more easy keyboard pop songs, these next 15 piano tunes will be perfect for you.

“Fallin'” by Alicia Keys

Neo-Soul/R&B Ballad

“Fallin'” was the debut song from Alicia Keys back in 2001. The song became a success not only because of its beautiful, repeating R&B melodic line, but also because Alicia Keys was the writer, singer, and instrumentalist on the recording (which is not common in pop music). The lyrics are very meaningful, and piano-wise, the song challenges your jazz/R&B/pop playing, as well as blues improvising.

Here’s how to play “Fallin'” on the piano:

Thank you Eric Blackmon Guitar for the use of this video. 

“Superman” by Five for Fighting

Mid-tempo Ballad

This early millennium song has a driving melody and powerful chorus. The lyrics are strong, and they tell a story. It has also been featured on many popular TV shows and movies as the theme song or ending credits. It’s a great song for a coffeehouse or a singer/songwriter night. It also happens to be one of the easiest songs in C major to play.

Here’s how to play “Superman” on the piano:

Key of C

C G
It may sound absurd, but don’t be naïve
Amin7 F
Even heroes have the right to bleed
C G
I may be disturbed, but won’t you concede even
AM7 F C G
Even heroes have the right to dream
F
And it’s not easy to be me

Note: Watch for the major and minor changes in this song within the A chord. It’s good practice going back and forth.

“Drops of Jupiter” by Train

Uptempo, Piano Rock/Pop

This Grammy award-winner is a great song to bang out on the piano! You should really let loose and feel the melodies, rhythm, and lyrics, especially after the first verse and each time the chorus hits thereafter. I also encourage you to perform this song with a band, if possible, or re-arrange the song with drums and strings by using computer software.

Here’s how to play “Drop of Jupiter” on the piano:

Key of C

G D
So tell me, did you sail across the sun
F
Did you make it to the Milky way to see
C
The lights all faded, and that Heaven is overrated
G D
Tell me, did you fall for a shooting star
Dm
One without a permanent scar
F
And did you miss me while you were looking for yourself

Note: These are pretty simple chords; notice the dominant 5th motion: G to D, F-C, C-G.

“Bubbly” by Colbie Caillat

Uplifting, Laidback

This warm and cozy song, transcribed from the guitar, is a wonderfully easy pop song to play on piano. The chords and rhythm flow very naturally along with the voice. Let these easy piano chords carry you to an uplifting place, and “crinkle your nose and toes” along with the beat!

Here’s how to play “Bubbly” on the piano:

Thank you Piano Mann for the use of this video.

“When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars

Romantic Piano Ballad

This is a gorgeous song to display your deepest emotions. It’s one of the few songs that truly sounds incredible with just piano alone. It does not need a full band or any other instruments, because the vocals and piano are powerful enough. Plus, you only need to know basic piano technique.

Here’s how to play “When I Was Your Man” on the piano:

Key of G

G F
That I should have bought you flowers 
G C
And held your hand, should’ve given you all my hours
F G C
When I had the chance
F G
Take you to every party, cause all you wanted to do was dance
Am D7 F
Now my baby’s dancing
Fmin C F C G/B
But she’s dancing with another man

Note: G/B means you play a G chord in the right hand over a B root in the left hand.

Looking for more romantic piano songs? Try These 15 Piano Love Songs That Will Melt Your Heart

“Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding

Pop, Love EDM Track

It’s also fun to take brand new pop songs from the charts and make them just for piano alone, as an acoustic version. I encourage you to make this EDM song sound more like your own — try performing a cover of it and put it on YouTube!

Here’s how to play “Love Me Like You Do” on the piano:

Key of G#

G# Cm
So love me like you do, love me like you do
Fm C#
Love me like you do, love me like you do
A#m Fm D#
Touch me like you do, touch me like you do

Note: The great thing about this song is that all four choruses have the same chords!

7. “Take Me to Church” by Hozier

Pop, Blues Ballad

This piano song is easy to play because it has very simple chords. The vocal melodic line makes the song sound very mysterious. It’s also a great song for practicing those minor chords and scales. It won song of the year at the 2014 Grammys!

Here’s how to play “Take Me to Church” on the piano:

Key of Am

Downbeat: G5 F#5

F#5 F5 Em
Take me to church, I’ll worship like a dog
Bm
At the shrine of your lies, I’ll tell you my sins
G
So you can sharpen your knife
Am Em A5 G5
Offer me that deathless death, good God let me give you my life

Note: Because this is primarily a guitar song, there are many power chords, like F5 for example, which means you play just the root and 5th of the chord. Talk about an easy piano chord!

“Elastic Heart” by Sia

Passionate Pop EDM

From the soundtrack of “Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” “Elastic Heart” is a pop song from Australian artist Sia. It’s groovy, especially dominant in the chorus, and it translates well into an easy keyboard pop song. I encourage you to really groove in this song and try to be “in the moment,” because it’s very powerful!

