Help!: The Best Beatles Songs to Learn on Guitar and Piano
Check out some of the best Beatles songs to learn on guitar and piano, like "Hey Jude" and "Let It Be"!
The power of music is one that cannot be denied. No matter who you are or where you’re from, music inspires strong feelings in all of us. It’s one thing to appreciate a song, whether it boosts your mood or helps you recollect a fond experience. It’s another thing to make music by playing an instrument like a piano or guitar.
The value of learning to play an instrument cannot be overstated. Learning music stimulates the brain, improves cognitive function, reduces stress, and deepens your appreciation of music. Developing a skill comes easier when it’s fun. What better way to get started on the piano or guitar than learning songs you know and love?
When it comes to some of the world’s most well-known and well-loved songs, look no further than the music of The Beatles. This influential rock band from Liverpool, England is the best-selling music act of all time. The music of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr has impacted the world, transcending borders, cultures, and generations. Classic lyrics, timeless melodies, and simple chords make Beatles music a great part of any music education program. Explore some of the best Beatles songs to learn on guitar, piano, and more here at Musicnotes.
'Hey Jude'
With over 63 singles released worldwide and many more album tracks, The Beatles’ catalog is extensive. Where to start as a pianist or guitarist? Why not start with one of the band’s most commercially successful and enduring singles? “Hey Jude” was released in 1968 as a non-album single. Widely considered one of The Beatles’ biggest hits, the single topped the charts in several countries and sold over eight million copies. This uplifting song about making a positive situation out of something negative is known for its “Na-na-na-na” coda which is great for singing along.
'All You Need Is Love'
Released in 1967, “All You Need Is Love” is another Beatles classic that is widely cherished for its positivity. The original version of this song is noted for its rhythm changes, alternating between various time signatures, such as 4/4, 3/4, and even 7/4 time! This timeless single is also appreciated for its references to other famous musical works, such as Glenn Miller’s “In The Mood,” the French National Anthem, “La Marseillaise,” and the traditional English folk song, “Greensleeves.” The song also references other Beatles classics such as “She Loves You” and “Yesterday.”
'Yesterday'
Speaking of “Yesterday,” this melancholy classic was released in 1965 and is hailed as one of the most recorded songs in popular music. According to the Guinness Book of Records, there are over 3,000 cover versions of this song. Many of the world’s best songs are sad songs, and as a budding or intermediate instrumentalist, it’s great to have a song like “Yesterday” in your repertoire. Available as an Easy Piano arrangement or scored for piano, vocal, and guitar, it is one of the best Beatles songs to learn on piano, guitar, and more!
'Let It Be'
Released as the second single to the album of the same name, this 1970 song is among the most cherished in The Beatles’ extensive discography. Considered by many to have similar qualities to a hymn, “Let It Be” appears in various versions throughout The Beatles’ catalog. The importance of chords in this song make it perfect for the piano or guitar. It’s worthwhile for budding pianists and guitarists to read lead sheets. A lead sheet typically shows the chords that accompany a song’s melody above the staff. “Let It Be” features chords that are common in popular music, making it one of the best Beatles songs to learn on guitar.
'Here Comes the Sun'
“Here Comes the Sun” was released in 1969 from the Abbey Road album. This song is not only noteworthy as a Beatles classic, but also as one that was written by band member George Harrison, instead of Paul McCartney and John Lennon. This classic tune is widely appreciated for its theme of hope and its association with the light and warmth of the sun. The original recording features the acoustic guitar prominently as a solo instrument in the beginning and at the end. The song also features irregular time signatures such as 11/8, 7/8, and 15/8, making this a fun and interesting song to learn on the guitar.
'Blackbird'
Released in 1968 from the album known as The White Album, “Blackbird” is a classic song that features the acoustic guitar as the accompanying instrument. Written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon, the song was inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Bourrée in E Minor,” a well-known piece for the lute. “Blackbird” is noted for its simplicity and its symbolic lyrics. It’s a wonderful song to learn on the guitar, but it’s also one of the best Beatles songs to learn on the piano or for a vocal ensemble or choir.
'With a Little Help from My Friends'
With so many songs in The Beatles’ catalog, it’s no surprise to find songs that may be more well-known as covers by other artists. Many music fans are familiar with British crooner Joe Cocker’s soulful rendition of “With a Little Help from My Friends,” but this song was initially recorded by The Beatles for their 1967 album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. While many Beatles songs are led mostly by McCartney or Lennon, this is one of the few where Ringo Starr sang lead. This song is available in several formats, including an arrangement that has both piano accompaniment and guitar fingerings.
Learning how to play an instrument is a great hobby for anyone, especially the piano and guitar. Staying engaged with your instrument is easier to do when you’re learning songs you know and love, like these classics from The Beatles. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, you can find digital sheet music for many of The Beatles’ songs at Musicnotes. Choose from easy piano versions and guitar tab arrangements, as well as scores for piano, voice, and guitar.