Is "Murder By Numbers" good for a child learning piano?

Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.

What age can start with "Murder By Numbers"?

Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.

Do we need a piano teacher to use this?

No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.

Can we print the sheet music?

Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.

How many chords does "Murder By Numbers" use?

Just 11 chords: B7, Bbdom, Bbmaj7, C, Em, Em7, F#7, F#m7, +3 more. Take it one section at a time.

What other The Police songs work for kids?

Try "ROXANNE", "EVERY LITTLE THING SHE DOES IS MAGIC", "KING OF PAIN". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.

Super Simple Piano

Murder By Numbers

· by The Police

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Lyrics

(CN.C.)Once that you’ve de cid ed on a kill ing,

first you make a stone of your heart.

And if you find that your hands are still will ing,

then you can turn a mur der in to art.

There (Em7)real ly is n’t (Fsus)an y need for (B)blood shed,

you just (Em7)do it with a (Fsus)lit tle more fin (B)esse.

If (Em7)you can slip a (Fsus)tab let in to some one’s cof fee,

then (F#)it a voids an (Fmaj7)aw ful lot of (B)mess.

Be cause it’s (Em7)mur der by (F#m7)num bers; (G)one, two, (F#m7)three.

It’s as (Em7)eas y to (F#m7)learn as your (G)A, B, (B)C.

It’s (Em7)mur der by (F#m7)num bers; (G)one, two, (B)three.

It’s as (Em7)eas y to (F#m7)learn as your (B)A, B, C.

Now (Em7)if you have a taste for this ex (Bbmaj7)per i ence;

in (Em7)you’re flushed with your (Fsus)ver y first suc (B)cess.

Then (Em7)you must try a (Fsus)two some, or a (B)three some.

You’ll (F#)find your con sience both ers (Fmaj7)you much (B)less.

Be cause (Em7)mur der is like (Fsus)an y thing you take (B)to;

it’s a (Em7)hab it form ing (Fsus)need for more and (B)more.

You can (Em7)bump off ev ’ry (Fsus)mem ber of your fam i ly

you don’t (F#)an y bod y else you find a (B)bore.

Be cause it’s (Em7)mur der by (F#m7)num bers; (G)one, two, (F#m7)three.

It’s as (Em7)eas y to (F#m7)learn as your (G)A, B, (B)C.

It’s (Em7)mur der by (F#m7)num bers; (G)one, two, (B)three.

It’s as (Em7)eas y to (F#m7)learn as your (B)A, B, C.

Now (Em7)you can join the ranks of the il (Bbmaj7)lus tri ous

in (Em7)his tor y’s great (Fsus)dark y hall of (B)fame.

Then (Em7)All our great est (Fsus)kill ers were in (B)dus trious;.

at (F#)least the ones that we all (Fmaj7)know by (B)name.

Be But (Em7)you can reach the (Fsus)top of your pro fes (B)sion

it’s if (Em7)you be come the (Fsus)lead er of the (B)land.

You For (Em7)mur der is the (Fsus)sport of the e lect ed; ly

you don’t (F#)need to lift a fin ger of your (B)hand.

Be cause it’s (Em7)mur der by (F#m7)num bers; (G)one, two, (B)three.

It’s as (Em7)eas y to (F#m7)learn as your (G)A, B, C.

(Em7)Mur der by (F#m7)num bers; (G)one, two, (B)three.

It’s as (Em7)eas y to (F#m7)learn as your (B)A, B, C, D, E.

One, two, (Em7)three.

A, B, (Em7)C.

One, two, (F#)three.

A, B, (Em7)C.

One, two, (Em7)three.

A, B, (Em7)C.

One, two, (F#)three.

A, B, (Em7)C.

(Em7)Mur der by (F#m7)num bers; (G)one, two, (B)three.

It’s as (Em7)eas y to (F#m7)learn as your (G)A, B, (F#m7)C.

(Em7)Mur der by (F#m7)num bers; (G)one, two, (B)three.

It’s as (Em7)eas y to (F#m7)learn as your (G)A, B, C, D, (Em)E.

Murder By Numbers by The Police — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Murder By Numbers” by The Police in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of E at 138 BPM, a medium-difficulty arrangement — try slowing the tempo down using the BPM control.

Tips for parents & teachers

Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "Murder By Numbers" good for a child learning piano?: Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "Murder By Numbers"?: Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?: No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?: Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
How many chords does "Murder By Numbers" use?: Just 11 chords: B7, Bbdom, Bbmaj7, C, Em, Em7, F#7, F#m7, +3 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other The Police songs work for kids?: Try "ROXANNE", "EVERY LITTLE THING SHE DOES IS MAGIC", "KING OF PAIN". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.