Easy Worship Songs for Piano Beginners: Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 11 min read

Playing the piano can be a rewarding experience, especially when it comes to performing worship songs that resonate with your faith. This guide is designed to help beginners navigate the path of learning easy worship songs on piano. So, grab your sheet music, get cozy on your piano bench, and let's get started.

1. Choose Your First Song

Choosing your first song is a key step in your journey to play easy worship songs on piano. It's like picking a hiking trail; you want something challenging but not too steep for your first time out. Here's how to go about it:

Familiarize with the Song

To start off, listen to the song a few times until you can hum along to the melody. This will help you understand the flow of the song and its unique rhythm. It's like getting to know a new friend—you can't truly connect until you understand their vibe. For instance, songs like "Amazing Grace" or "How Great Thou Art" have a slow, steady rhythm that is easier to follow for beginners.

Consider the Complexity

After you've gotten a feel for the song, consider its complexity. Some easy worship songs on piano have simple chord progressions and are slower paced, perfect for beginners. For example, "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)" by Matt Redman has a repetitive chord pattern that's easy to grasp. Remember, it's okay to start with an easy trail before tackling the mountain.

Pick a Song You Love

Lastly, choose a song that means something to you. Playing a song that you connect with makes the learning process enjoyable and motivates you to stick with it. So whether it's "What a Beautiful Name" by Hillsong Worship or "Good Good Father" by Chris Tomlin, the most important thing is that you love the song. After all, we play music to express our feelings and connect with others—so pick a song that speaks to your heart.

2. Learn the Basics of Piano

Before you can start playing easy worship songs on piano, mastering the basics of the instrument is important. It's like learning to swim before you plunge into the ocean. Here are a few steps to help you get started:

Understand the Piano Layout

First, get to know your piano. It might seem daunting with all those keys, but don't worry, there's a pattern. You'll see that the same group of twelve keys—seven white and five black—repeats across the entire keyboard. The white keys are the natural notes (A, B, C, D, E, F, G), and the black keys are the sharps and flats. Getting familiar with this layout is like learning the alphabet before you start reading—it's fundamental.

Know the Keys

Next, learn to identify the individual keys. Each key on the piano corresponds to a specific note. The middle C, for example, is a great reference point as it is in the middle of the keyboard, and all other keys are named relative to it. Think of it as your home base, a familiar spot you can return to when you're exploring the rest of the piano.

Get a Feel for the Piano

Lastly, spend some quality time with your piano. Press the keys, listen to the sounds they make, and notice how they feel under your fingers. Experience the difference between the black and white keys, the high notes and the low notes. This will not only help you become more comfortable with the piano, but also enhance your ability to express yourself when you start playing easy worship songs on piano. It's like getting to know a new friend—the more time you spend together, the deeper your connection becomes.

3. Start with Simple Chords

Now that you've familiarized yourself with the piano layout, it's time to move on to the next step: chords. Chords are the building blocks of most songs, including easy worship songs on piano. They're like words in a sentence, each one contributes to the overall message of the song.

Identify Major and Minor Chords

Two types of chords you'll encounter often are major and minor chords. Major chords are bright and happy, while minor chords are darker and more somber. Each chord comprises three keys played simultaneously. For example, the C major chord includes C, E, and G. On the other hand, the C minor chord includes C, Eb, and G. It's like tasting sweet and sour flavors—both are different, but equally important in creating a balanced musical dish.

Practice Finger Placement

Getting the right finger placement for each chord is important. Your fingers should gently curve over the keys, and each one should have its own designated key. Think of your hand as a team—all fingers work together to play a chord. With practice, your fingers will learn their places, and you'll be able to transition smoothly between chords—essential for playing easy worship songs on piano.

Start Playing Slowly

As you start playing chords, remember to take it slow. It's not a race. Your goal is to play each chord cleanly and at a steady pace. It's like learning to walk—first, you take slow, cautious steps, but with time and practice, you'll be running without even thinking about it. And before you know it, you'll be playing easy worship songs on piano with ease and confidence.

4. Practice Regularly

As with any new skill, practice makes perfect. Consistent practice is your secret weapon to mastering those easy worship songs on piano. It helps you build muscle memory—so your fingers know exactly where to go—and sharpens your listening skills—so you can identify and correct mistakes. So, let's discuss how to make the most of your practice sessions.

