Are you looking to add jazz flair to your playing? Jazz piano music is characterized by its characteristic chord progressions, syncopated rhythms, and improvisational solos. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, learning how to play easy jazz piano songs can definitely enhance your repertoire. In this blog post, we are going to explore some of the most popular easy jazz piano pieces that will give you confidence in tackling more complex music. So let us dive into these fun and accessible tunes – they might just become part of your permanent repertoire!
Easy Jazz Piano Songs
At Last
This classic blues song is a great way to learn jazz piano. It has simple chords and steady rhythms that make it easy for beginners to pick up. The left hand plays the root notes of each chord while the right hand works on melodic patterns. With practice, you’ll be able to add your own style and improvisations to this timeless classic.
As Time Goes By
This jazz standard has been recorded by a variety of artists, but it’s easy enough for beginners to tackle. The progression is simple and the melody is catchy – perfect if you want to learn how to play jazz piano. It also sounds great when harmonized with other instruments or vocalists. Just add some rhythmic variations in your left hand and you’re good to go!
Autumn Leaves
This jazz standard is great to learn if you want to practice making chord substitutions. The chords move slowly and there are plenty of opportunities for improvisation with the melody. It’s a challenging piece but it will give you a good foundation in jazz piano. Just make sure to listen to recordings of the song and learn from other pianists before trying it out! [1]
Begin The Beguine
It is a classic jazz standard with roots in Cuban dance music. The song was composed by Cole Porter in 1935 and has been recorded by numerous artists, including Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra. The piece features an infectious Latin rhythm and catchy melody that makes it a great choice for beginning jazz pianists.
The Best Is Yet To Come
This upbeat jazz standard was composed by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh in 1959. It has been recorded by many great singers, including Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, and is a favorite of jazz pianists. With its swing feel and memorable melody, it’s sure to get your fingers moving!
Blue Moon
It is one of the most popular jazz standards, composed by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in 1934. It was originally published as a show tune for the musical “Hollywood Revue of 1929.” This jazz piano song has been recorded by countless jazz legends and can be adapted to any style or level of playing. The melody is simple but beautiful, making it an ideal beginner’s piece. To add some extra flair to your performance, try adding a few chord substitutions or a walking bass line.
Bluesette
Composed by Toots Thielemans in 1962, Bluesette is a jazzy bossa nova tune that has been recorded by both instrumentalists and singers alike. Its catchy melody and jazz harmony make it an ideal piece for any level of player. To add some extra spice to your performance, try playing around with different tempo variations or syncopated rhythms. Adding improvisational elements such as altered chords will also give this song a unique flavor. [2]
But Beautiful
One of the most iconic jazz piano songs, But Beautiful was composed by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke in 1947. It has been recorded by many greats including Nat King Cole, Bill Evans, and Oscar Peterson. This tune is a slow ballad with an emotional melody that is perfect for beginners to practice their dynamics and phrasing. To make it even more interesting, try adding some extra improvisation or exploring different tonalities. Learning this song will give you valuable insight into the world of jazz harmony.
Cheek To Cheek
The song “Cheek to Cheek” by Irving Berlin is a timeless jazz piano piece that has been performed by various artists, such as Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. It is an upbeat swing tune with a catchy chorus that makes it easy to learn and play.
Gentle Rain
Gentle Rain by Dave Grusin is a beautiful and soothing easy jazz piano song. It starts off with a gentle introduction of the melody line that quickly moves into a delicate arpeggio accompaniment, allowing the listener to drift off into a peaceful state. The left hand keeps the rhythm moving with a light swing feel while the right hand plays the melody. As the song evolves, it becomes more complex but never gets too difficult for an inexperienced pianist. With its hauntingly beautiful sound, Gentle Rain is sure to be one of your favorite easy jazz piano songs!
