100 easy piano chord songs (pop, rock, soul & more)
By Oli Braithwaite Last updated
Here you are in the early stages of your piano journey and before you lies a path well trodden by beginner pianists, including famous ones…
What is this path?
Starting out by learning easy piano chord songs, which sound exciting and ‘like the real thing’ right from the start, rather than very simple melodies such as nursery rhymes.
This is a particularly effective path for adults wishing to learn modern genres like pop, rock and soul. With famous musicians such as Paul McCartney, John Lennon and Stevie Wonder among those who learned the piano this way, it’s hard to argue against it.
Don’t forget, we have our own free online piano chord finder and also PDF piano chord sheets you can print. These are excellent additions to the songs on this page.
Good luck!
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1. Imagine
Imagine by John Lennon is a pop song.
- Composed by: John Lennon (England)
- Released: 1971, as a single
- Level: Intermediate
2. Let It Be
Let It Be by The Beatles is a rock song.
- Composed by: John Lennon and Paul McCartney (United Kingdom)
- Released: 1970, as the title track of the album ‘Let It Be’
- Level: Intermediate
3. Someone Like You
Someone Like You by Adele is a pop ballad.
- Composed by: Adele Adkins and Dan Wilson
- Released: 2011, on the album ’21’
- Level: Intermediate
4. Hallelujah
Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen is a folk rock song.
- Composed by: Leonard Cohen (Canada)
- Released: 1984, on the album ‘Various Positions’
- Level: Intermediate
5. Lean on Me
Lean on Me by Bill Withers is a soul song.
- Composed by: Bill Withers (United States)
- Released: 1972, on the album ‘Still Bill’
- Level: Intermediate
6. Clocks
Clocks by Coldplay is a pop rock song.
- Composed by: Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, and Will Champion (United Kingdom)
- Released: 2002, on the album ‘A Rush of Blood to the Head’
- Level: Intermediate
7. All of Me
All of Me by John Legend is a pop song.
- Composed by: John Legend and Toby Gad (United States)
- Released: 2013, on the album ‘Love in the Future’
- Level: Intermediate
8. A Thousand Years
A Thousand Years by Christina Perri is a pop ballad.
- Composed by: Christina Perri and David Hodges (both from the United States)
- Released: 2011 as a single and later included in the soundtrack of the movie ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1’
- Level: Intermediate
9. Your Song
Your Song by Elton John is a pop song.
- Composed by: Elton John (music) and Bernie Taupin (lyrics), both from England
- Released: 1970, on the album ‘Elton John’
- Level: Intermediate
10. Hey Jude
Hey Jude by The Beatles is a rock song.
- Composed by: John Lennon and Paul McCartney (both from England)
- Released: 1968, as a single
- Level: Intermediate
11. Love Me Tender
Love Me Tender by Elvis Presley is a popular song.
- Composed by: Vera Matson and Elvis Presley (United States)
- Released: 1956, as the title track of the film ‘Love Me Tender’
- Level: Intermediate
12. Stay
Stay by Rihanna is a pop song.
- Composed by: Mikky Ekko and Justin Parker
- Released: 2012, on the album ‘Unapologetic’
- Level: Intermediate
13. Havana
Havana by Camila Cabello is a pop song.
- Composed by: Camila Cabello, Starrah, Ali Tamposi, Brian Lee, Andrew Watt, Pharrell Williams, and Louis Bell (USA)
- Released: 2017, as a single
- Level: Intermediate
14. Perfect
Perfect by Ed Sheeran is a pop song.
- Composed by: Ed Sheeran (England)
- Released: 2017, in the album ‘÷’ (Divide)
- Level: Intermediate
15. You Are My Sunshine
You Are My Sunshine is a country song.
- Composed by: Jimmie Davis (United States)
- Released: 1940 in a book of songs
- Level: Beginner
16. Twist and Shout
Twist and Shout by The Beatles is a rock and roll song.
- Composed by: Phil Medley and Bert Berns (United States)
- Released: 1963, on the album ‘Please Please Me’
- Level: Intermediate
17. I'm Yours
I’m Yours by Jason Mraz is a pop song.
- Composed by: Jason Mraz (United States)
- Released: 2008, in the album ‘We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.’
- Level: Beginner
18. Lost Boy
Lost Boy by Ruth B is a pop song.
- Composed by: Ruth B (Canada)
- Released: 2015 as a single
- Level: Intermediate
19. Just the Way You Are
Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars is a pop song.