Set a Practice Schedule

First things first, establish a regular practice schedule. Be a stickler for time. Whether it's 15 minutes a day or an hour every two days, consistency is key. Think of it as watering a plant. A little bit of water every day helps it grow better than a lot of water all at once. Similarly, regular short practice sessions will yield better results than sporadic, longer ones. You'll see gradual improvement in your ability to play easy worship songs on piano.

Keep a Practice Journal

A practice journal can be immensely helpful. It's like a map that shows where you've been and where you're headed. Note down what you practiced, the challenges you encountered, and how you overcame them. Did a particular chord give you trouble? Write it down. Did you finally nail that tricky transition in one of your favorite easy worship songs on piano? Celebrate it in your journal. This practice not only helps you track your progress but also keeps you motivated on your musical journey.

Stay Patient and Persistent

Last but not least, be patient and persistent. Learning to play easy worship songs on piano won't happen overnight. There will be days when progress seems slow or even non-existent. But don't get disheartened. Remember, every great pianist started as a beginner. Your journey is no different. Keep practicing, stay persistent, and soon you'll be playing your favorite worship songs beautifully on the piano.

5. Play with Feeling

Music is more than just a series of notes—it's a language, a way to express emotions. When you play easy worship songs on piano, you're not just pressing keys. You're conveying a message, a feeling. So, let's explore how to infuse your music with emotion and make it genuinely touching.

Understand the Song's Emotion

First, try to grasp the emotion behind the song. Is it a song of praise? A prayer for help? A declaration of love? Understanding the core emotion will guide how you play it. For instance, a song of praise might be played joyously with a lively tempo, while a prayer for help could be more subdued and slow. As you practice easy worship songs on piano, try to connect with the song’s emotion.

Express Yourself Through the Music

Next, let your feelings shine through your performance. Don't be afraid to personalize the music. Add subtle variations in tempo or dynamics (how loud or soft a note is played) to make the piece your own. Remember, the piano is your voice. Use it to express what’s in your heart as you play these easy worship songs on piano.

Connect with the Song

Finally, form a personal connection with the song. Maybe the lyrics speak to a situation you're going through. Perhaps the melody reminds you of a cherished memory. By connecting with the song on a personal level, you'll be able to play it with more authenticity and passion, making your rendition of these easy worship songs on piano truly special.

6. Use Helpful Resources

Learning to play worship songs on piano isn't something you have to do alone. With the right tools and resources, you can expedite your learning process. Here are a few resources that could be a great help on your musical journey.

Find Online Tutorials

Online tutorials are a great starting point for learning easy worship songs on piano. They allow you to learn at your own pace and revisit lessons as many times as necessary. YouTube, in particular, is a treasure trove of piano tutorials catering to various skill levels. Search for specific songs or general piano lessons to find content that suits your needs.

Use Apps Like Yousician

Apps like Yousician can be your virtual piano tutor. With interactive lessons and real-time feedback, they can guide your practice sessions, helping you learn easy worship songs on piano more efficiently. The best part? You can practice anytime, anywhere, turning your spare moments into productive practice sessions.

Join Piano Communities

Joining piano communities, both online and offline, can provide you with a supportive network of fellow learners. You can share your experiences, ask for advice, and even find practice buddies. Social platforms like Reddit have active piano communities where people share resources, discuss techniques, and help each other out. So, why not join the conversation and learn from others' experiences as you master easy worship songs on piano?

7. Review and Improve

As with any learning process, review and improvement are key to mastering easy worship songs on piano. This involves not just practicing, but also evaluating your performance and seeking feedback. Here's how you can go about it.

Record Your Practice Sessions

Recording your practice sessions can be a powerful tool for self-improvement. When you play back these recordings, you can notice nuances that you might miss while playing. Are you hitting the right notes? Is your timing spot on? Does your rendition convey the right emotion? A simple recording on your phone can answer these questions and help you improve your performance.

Ask for Feedback

Don't hesitate to ask for feedback. This could be from your piano teacher, friends, family, or fellow members of your piano community. Constructive criticism can help you catch mistakes and improve your technique. Remember, it's not about being perfect from the start, but about growing and learning as you play more and more easy worship songs on piano.