Come Rain Or Come Shine
If you want a jazzy piano song that’s easy and fun, you should check out Come Rain Or Come Shine by Harold Arlen. It’s guaranteed to make you tap your toes! This classic tune starts off with a light syncopated feel before settling into a straight ahead swing. The right hand plays the melody while the left hand outlines the harmony, giving it a full yet gentle sound. Even if you don’t have any experience playing jazz piano, this song will be easy enough for you to learn in no time! It’s an ideal choice for those who want to add some classic jazz tunes to their repertoire without taking on something too complicated. [3]
Embraceable You
Embraceable You by George Gershwin is a beautiful and romantic easy jazz piano song. It has an old-fashioned charm that will make you feel like you’re in a classic Hollywood movie. The right hand plays the melody while the left hand lightly dances around it, adding touches of sparkle to the piece. Even if you’re relatively new to playing jazz piano, this tune will be easy for you to learn as there are no complicated chords or progressions. Embraceable You is perfect for those who are looking for something with a bit of romance and nostalgia!
Here’s That Rainy Day
It is one of the most classic jazz piano songs ever written. This beloved standard was composed by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Johnny Burke in 1953 and became a hit for Frank Sinatra. Here’s That Rainy Day has been recorded by many musicians over the years, and it remains one of the most popular tunes to play on the piano. It is usually played as a ballad, but it can also be taken up-tempo when desired. It features a gentle waltz feel in 3/4 time and is harmonically rich, providing plenty of opportunity to add chordal variations.
I Get A Kick Out Of You
This standard was written by Cole Porter for the 1934 Broadway musical Anything Goes. The song has been recorded by numerous artists since then, and it is a mainstay of the jazz repertoire. It is usually played as an up-tempo swing tune with a 2/4 feel. The piano part often adds syncopation within each bar to create its signature sound, which can be easily achieved with practice. Additionally, blues and chromaticism are frequently used in improvisations over this piece.
I’ve Got You Under My Skin
It is a classic jazz standard that can be played on the piano. The song is composed in a moderate swing tempo and features an interesting harmonic progression that will challenge intermediate players. This makes it one of the most fun easy jazz piano songs to learn and master. It also has some impressive solo sections, so if you’re feeling up for it, why not give it a shot!
Isn’t It Romantic?
This classic jazz standard is a great tune to start off with if you’re a beginner. It features a simple yet effective chord progression and it’s easy to pick up by ear if you have some basic knowledge of harmony. The melody is also relatively straightforward, so there aren’t too many notes to learn. Plus, it has some fantastic solos that can be adapted for any level of player. So if you’re looking for an easy jazz piano song to get started on, this is certainly one worth trying out!
If You Could See Me Now
It is a great song to learn on the piano. It has a beautiful, light swing feel and is perfect for learning how to play jazz chords. This song also features some fun improvisation opportunities that will challenge you as you develop your jazz playing skills. The melody of this song is very simple and easy to understand, making it perfect for beginning jazz pianists. [4]
In Your Own Sweet Way
It is another fantastic jazz piano song. It has a relaxed, light swing feel and the chords are quite easy to pick up. The melody of this tune is very simple but it still manages to be incredibly enjoyable. Improvisation opportunities abound with this tune, making it perfect for jazz pianists looking to take their playing to the next level.
It Had To Be You
This classic tune is also a great song to learn on the piano. It has a gentle, swing feel and features some nice jazz chords that are easy to understand. The melody of this song is quite straightforward, making it perfect for beginning jazz pianists. There are some lush improvisation opportunities here as well, allowing more advanced players to explore their creativity with this timeless classic.
The Lamp Is Low
This is a beautiful song to learn on the piano. It has a soothing, easy swing feel and features some interesting jazz chords. The melody of this tune is quite simple but still manages to be incredibly enjoyable. This is another great tune for beginning jazz pianists as it offers some nice improvisation opportunities that can help you develop your skills further.
Like Someone In Love
It is a classic jazz standard composed by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics written by Johnny Burke. This song has been recorded by several artists, including Ella Fitzgerald and Chet Baker, and is known for its expressive harmonies and melodic lines. It is a popular choice among jazz pianists looking to perform an easy but memorable piece. The main melody of the song uses straightforward chords that don’t require complex musical skills to play. The key to performing this tune successfully is making sure all aspects of the music fit together seamlessly while still maintaining its unique charm. Experimenting with different voicings or adding in subtle ornamentations can help bring out the best in this timeless piece. [5]
Little Sunflower
Composed by the legendary jazz trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, “Little Sunflower” is a favorite among many jazz pianists. The piece has a catchy and breezy melody that makes it feel like a celebration of life. It is very straightforward to play, but also allows for plenty of improvisation within its established structure. Additionally, there are opportunities to add in interesting harmonic motion through reharmonization or creative changes to the chord progression. This song is great for showing off one’s musical skills without being too difficult and can help make any performance truly special.
