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10 Easy Sad Songs to Play on Piano

Sadness doesn’t have to be detrimental to the person experiencing it. In fact, playing sad piano songs can be quite cathartic and oddly pleasurable.

Musicnotes

Feb 5, 2019 • 4 min read

Feeling sad is not something that most people actively aim to do. Many musicians and other artists, however, understand the benefit of exploring what is generally seen as a negative emotion. Sadness doesn’t have to be detrimental to the person experiencing it. In fact, playing sad piano songs can be quite cathartic and oddly pleasurable.

The Benefits of Sad Music

There’s nothing wrong with loving happy songs, of course. However, there’s something wonderful about hearing more melancholy tunes that reach the heart in ways that the average joyful ditty doesn’t. Sad music on piano evokes some worthwhile experiences:

Emotional expression – Everyone gets frustrated or upset sometimes, and playing sad songs provides an outlet for expressing them in a healthy way.
Nostalgia – Sad music can bring memories to the surface that you haven’t thought about in a while.
Grief Processing – If you are having trouble tuning into feelings associated with the loss of a loved one, sad piano songs can tap into those emotions and help facilitate the process.
Empathy – Hearing the stories of others’ troubles set to beautiful melodies makes it easier to understand what they and others with similar experiences are feeling.

Playing sad music on piano can even provide relief for negative emotions. Some studies suggest that mournful music releases the hormone prolactin, which is a calming chemical that your body uses to counteract mental anguish. Learning to play your favorite sad songs can be especially therapeutic.

Sheet Music for Sad Songs

Let’s face it, the piano is the perfect instrument for any sad song. The somber tones elicited as the hammers strike the strings when you play sad music on piano call the deepest emotions to mind. While different musicians may disagree about whether “Mad World” or “Hallelujah” is the absolute saddest song in the world, every pianist will eventually have a plethora of sad songs in their repertoire, and just because you may be a beginner doesn’t mean you can’t get started!

Our friends from Sheet Music Boss have put together a fantastic medley of 10 Easy Sad Songs to Play on Piano, and it’s absolutely perfect for beginner pianists. As professional arrangers and musicians, Sheet Music Boss is dedicated to providing piano tutorials that will help their fans learn their favorite pieces at any difficulty level. And this sad song medley will have you mastering sad songs on the piano in no time! In the video, you’ll hear excerpts from

Make sure to check out the sheet music from Sheet Music Boss exclusively at musicnotes.com! And click here to subscribe to the Sheet Music Boss YouTube channel.

Additional Arrangements

As your skills expand, you may want to find other arrangements of sad piano songs that fit your personal playing style better. If you want to learn these songs individually, check out our Easy Piano Sheet Music arrangements, or browse for the arrangement of your choice by clicking the links below.

“Mad World” by Gary Jules

This song’s lyrics address thoughts that often occur during depression. It explores themes of futility and lack of social belonging.

“The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel

Garfunkel wrote these lyrics in honor of his friend who went blind. As the literal darkness descended, he experienced existential dread about the future that is reflected in the song’s tones.

“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen

Full of Biblical metaphors, this song juxtaposes religion and relationships. The haunting melody is satisfying for those who want to play sad music on piano.

“Candle in the Wind” by Elton John

This famous ode to Marilyn Monroe recounts moments from Elton John’s childhood memories of the star. It’s a good song for expressing the grief of wishing you had known someone better.

“Yesterday” by The Beatles

Almost everyone can relate to this song’s theme of lost love. The mournful nostalgia and longing for happier times comes through with every note.

“True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper

Simultaneously comforting and inspiring, Lauper sings of a hopeful future on the other side of sadness. Belt out this favorite tune while playing one of our arrangements.

“Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper

This popular tune evokes images of loss and grief. Share this sad music on piano with a loved one you’ll always be there for.

“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan

Work out your despair as you pound the keys playing this song about mistakes one can’t undo. The gentle repetition of the melody makes this one of the easiest sad piano songs to learn.

“Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton

Try several versions of this easy and familiar tune. Dedicated to his lost child, Clapton’s tearjerker helps new piano students learn how to put their emotions into the music they play.

“Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)” by Green Day

This song looks back on bittersweet memories. Slightly faster than some of the other sad music on piano in the list, it provides a nice challenge for improving dexterity.

Extra Assistance

Not quite ready for these arrangements? Check out our Beginner Notes Sheet Music. Beginner Notes are sheet music arrangements for beginning musicians, featuring large notes with the letter of the note name indicated in the note head. They are designed to make it easy for anyone to learn to play a song.

If you’re on the opposite side of the spectrum and ready for the next level, start browsing our ever-growing catalog of solo piano sheet music, only at musicnotes.com! No matter where you are in your journey to become a better pianist, we have arrangements for sad piano songs that can challenge you.