Keep Improving and Learning

Lastly, don't stop learning. Whether it's a new song, a more complex chord, or a different piano technique, there's always something new to explore. With every new piece you learn, you're not just expanding your repertoire of easy worship songs on piano, but also enhancing your skills and deepening your understanding of music. So, keep pushing your boundaries and enjoy the journey.

8. Perform for Others

Once you've practiced and polished your easy worship songs on piano, it's time to share your music. Playing for others can be both rewarding and educational. You might feel a rush of adrenaline, or maybe a bit of nerves — and that's okay! Performing isn't just about showcasing your skills; it's also about connecting with others through music.

Play for Friends and Family

Playing for your friends and family can be a great first step in performing. These are the people who know you and support you. They'll be excited to hear you play, and their feedback can be invaluable. Plus, you'll be providing them with a personal experience of worship through your music. So, gather your loved ones and let them enjoy your rendition of easy worship songs on piano.

Join a Local Music Group in New York

If you're located in New York, consider joining a local music group. Joining a group can provide a supportive environment where you can perform, learn, and grow. Whether it's a church choir, a community music class, or a casual jam session in Central Park, these groups can offer wonderful platforms to share your love for easy worship songs on piano.

In the digital age, you're not limited to physical venues. You can share your music online, reaching people across the globe. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or SoundCloud are perfect for showcasing your piano skills. You can upload recordings of your performances, share your learning journey, or even teach others how to play easy worship songs on piano. This way, you can connect with other music enthusiasts, gather feedback, and continue to refine your technique.

9. Explore Different Genres

As you continue your musical voyage, don't limit yourself to just worship songs. Exploring different genres can expand your musical knowledge and help you become a more versatile pianist. Remember, each genre has its own unique elements and techniques — and who knows? You might even discover a new favorite genre along the way.

Try Classical Pieces

Classical music is a great place to start exploring. Classical pieces can be complex, but they also offer simpler pieces for beginners. Composers like Bach and Mozart have written beautiful music that can help you understand the fundamentals of melody, rhythm, and harmony. Plus, learning to play an elegant classical piece can make you feel like a pro!

Experiment with Jazz

How about trying some jazz? Jazz is all about improvisation and expressiveness. It might seem intimidating at first, but don't worry. Start with simple jazz standards, and don't be afraid to put your own spin on them. From Duke Ellington to Norah Jones, there's a world of jazz music waiting for you. Plus, learning jazz can give you a new perspective on playing those easy worship songs on piano.

Explore Contemporary Music

Contemporary music is another interesting genre to explore. This genre includes pop, rock, R&B, and so much more. Contemporary songs often have catchy melodies and rhythms that are fun to play. You can start by learning the piano versions of your favorite songs. And who knows? Your favorite pop song could turn out to be the next big hit at your church's worship service!

10. Enjoy the Process

You've embarked on an exciting journey of learning to play easy worship songs on piano. It's a process filled with new challenges and rewards at every turn. But the most important thing to remember is to enjoy every step of this journey. After all, you're doing this out of a love for music, aren't you?

Remember Why You Started

There will be days when you might feel frustrated or stuck. When that happens, take a moment to remind yourself of why you started. Was it your love for music? Your desire to play worship songs at your church? Whatever your reason, hold on to it. It will give you the motivation to keep going.

Celebrate Small Wins

Every time you manage to play a new chord, finish a song, or simply have a great practice session, take a moment to celebrate. These small victories may not seem like much, but they are proof of your progress. And who doesn't like a good celebration, right?

Keep the Fun in Learning

Remember, playing piano is not just about perfecting every note and mastering every technique. It's also about having fun. Try to incorporate elements of fun in your practice sessions. You could try playing along with your favorite songs, experimenting with different sounds, or even composing your own melodies. As long as you're enjoying the process, you're on the right track.

If you're looking to improve your piano skills and take your worship music to the next level, check out the workshop 'How to Get Better at What You Do - Go from Good to Great!' by Debbie Knox-Hewson. This workshop will provide you with valuable tips and techniques to help you become a more skilled and confident pianist, no matter your starting level.