Love For Sale
Love For Sale, a song composed by Cole Porter and performed by many jazz artists, is a timeless classic. This well-known tune has been recorded by the likes of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Tony Bennett. The beautiful melody makes it an ideal choice for beginning jazz pianists looking to perfect their craft. The essential chord progression of Love For Sale centers around two chords: Gmaj7 and Eb7. To make the song shine on piano, incorporate a walking bass line in your left hand while outlining each chord with jazz piano voicings in your right hand. Once you have these basics down, you can begin to add embellishments such as trills and chromatic passing tones to create a more dynamic performance.
Love Is Here To Stay
Love Is Here To Stay, composed by George and Ira Gershwin, is another classic jazz standard. This beautiful ballad features a memorable melody along with a timeless chord progression. The chords in Love Is Here To Stay are relatively simple to master, making it an ideal choice for beginning jazz pianists looking to hone their skills. The song moves between the chords of Dmaj7, Bb13, Em7 and A7 – resolving to the tonic chord of Dmaj7 at the end of each verse. For an added challenge, try improvising around these changes using more advanced techniques such as quartal voicings or arpeggios in your right hand while keeping a soothing bass line in your left hand.
Lullaby Of Birdland
It is an easy jazz piano song that many people enjoy. Written by George Shearing and George David Weiss, the song has a light swing feel with a steady rhythm. With its simple chords and catchy melody, it’s great for beginners to practice their improvisation skills on. [6]
The More I See You
It is another easy jazz piano song by Harry Warren and Mack Gordon. It has a slower, romantic feel and the melody can be easily adapted into various improvisations. For those looking to practice their chord progressions, this song should be ideal to try out.
Mack The Knife
It is a classic and captivating easy jazz piano song. It has been covered by many iconic singers throughout history, from Louis Armstrong to Frank Sinatra. The melody of the song is simple enough for any beginner to learn quickly, yet still contains plenty of room for personal expression in your playing. In addition to its catchy chorus, it also features an interesting bridge section that’s great for improvisation as well as a few tricky chord progressions that require careful attention. This makes Mack The Knife an incredibly versatile piece and a great choice for anyone looking to explore the world of jazz piano music.
Minnie The Moocher
It is another classic and easy-going jazz piano song. It was made popular by Cab Calloway in the 1930s and has been covered by many artists since then, including Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, and more recently John Legend. The melody of the song is fairly straightforward but still contains some subtle nuances that make it a great choice for improvisation. Its signature jazzy chord progressions add an extra layer of complexity to things as well, making this an enjoyable challenge even for experienced players. If you’re looking for something a bit more intricate with plenty of room for interpretation, try In A Sentimental Mood by Duke Ellington.
Moonlight In Vermont
It is a popular jazz standard composed in 1940 by Karl Suessdorf and John Blackburn, with lyrics written by John Blackburn. This song has been performed and recorded numerous times over the years by some of the most prominent names in jazz, including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. The melody is simple enough for beginner pianists to learn using basic chords and techniques such as swing rhythm and blues scales. With its calming melody and relaxed tempo, Moonlight In Vermont makes an excellent choice for those looking to start playing jazz piano.