- Composed by: Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, Khalil Walton, Khari Cain, and Needlz (all from the United States)
- Released: 2010 on the album ‘Doo-Wops & Hooligans’
- Level: Intermediate
20. Happy
Happy by Pharrell Williams is a pop song.
- Composed by: Pharrell Williams (United States)
- Released: 2013, in the album ‘Despicable Me 2: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack’
- Level: Beginner
21. Piano Man
Piano Man by Billy Joel is a pop rock song.
- Composed by: Billy Joel (United States)
- Released: 1973, on the album ‘Piano Man’
- Level: Intermediate
22. Don't Stop Believin'
Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey is a rock song.
- Composed by: Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry, and Neal Schon (United States)
- Released: 1981, on the album ‘Escape’
- Level: Intermediate
23. River Flows in You
River Flows in You is a contemporary classical piano piece.
- Composed by: Yiruma (South Korea)
- Released: 2001, on the album ‘First Love’
- Level: Intermediate
24. Mad World
Mad World by Gary Jules is a pop song.
- Composed by: Roland Orzabal (UK)
- Released: 2001, on the album ‘Donnie Darko Soundtrack’
- Level: Intermediate
25. Stand by Me
Stand by Me by Ben E. King is a soul/R&B song.
- Composed by: Ben E. King, Jerry Leiber, and Mike Stoller (United States)
- Released: 1961, as a single
- Level: Intermediate
26. What a Wonderful World
What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong is a jazz song.
- Composed by: Bob Thiele and George David Weiss
- Released: 1967 as a single
- Level: Intermediate
27. Can't Help Falling in Love
Can’t Help Falling in Love is a pop ballad.
- Composed by: Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss (United States)
- Released: 1961, in the album Blue Hawaii
- Level: Intermediate
28. Counting Stars
Counting Stars by OneRepublic is a pop rock song.
- Composed by: Ryan Tedder (United States)
- Released: 2013, in the album ‘Native’
- Level: Intermediate
29. Demons
Demons by Imagine Dragons is a pop rock song.
- Composed by: Alexander Grant, Benjamin McKee, Daniel Platzman, Daniel Reynolds, and Josh Mosser (United States)
- Released: 2012 in the album ‘Night Visions’
- Level: Intermediate
30. Riptide
Riptide by Vance Joy is a folk-pop song.
- Composed by: James Keogh (Vance Joy) from Australia
- Released: 2013 as a single
- Level: Intermediate
31. Radioactive
Radioactive by Imagine Dragons is a rock song.
- Composed by: Dan Reynolds, Wayne Sermon, Ben McKee, Daniel Platzman (United States)
- Released: 2012, on the album ‘Night Visions’
- Level: Intermediate
32. Marry You
Marry You by Bruno Mars is a pop song.
- Composed by: Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine (United States)
- Released: 2010, on the album ‘Doo-Wops & Hooligans’
- Level: Intermediate
33. Ho Hey
Ho Hey by The Lumineers is a folk rock song.
- Composed by: Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites from the United States
- Released: 2012, as a single
- Level: Beginner
34. Wake Me Up
Wake Me Up by Avicii is an electronic dance music (EDM) song.
- Composed by: Tim Bergling (Avicii) from Sweden
- Released: 2013, as a single
- Level: Intermediate
35. Viva la Vida
Viva la Vida by Coldplay is a pop rock song.
- Composed by: Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion (all from the United Kingdom)
- Released: 2008, in the album ‘Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends’
- Level: Intermediate
36. Rolling in the Deep
Rolling in the Deep by Adele is a pop song.
- Composed by: Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth (both from England)
- Released: 2010 on the album ’21’
- Level: Intermediate
37. Sweet Caroline
Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond is a pop song.
- Composed by: Neil Diamond (United States)
- Released: 1969, on the album ‘Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show’
- Level: Intermediate
38. The Scientist
The Scientist by Coldplay is a pop rock song.
- Composed by: Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion from the United Kingdom
- Released: 2002 in the album ‘A Rush of Blood to the Head’
- Level: Intermediate
39. Chasing Cars
Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol is a rock song.
- Composed by: Gary Lightbody, Nathan Connolly, Paul Wilson, Tom Simpson, and Jonny Quinn (all from Northern Ireland)
- Released: 2006, on the album ‘Eyes Open’
- Level: Intermediate
40. Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace is a Christian hymn.