Key of C

C G D
Well I’ve got thick skin, and an elastic heart
Em D
But your blade it might be too sharp
C G D
I’m like a rubber band until you pull too hard
Em D
But I may snap when I move close
C G D Em D
But you won’t see me move no more
C G D Em D
Cause I’ve got an elastic heart

“Dark Horse” by Katy Perry

Pop/Rap and Pop/Hip-Hop

Have fun with this one and explore how rap and piano can play along with each other! Their respective rhythms complement each other well. It also has a really fun intro that doubles as a fast exercise for your fingers!

Here’s how to play “Dark Horse” on piano:

Thank you HowtoPlayTutorial for the use of this video.

“Counting Stars” by One Republic

Bright, Uptempo Pop

This feel-good song will have everyone singing, clapping, and dancing along! It’s a great song to show off your piano and vocal skills, as you can add in fun embellishments and improvisation!

Here’s how to play “Counting Stars” on piano:

Key of Am

Am C
Lately I’ve been, I’ve been losing sleep
G F
Dreaming about the things that we could be
Am C
But baby I’ve been, I’ve been praying hard
G F
Said no more counting dollars, we’ll be counting stars

“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran

Easy Listening Ballad

This is a very soft easy listening piece. It’s perfect to play on a rainy day or lazy afternoon. Challenge yourself and try re-harmonizing the chords, or do different inversions to make the song sound a bit more dramatic.

Here’s how to play “Thinking Out Loud” on the piano:

Key of C

D D/F# G A D D/F#
So honey now, take me into your loving arms
A
Kiss me under the light
D D/F# G A
Of a thousand stars, place your hand
D D/F# G A
On my beating heart, I’m thinking out loud
Bm A G D/F# Em A7 D
Maybe we found love right where we are

“Clarity” by Zedd

Vocal EDM Song

This is a great song to play on the digital keyboard; try exploring with synthesizers and different effects. This is an EDM-driven song, but its core is on the piano. A fun idea is to use different keyboard settings played with the left and the right hand.

Here’s how to play “Clarity” on the piano:

Thank you Todd Downing for the use of this video.

“Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift

Upbeat, Funky Pop

This is a fun, upbeat song with a funky beat. Don’t be afraid of the syncopation and the tempo changes. It’s a great song to practice your rhythm chops while having fun!

Here’s how to play “Shake It Off” on the piano:

Thank you Mint Music for the use of this video

“How to Save a Life” by The Fray

Rock-Pop Ballad

This 2005 hit predominantly features piano; it’s mostly a rock song, but the piano is undoubtedly the highlight. The piano does a good job of making the song sound full. The song’s lyrics convey a strong message of key values and lessons in life.

Here’s how to play “How to Save a Life” on the piano:

Key of A#

C D Em
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
G D/F#
Somewhere along the bitterness
C D Em
And I would have stayed up with you all night
G D/F# G
Had I known how to save a life

“Let It Go” by Idina Menzel

Musical Theater/Movie Soundtrack, Power Ballad

From the popular movie “Frozen,” you can play this song two ways — in a Broadway/movie soundtrack style, or in a rock ballad style as Demi Lovato covered. Both ways sound outstanding on the piano. This song has many diverse elements, including softer verses, driven choruses, and a climactic bridge. This is the #1 most-requested song for piano players today.

Here’s how to play “Let It Go” on the piano:

Thank you Music By Motoko for the use of this video.

Play Through These Piano Pop Songs for Beginners to Improve Your Technique AND Have Fun

These piano pop songs for beginners will keep you having fun while learning. And the tutorials above are designed to help you learn easy keyboard pop songs with just a handful of easy piano chords! To keep track of all your favorites, try compiling a notebook specifically for piano pop songs. When taking on a new song, you may want to start slowly and work out the voicings one by one. Try to find chord voicings that work smoothly together, so you can seamlessly transition between chords. As your muscle memory grows, you won’t even have to think about how to play these easy piano chords!

While YouTube videos are a great piano learning resource, there’s no replacement for hands-on piano lessons. Whether in-person or online, personalized guidance makes all the difference when it comes to learning the piano. If you’re interested in mastering the pop piano techniques that you hear in these tunes, schedule a piano lesson with a professional teacher near you or try a live streaming lesson!

A piano instructor can provide you with a roadmap to get you from where you are now to where you want to be. With each lesson, your instructor will help you gain the confidence and skills you need to master your next performance. We look forward to seeing your own piano videos on YouTube!

What are your favorite easy pop songs to play on piano? Let us know in the comments below!

Post Author: Liz T.
Liz T. teaches singing, acting, and music lessons online. She is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music with a B.M in Vocal performance and currently performs/teaches all styles of music including Musical Theater, Classical, Jazz, Rock, Pop, R&B, and Country. Learn more about Liz here!