10 Songs Every Piano Student Can Play with Just 4 Chords

If you’ve ever felt like playing pop songs on the piano is out of reach because they look too complicated on sheet music, here’s some good news: many of the world’s most popular songs can be played with only four chords.

That’s right—just four simple chords open the door to dozens of songs your students already know and love. This is one of the best ways to introduce beginners to pop music theory while building confidence, reinforcing chord knowledge, and keeping lessons fun.

Why 4-Chord Songs Work So Well for Piano Students

The reason 4-chord songs are so powerful is because they use one of the most common progressions in all of music: I–V–vi–IV.

• In C major, that’s C–G–Am–F.

• In G major, it’s G–D–Em–C.

Learning this pattern helps students understand primary chords, inversions, and smooth transitions. They also get to work on rhythm, accompaniment styles, and even improvisation. Plus, students light up when they realize they can play recognizable songs almost instantly—without pages of sheet music.

10 Popular Songs You Can Play with 4 Chords

Here’s a list of songs that piano students can start playing today with only four chords. Most of these use the I–V–vi–IV progression (or a slight variation). Note: some of these songs may require modification or simplification, but are still lots of fun!

1. “Let It Be” – The Beatles A classic that’s instantly recognizable and great for practicing steady chord patterns.

2. “Someone Like You” – Adele Slower and more emotional, this one helps students explore dynamics and expression.

3. “With or Without You” – U2 A repetitive progression that’s perfect for beginners building confidence.

4. “Can’t Stop the Feeling” – Justin Timberlake High-energy and fun—great for working on rhythm and pop-style playing.

5. “Shallow” – Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper Perfect for students who love to sing while they play.

6. “Perfect” – Ed Sheeran A beautiful ballad that’s also very approachable with simple chords.

7. “No Woman, No Cry” – Bob Marley A great way to explore different accompaniment styles beyond block chords.

8. “Demons” – Imagine Dragons Popular with teens and a good song to practice arpeggiated chord patterns.

9. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” – John Denver A crowd-pleaser that’s fun for sing-alongs and gatherings.

10. “Fight Song” – Rachel Platten An empowering piece that motivates students while reinforcing strong chord playing.

How to Use 4-Chord Songs in Piano Lessons

• Start with blocked chords. Let students hear the full sound of the progression.

• Introduce inversions. Show how they make transitions smoother.

• Experiment with rhythms. Try broken chords, pop ballad patterns, or syncopation.

• Add singing or melody. Encourage students to sing or play the vocal line over the chords.

• Explore improvisation. Invite students to create their own intros, fills, or endings.

By working with chord charts and these songs, students not only reinforce their music theory knowledge but also gain independence and creativity in their musicianship.

Final Thoughts

4-chord songs are one of the fastest ways to help students feel successful at the piano. They provide a gateway into understanding pop music theory, chord progressions, and improvisation—all while keeping lessons engaging and practical.

So the next time your student feels stuck on reading notes or overwhelmed by sheet music, hand them a chord chart for one of these songs. You might be surprised at how quickly their confidence grows.

Because sometimes, all it takes is four chords to make a student feel like a real musician. 🎹

This post was made with the help of chat gpt.