The Nearness Of You
Another classic jazz standard composed by Hoagy Carmichael and Ned Washington in 1937, The Nearness Of You has been covered and recorded multiple times over the years by artists such as Chet Baker, Billie Holiday and Nat King Cole. With its gentle tempo and romantic lyrics, this song is a great choice for beginners looking to learn more about playing jazz piano. [7]
Jazz Harmony Unleashed: Effortless Mastery with Easy Jazz Piano Songs
Immerse yourself in the sophisticated sounds of jazz with these beginner-friendly piano songs. Dive into this detailed comparison table, featuring chord complexity, improvisation opportunities, iconic melodies, tempo, and song structure. Enhance your piano skills as you effortlessly play along with these easy-to-master jazz classics.
| Song | Chord Complexity | Improvisation Opportunities | Iconic Melodies | Tempo (BPM) | Song Structure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Leaves | Medium | High | Jazz Standard | 120 | Intro, Verse, Chorus, Solo, Verse, Chorus, Outro |
| Blue Monk – Thelonious Monk | Low-Medium | Moderate | Bluesy Vibes | 80 | Theme, Solo, Theme |
| Take Five – Dave Brubeck | Medium | High | Timeless Jazz | 170 | Theme, Solo, Theme, Solo, Outro |
| Blue in Green – Miles Davis | Low | Moderate | Modal Beauty | 60 | Theme, Solo, Theme |
| So What – Miles Davis | Low | High | Inventive Progressions | 96 | Theme, Solo, Theme, Outro |
Explanation:
- Autumn Leaves: Medium chord complexity, offers high improvisation opportunities, features a jazz standard melody. The song structure includes an intro, verse, chorus, solo, verse, chorus, and outro at a tempo of 120 BPM.
- Blue Monk – Thelonious Monk: Low-medium chord complexity, provides moderate improvisation opportunities, embodies bluesy vibes. The structure consists of a theme, solo, and theme at a tempo of 80 BPM.
- Take Five – Dave Brubeck: Medium chord complexity, offers high improvisation opportunities, showcases timeless jazz. The song progresses through a theme, solo, theme, solo, and outro at a tempo of 170 BPM.
- Blue in Green – Miles Davis: Low chord complexity, provides moderate improvisation opportunities, presents modal beauty. The structure includes a theme, solo, and theme at a tempo of 60 BPM.
- So What – Miles Davis: Low chord complexity, offers high improvisation opportunities, features inventive progressions. The song follows a structure of theme, solo, theme, and outro at a tempo of 96 BPM.
Embark on a jazz journey and let your piano resonate with the captivating allure of these easy jazz classics.
FAQ
What is the easiest jazz song?
The easiest jazz song for piano players is probably “Fly Me to the Moon” by Bart Howard. This classic tune features a steady 4/4 rhythm and simple chords that can be played with just two hands. It’s also great for improvisation, allowing you to get creative with your playing.
What other easy jazz songs are there?
One easy jazz piano song to start with is “Autumn Leaves”. This classic standard has been a staple in jazz circles for generations. Its simple melody and chord structure make it great for beginners to learn how to play the piano. Other popular easy jazz tunes include “Take The A Train”, “Fly Me To The Moon” and “All Of Me”. Each of these songs provide an opportunity for beginners to hone their improvisation skills as they explore different chord voicings and progressions. In addition, many of these songs can be easily transposed into other keys, making them more accessible for musicians who may not have a wide range of knowledge about music theory. With practice and dedication, any musician should be able to master these popular easy jazz tunes.
What are 3 jazz songs?
- “Take the ‘A’ Train” by Duke Ellington
- “All Blues” by Miles Davis
- “Autumn Leaves” by Joe Pass & Oscar Peterson
These jazz songs are all suitable for a beginner to learn on the piano due to their straightforward chord progressions and laid-back grooves. All of these compositions feature engaging melodies that will make learning them enjoyable, and they also offer an excellent opportunity to explore improvisation techniques with ease. With just a little practice you can soon be playing these timeless classics! Have fun honing your skills with some easy jazz piano songs!
How easy is it to learn jazz piano?
Learning jazz piano is not as hard as it might seem. While it requires practice and dedication to master the skill, there are several techniques that can make it easier for beginners. First of all, start by listening to lots of jazz recordings so you can get an idea of the style and feel of the music. Next, find sheet music or tutorials online for some simple jazz chords and tunes. Finally, practice regularly and use a metronome to keep your time in check while playing. With patience and determination you’ll be impressing everyone with your jazzy tunes in no time!
How to learn jazz piano fast?
