Easy Jazz Standard Piano Songs That Any Beginner Can Play

Why Jazz Standards Are a Great Starting Point

If you've ever assumed jazz piano is only for advanced players, I'd love to change your mind. Jazz standards are actually some of the best songs to learn early on, and here's why: they're built on strong, repeating chord progressions. Once you get a feel for how a ii-V-I or a twelve-bar blues moves, you start recognizing the same patterns everywhere. That recognition makes every new song easier.

What makes the songs in this collection especially beginner-friendly is the pacing. Most jazz standards breathe — they give you time between chord changes to think, adjust, and settle your hands. You won't find frantic tempo changes or impossible jumps here. Instead, you'll find rich harmonies arranged in a way that sounds sophisticated but feels surprisingly natural to play.

And of course, with Super Simple Piano's color-coded system, you don't need to read a single note of traditional sheet music. Just follow the colors, listen to the rhythm, and let your hands do the rest.

The Songs: Your Easy Jazz Piano Playlist

I've picked twelve standout songs from this collection — a mix of classic ballads, show-stopping Disney numbers, soulful originals, and timeless pop crossovers. Each one highlights something different about the jazz standard tradition, and together they'll give your fingers a surprisingly well-rounded workout.

Timeless Ballads and Romantic Classics

EbSmoke Gets in Your EyesBarbra Streisand · Key Eb · 70 BPMPlay

"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" is one of the quintessential jazz ballads, and Barbra Streisand's version wraps it in lush, romantic harmony. At just 70 BPM, the tempo is wonderfully forgiving — you'll have plenty of time to navigate the richer chords like Am9 and Amaj7. The block bass pattern keeps your left hand grounded while your right hand handles the melody. It's a gorgeous introduction to how jazz harmony can shimmer without being complicated.

DMY WAYIl Divo · Key D · 100 BPMPlay

Il Divo's sweeping rendition of "My Way" is a showstopper, and with only 18 chords in the entire arrangement, it's one of the most accessible songs in this collection. The key of D major feels warm and open on the piano. Pay attention to the dramatic build — the song starts quietly and swells, which gives you a chance to practice controlling your dynamics. Even beginners can make this one sound grand.

GTime To Say GoodbyeAndrea Bocelli · Key G · 66 BPMPlay

With just 10 chords, "Time To Say Goodbye" is the simplest arrangement here — and also one of the most emotionally powerful. Andrea Bocelli's classic uses an oompah bass pattern in the left hand, which creates a gentle, rocking rhythm that almost plays itself once you find the groove. The chords (Am, Bm, C, D, Em and a few others) are all staples you'll use in dozens of future songs, making this a genuinely useful piece to learn.

EbPER AMOREAndrea Bocelli · Key Eb · 60 BPMPlay

Staying with Bocelli, "Per Amore" is another beautiful slow ballad at 60 BPM. The oompah bass gives it a classic, almost waltz-like sway, and the Eb key introduces you to some flat-based chords like Ab and Bbmaj7 that are common in jazz but less familiar to total beginners. Think of this one as a gentle stretch for your harmonic vocabulary.

GTHERE'S ALWAYS MEElvis Presley · Key G · 80 BPMPlay

Elvis Presley may be the king of rock and roll, but "There's Always Me" is pure jazz-inflected balladry. The block bass keeps things steady, while chords like A9, B9, and Abmaj9 add a velvety sophistication you don't usually associate with Elvis. At 80 BPM, it's relaxed enough to give you time to land those extended chords cleanly. A lovely song that rewards a gentle, unhurried touch.

Soulful and Expressive Pieces

CSEND ONE YOUR LOVEStevie Wonder · Key C · 92 BPMPlay

Stevie Wonder's "Send One Your Love" is a masterclass in melodic beauty. The octave bass pattern in the left hand adds warmth and depth, while the chord palette — including Amaj7, Abmaj7, and A6 — gives the piece that signature Wonder glow. With 44 chords it's one of the longer arrangements here, but the 92 BPM tempo and the repetitive structure mean you'll find your footing quickly. Take it section by section and enjoy the journey.