- Composed by: John Newton (England)
- Released: Unknown
- Level: Beginner
41. Ain't No Sunshine
Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers is a soul song.
- Composed by: Bill Withers (United States)
- Released: 1971, on the album ‘Just As I Am’
- Level: Intermediate
42. Budapest
Budapest by George Ezra is a folk-pop song.
- Composed by: George Ezra (United Kingdom)
- Released: 2013, in the album ‘Wanted on Voyage’
- Level: Intermediate
43. I Will Always Love You
I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston is a pop song.
- Composed by: Dolly Parton (United States)
- Released: 1992, on the soundtrack album for the film ‘The Bodyguard’
- Level: Intermediate
44. Skyfall
Skyfall by Adele is a pop song.
- Composed by: Adele and Paul Epworth (both from the United Kingdom)
- Released: 2012 as the theme song for the James Bond film ‘Skyfall’
- Level: Intermediate
45. Wonderwall
Wonderwall by Oasis is a rock song.
- Composed by: Noel Gallagher (England)
- Released: 1995, on the album ‘(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?’
- Level: Intermediate
46. Jolene
Jolene by Dolly Parton is a country song.
- Composed by: Dolly Parton (United States)
- Released: 1973, as a single
- Level: Intermediate
47. Yesterday
Yesterday by The Beatles is a pop song.
- Composed by: Paul McCartney (England)
- Released: 1965, on the album ‘Help!’
- Level: Intermediate
48. Brown Eyed Girl
Brown Eyed Girl is a classic rock song.
- Composed by: Van Morrison (Northern Ireland)
- Released: 1967, on the album ‘Blowin’ Your Mind!’
- Level: Intermediate
49. Royals
Royals by Lorde is a pop song.
- Composed by: Ella Yelich-O’Connor (New Zealand)
- Released: 2013, on the album ‘Pure Heroine’
- Level: Intermediate
50. Jar of Hearts
Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri is a pop song.
- Composed by: Christina Perri (United States)
- Released: 2010, on the album ‘Lovestrong’
- Level: Intermediate
51. No Woman, No Cry
No Woman, No Cry is a reggae song.
- Composed by: Vincent Ford from Jamaica
- Released: 1974, on the album ‘Natty Dread’
- Level: Intermediate
52. Home
Home by Michael Bublé is a pop song.
- Composed by: Alan Chang and Michael Bublé (Canada)
- Released: 2005 on the album ‘It’s Time’
- Level: Intermediate
53. Over the Rainbow
Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland is a classic pop song.
- Composed by: Harold Arlen (music) and E.Y. Harburg (lyrics), both from the United States
- Released: 1939 in the film ‘The Wizard of Oz’
- Level: Intermediate
54. Take Me Home, Country Roads
Take Me Home, Country Roads is a folk song.
- Composed by: Bill Danoff, Taffy Nivert, and John Denver (United States)
- Released: 1971 on the album ‘Poems, Prayers & Promises’
- Level: Beginner
55. Fly Me to the Moon
Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra is a jazz standard.
- Composed by: Bart Howard (American)
- Released: 1954, in a book of Fly Me to the Moons
- Level: Intermediate
56. When I Was Your Man
When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars is a pop song.
- Composed by: Bruno Mars and Philip Lawrence (United States)
- Released: 2012, on the album ‘Unorthodox Jukebox’
- Level: Intermediate
57. Titanium
Titanium by David Guetta ft. Sia is an electronic dance music (EDM) song.
- Composed by: David Guetta, Giorgio Tuinfort, Sia Furler, and Afrojack
- Released: 2011, as a single
- Level: Intermediate
58. Unchained Melody
Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers is a classic pop song.
- Composed by: Alex North (music) and Hy Zaret (lyrics), both from the United States
- Released: 1955 as a single, later included in the soundtrack of the 1955 film ‘Unchained’
- Level: Intermediate
59. Killing Me Softly
Killing Me Softly by Roberta Flack is a soul and R&B song.
- Composed by: Charles Fox (music) and Norman Gimbel (lyrics), both from the United States
- Released: 1973, as a single and later included in the album ‘Killing Me Softly’
- Level: Intermediate
60. Wagon Wheel
Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show is a folk rock song.
- Composed by: Bob Dylan (lyrics), Ketch Secor (music)
- Released: 2004, on the album ‘O.C.M.S.’
- Level: Intermediate
61. True Colors
True Colors by Cyndi Lauper is a pop song.