Learning jazz piano quickly requires a combination of hard work and dedication. It takes time to understand the fundamentals of jazz, the different chords, progressions, and rhythms used in the genre. However, with a good foundation and practice plan you can accelerate your learning process. Here are some tips for learning jazz piano fast:
- Focus on fundamentals – Learn the essential scales, chords, progressions, and techniques associated with jazz music. Understand how improvisation works by studying common patterns that have been used throughout the genre’s history.
- Listen to recordings – Immersing yourself in jazz recordings is one of the best ways to learn fast. Listening to experienced players will help you absorb their style, and provide you with invaluable insight into the jazz language.
- Break down songs – Select some of your favorite jazz pieces and break them down into their individual components. Learn each part of the song in isolation then put them back together to get a better understanding of how it all fits together.
- Practice regularly – The only way to truly master any musical instrument is to practice regularly and consistently. Set aside time each day for focused practice sessions, either alone or with other musicians in order to sharpen your skills and develop good habits that will help you progress faster.
- Play along with recordings – Jamming along with recordings is a great way to learn quickly by improving your timing, intonation, ear training, and coordination. It also gives you the chance to experiment with different jazz styles and concepts in a safe environment. Follow these tips consistently and you’ll be able to learn jazz piano faster than ever before!
Can you recommend easy jazz piano songs for beginners?
Certainly! Some easy jazz piano songs for beginners include “Autumn Leaves,” “Blue Monk,” and “All of Me.” These songs typically feature simple melodies, basic jazz chords, and manageable improvisation sections, making them ideal for pianists who are just starting to explore jazz music.
Which jazz piano songs are suitable for developing left-hand techniques?
For developing left-hand techniques, songs like “Take Five” and “Freddie Freeloader” are excellent choices. These jazz piano songs provide opportunities to work on left-hand voicings, walking bass lines, and other foundational techniques that are essential in jazz piano playing.
Can you suggest jazz piano songs with easy improvisation sections for beginners?
Certainly! “Blue Monk” and “Cantaloupe Island” are great choices for beginners interested in improvisation. These jazz piano songs feature relatively simple chord progressions, allowing pianists to dip their toes into improvisation and start developing their own musical ideas.
Are there any jazz piano songs with minimalistic notation for beginners?
If you’re looking for songs with minimalistic notation, “So What” by Miles Davis and “Watermelon Man” by Herbie Hancock are good choices. These jazz piano songs have straightforward sheet music, making them accessible for beginners who are still getting comfortable with notation and reading jazz charts.
What are some jazz piano songs with easy arrangements for adult beginners?
For adult beginners, songs like “Fly Me to the Moon” and “Girl from Ipanema” offer relatively simple arrangements. These jazz piano songs allow adults to enjoy the jazz genre while learning and playing piano with ease, even if they are new to the style.
Useful Video: Autumn Leaves – Easy Jazz Piano | Piano Cover + Sheets
Conclusion
In conclusion, easy jazz piano songs are an accessible and fun way to get started with jazz or just to have some enjoyable music-making. From classic tunes like “All of Me” and “Autumn Leaves” to modern hits such as “Feeling Good” and “The Lazy Song,” there is a wide selection of easy jazz piano songs that can be explored by any musician at any level. Learning these pieces can help develop one’s skills in improvisation, chord knowledge, and two-handed coordination – all essential elements of playing the piano. Ultimately, choosing the right song is up to personal preference; whatever style or genre you prefer, you’ll likely find a great piece within the world of easy jazz piano songs.
Happy playing!
References:
- https://keyboardkraze.com/easy-jazz-piano-songs/
- https://www.merriammusic.com/school-of-music/piano-lessons/jazz-piano-lessons/jazz-piano-songs/
- https://www.heidmusic.com/simple-jazz-songs-the-easiest-easy-piano-songs/
- https://www.thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/the-basics/jazz-piano-sheet-music/
- https://www.soundbrenner.com/blog/famous-easy-jazz-songs-to-play-on-piano/
- https://pianowithjonny.com/piano-lessons/10-jazz-songs-to-learn-and-practice/
- https://latouchemusicale.com/en/15-best-jazz-songs-play-piano/