GEVERYDAY I HAVE THE BLUESB.B. King · Key G · 90 BPMPlay

B.B. King's "Everyday I Have the Blues" is a twelve-bar blues classic, and this arrangement distills it down to just 10 chords. If you want to understand the backbone of jazz, blues, and rock music, this is the song to start with. The block bass and simple chord cycle (G, C7, D7, and a handful of color chords) make it rhythmically straightforward. Focus on getting a steady, swinging groove — that's where the magic lives.

CA WINK AND A SMILEHarry Connick Jr. · Key C · 84 BPMPlay

Harry Connick Jr. is jazz royalty, and "A Wink and a Smile" (from the Sleepless in Seattle soundtrack) is pure charm. The arrangement sits in C major, which is one of the friendliest keys for beginners, and the 84 BPM tempo gives you room to breathe. You'll encounter some chromatic passing chords like Ab7 and Ab9 — don't overthink them. They're brief splashes of color that resolve quickly. Just trust the color-coded notes and let your ear enjoy the ride.

GCAN'T SMILE WITHOUT YOUBarry Manilow · Key G · 100 BPMPlay

Barry Manilow's "Can't Smile Without You" is one of those songs that lifts your mood the moment you hear it. The block bass pattern keeps the left hand simple, and the progression through Amaj7, Bbmaj7, and Bm7 teaches you how jazz-flavored pop uses seventh chords to create that warm, sophisticated sound. It's a great song to play when you want something upbeat but not too fast.

Show Tunes and Cinematic Picks

AFRIENDS ON THE OTHER SIDEKeith David · Key A · 126 BPMPlay

"Friends on the Other Side" from Disney's The Princess and the Frog is a blast to play. Keith David's villainous charm comes through in the arrangement's dramatic chord choices — diminished sevenths, flat ninths, and chromatic movement that sounds wicked and fun. At 126 BPM it's one of the quicker songs in this collection, so you may want to slow it down at first and gradually work up to tempo. The block bass keeps the left hand manageable even at speed.

DHAPPY WORKING SONGAmy Adams · Key D · 172 BPMPlay

Amy Adams' playful number from Enchanted is pure joy on the piano. Don't let the 172 BPM marking intimidate you — the octave bass and bouncy rhythm make it feel lighter than it sounds on paper. With chords like A6 and Bm7, the jazz coloring is subtle but unmistakable. Start slow, get the swing feel into your hands, and then pick up the pace. This one always puts a smile on your face.

BPRACTICAL ARRANGEMENTSting · Key B · 80 BPMPlay

Sting's "Practical Arrangement" is a more contemplative choice — a slow, elegant song with an oompah bass that gives it an old-fashioned cabaret feel. The key of B might seem unusual, but the color-coded notes remove any guesswork. Chords like Abmaj7 and Abmaj9 sound complex on paper but fall under the fingers quite naturally. If you enjoy storytelling songs with a cinematic quality, this one is deeply satisfying.

Tips for Playing Easy Jazz Standards Well

Swing the Rhythm

The single biggest difference between jazz and other styles is the swing feel. Instead of playing eighth notes evenly (da-da-da-da), jazz swings them so the first note is slightly longer (daa-da, daa-da). You don't need to be precise about it — just listen to the original recordings and let your body absorb the feel. Even a subtle swing transforms these songs.

Don't Rush the Chord Changes

Jazz standards reward patience. Many beginners try to land on the next chord too early because they're nervous about being late. Instead, let each chord ring for its full value. The spaces between changes are part of the music — they give the harmony time to breathe and the melody room to sing.

Use the Sustain Pedal Gently

If you're playing on a keyboard or digital piano with a sustain pedal, use it — but sparingly. A light press through a chord change can smooth the transition beautifully, but holding it down too long turns everything into harmonic mud. Lift and re-press with each new chord as a starting rule.

Start Slower Than You Think You Need To

This applies to every song, but especially to the uptempo numbers like "Friends on the Other Side" and "Happy Working Song." Learn the notes at half speed first. Once your hands know where to go without thinking, speed will come naturally. Rushing the learning process almost always leads to sloppy habits that are harder to fix later.

Listen to the Originals

Before you sit down to play, spend a few minutes just listening to the recording. Notice where the melody rises and falls, where the energy builds, and where the song pulls back. That mental map makes the color-coded notes feel less like instructions and more like a conversation. You'll play with more expression and more confidence.