- Composed by: Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly (United States)
- Released: 1986, as the title track of the album ‘True Colors’
- Level: Intermediate
62. Falling Slowly
Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová is a folk rock song.
- Composed by: Glen Hansard (Ireland) & Markéta Irglová (Czech Republic)
- Released: 2006 in the film ‘Once’
- Level: Intermediate
63. One Call Away
One Call Away by Charlie Puth is a pop song.
- Composed by: Charlie Puth (United States)
- Released: 2015, on the album ‘Nine Track Mind’
- Level: Intermediate
64. Every Breath You Take
Every Breath You Take by The Police is a rock song.
- Composed by: Sting (England)
- Released: 1983, on the album Synchronicity
- Level: Intermediate
65. Somewhere Only We Know
Somewhere Only We Know by Keane is a pop rock song.
- Composed by: Tim Rice-Oxley, Tom Chaplin, Richard Hughes (United Kingdom)
- Released: 2004, on the album Hopes and Fears
- Level: Intermediate
66. Let Her Go
Let Her Go by Passenger is a folk-pop song.
- Composed by: Mike Rosenberg (England)
- Released: 2012, on the album ‘All the Little Lights’
- Level: Intermediate
67. Say Something
Say Something by A Great Big World ft. Christina Aguilera is a pop ballad.
- Composed by: Ian Axel and Chad Vaccarino (United States)
- Released: 2013, as a single
- Level: Intermediate
68. Hello
Hello by Adele is a pop song.
- Composed by: Adele Adkins and Greg Kurstin (both from England)
- Released: 2015, in the album ’25’
- Level: Intermediate
69. I Want to Hold Your Hand
I Want to Hold Your Hand by The Beatles is a pop song.
- Composed by: John Lennon and Paul McCartney (both from England)
- Released: 1963, as a single
- Level: Intermediate
70. Don't Know Why
Don’t Know Why by Norah Jones is a jazz-pop song.
- Composed by: Jesse Harris (United States)
- Released: 2002, on the album ‘Come Away with Me’
- Level: Intermediate
71. Cups (When I'm Gone)
Cups (When I’m Gone) is a pop song.
- Composed by: A.P. Carter (United States)
- Released: 1931 in a book of American folk songs
- Level: Intermediate
72. Hey, Soul Sister
Hey, Soul Sister by Train is a pop song.
- Composed by: Pat Monahan, Espen Lind, and Amund Bjørklund (United States and Norway)
- Released: 2009 on the album ‘Save Me, San Francisco’
- Level: Intermediate
73. We Are Young
We Are Young by fun. is a pop song.
- Composed by: Nate Ruess, Andrew Dost, Jack Antonoff, and Jeff Bhasker (United States)
- Released: 2011 on the album ‘Some Nights’
- Level: Intermediate
74. Bennie and the Jets
Bennie and the Jets is a pop rock song.
- Composed by: Elton John and Bernie Taupin (both from England)
- Released: 1973, on the album ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’
- Level: Intermediate
75. Thinking Out Loud
Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran is a pop song.
- Composed by: Ed Sheeran (England)
- Released: 2014, in the album ‘x’
- Level: Intermediate
76. I Will Wait
I Will Wait by Mumford & Sons is a folk rock song.
- Composed by: Marcus Mumford, Winston Marshall, Ben Lovett, and Ted Dwane (United Kingdom)
- Released: 2012, on the album ‘Babel’
- Level: Intermediate
77. Yellow
Yellow by Coldplay is a pop rock song.
- Composed by: Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland from the United Kingdom
- Released: 2000, in the album ‘Parachutes’
- Level: Intermediate
78. I Gotta Feeling
I Gotta Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas is a pop song.
- Composed by: William Adams, Allan Pineda, Jaime Gomez, Stacy Ferguson, David Guetta, and Frederic Riesterer (United States and France)
- Released: 2009, on the album ‘The E.N.D.’
- Level: Intermediate
79. California Dreamin'
California Dreamin’ by The Mamas & The Papas is a folk rock song.
- Composed by: John Phillips and Michelle Phillips, both from the United States
- Released: 1965, as a single
- Level: Intermediate
80. Shape of My Heart
Shape of My Heart by Sting is a pop song.
- Composed by: Sting (England)
- Released: 1993, on the album ‘Ten Summoner’s Tales’
- Level: Intermediate
81. Have You Ever Seen The Rain
Have You Ever Seen The Rain by Creedence Clearwater Revival is a rock song.
- Composed by: John Fogerty (United States)
- Released: 1970, on the album Pendulum
- Level: Intermediate
82. Knockin' on Heaven's Door
Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door is a rock song.
- Composed by: Bob Dylan (United States)
- Released: 1973, in the album ‘Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid’
- Level: Intermediate
83. You Raise Me Up
You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban is a pop ballad.
- Composed by: Rolf Løvland (Norway) and Brendan Graham (Ireland)
- Released: 2001 in the album ‘Once in a Red Moon’ by Secret Garden
- Level: Intermediate
84. Faded
Faded by Alan Walker is an electronic dance music (EDM) song.
- Composed by: Alan Walker (Norway)
- Released: 2015, as a single
- Level: Intermediate
85. I Don't Want to Miss a Thing
I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith is a rock ballad.
- Composed by: Diane Warren (United States)
- Released: 1998, on the soundtrack album for the film Armageddon
- Level: Intermediate
86. I Can't Help Myself
I Can’t Help Myself by Four Tops is a soul song.
- Composed by: Holland–Dozier–Holland (United States)
- Released: 1965, on the album ‘Four Tops’ Second Album’
- Level: Intermediate
87. Landslide
Landslide by Fleetwood Mac is a folk rock song.
- Composed by: Stevie Nicks (United States)
- Released: 1975, on the album ‘Fleetwood Mac’ (self-titled)
- Level: Intermediate
88. You've Got a Friend
You’ve Got a Friend by Carole King is a pop song.
- Composed by: Carole King (United States)
- Released: 1971, on the album ‘Tapestry’
- Level: Intermediate
89. Scarborough Fair
Scarborough Fair by Simon & Garfunkel is a folk song.
- Composed by: Traditional (unknown)
- Released: 1966, on the album ‘Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme’
- Level: Intermediate
90. This Land is Your Land
This Land is Your Land is a folk song.
- Composed by: Woody Guthrie (United States)
- Released: 1944 in a book of This Land is Your Lands
- Level: Intermediate
91. Ring of Fire
Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash is a country song.
- Composed by: June Carter and Merle Kilgore (United States)
- Released: 1963, as a single
- Level: Intermediate
92. Crazy
Crazy by Patsy Cline is a country song.
- Composed by: Willie Nelson (United States)
- Released: 1961, as a single
- Level: Intermediate
93. On Top of the World
On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons is a pop rock song.
- Composed by: Imagine Dragons (United States)
- Released: 2012, on the album ‘Night Visions’
- Level: Intermediate
94. What's Up
What’s Up by 4 Non Blondes is a rock song.
- Composed by: Linda Perry (United States)
- Released: 1992, on the album ‘Bigger, Better, Faster, More!’
- Level: Intermediate
95. Mama Mia
Mama Mia by ABBA is a pop song.
- Composed by: Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus from Sweden
- Released: 1975 as a single and later included in the album ‘ABBA’ (self-titled)
- Level: Intermediate
96. I Want to Break Free
I Want to Break Free by Queen is a rock song.
- Composed by: John Deacon (England)
- Released: 1984, on the album ‘The Works’
- Level: Intermediate
97. Put Your Records On
Put Your Records On by Corinne Bailey Rae is a pop song.
- Composed by: Corinne Bailey Rae (United Kingdom)
- Released: 2006, on the album ‘Corinne Bailey Rae’
- Level: Intermediate
98. Man in the Mirror
Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson is a pop song.
- Composed by: Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett (United States)
- Released: 1988, on the album ‘Bad’
- Level: Intermediate
99. Photograph
Photograph by Ed Sheeran is a pop song.
- Composed by: Ed Sheeran (England)
- Released: 2014, in the album ‘x’
- Level: Intermediate
100. Let It Go
Let It Go by Idina Menzel is a pop song.
- Composed by: Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (United States)
- Released: 2013 in the movie Frozen
- Level: Intermediate
Final thoughts on easy piano chord songs
There are enough songs on this page to take you from never-played-before to pro. We’re not joking, these 100 piano chord songs would make a worthy gig set for any solo pianist, corporate act or pub band in the world.
The beauty is that the chords you will learn from a handful of the songs above will also become your piano songwriting foundation.
Just swap them around and find a rhythm you dig and… who knows, maybe you’ll write the next Imagine!
All that’s left to say is that we wish you all the best in your piano learning journey.