Jazz is an interesting and often intimidating genre for many beginning pianists to approach. The harmonies are generally more advanced, the rhythms are more syncopated, and the improvisatory nature of the music may be difficult for some students. However, learning jazz standards is a time-tested method of approaching jazz music on the piano.
For beginner pianists, learning jazz can feel like a challenging leap, but starting with easy jazz standards can make the journey both fun and achievable. These standards are foundational tunes that almost every jazz musician learns, and they provide a great entry point to understanding jazz styles, harmony, and improvisation.
If you are looking for easy jazz standards to get started with, this guide will walk you through ten beginner jazz piano songs that are perfect for learning jazz on the piano.
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Top 10 easy jazz standards for beginners
Here’s a list of ten easy jazz standards piano learners can start with. Each piece is well-suited for beginners, offering simplicity in chord progressions and melodies while also introducing you to important elements of jazz.
“Autumn Leaves”
“Autumn Leaves” is one of the most commonly taught jazz standards for beginners. Its chord progression is relatively straightforward, featuring the ii-V-I sequence in both major and minor keys, which makes it an excellent piece for practicing this fundamental chord progression.
The structure of “Autumn Leaves” provides a perfect introduction to jazz harmony. The repetitive chord changes and the transitions from major to minor keys make it easy to memorize and are ideal for practicing improvisation.
To get started, focus on playing the chord changes with your left hand while keeping the melody steady with your right hand. Once you’re comfortable, try improvising over the changes using the A minor pentatonic scale, a great tool for beginners.
“All of Me”
“All of Me” is a well-known jazz standard that’s both enjoyable and accessible for beginners. Its harmonic structure is relatively simple, and the melody is easy to play and quite satisfying. This tune offers a great chance to practice major chord progressions and refine your phrasing.
With frequent chord changes, it’s an excellent piece for working on smooth chord transitions, helping you build confidence in your playing. When practicing “All of Me”, try focusing on smooth chord changes and integrating the melody with a gentle swing feel. This will help you grasp the rhythm and flow of jazz piano.
“Fly Me to the Moon”
“Fly Me to the Moon,” famously performed by Frank Sinatra, features one of jazz’s most iconic melodies. With its classic ii-V-I chord progression, the song is an excellent starting point for beginners aiming to master this fundamental jazz sequence.
It’s also great for practicing chord inversions, which help create smoother transitions between chords. The melody is both catchy and easy to remember, making it a rewarding piece to learn. Focus on smooth voice leading while practicing, as this will help you achieve a more cohesive sound.
“C Jam Blues”
If you’re seeking something classic, Duke Ellington’s “C Jam Blues” is one of the best jazz standards to learn. The melody is built around just two notes, C and G, making it incredibly beginner-friendly.
Start by playing the melody, which only requires two fingers. With your left hand, you can add a basic chordal accompaniment. Once you’re comfortable, try improvising over the blues form to begin exploring your creativity within the structure.
Playing “C Jam Blues” is all about rhythm and timing. Focus on making the two-note melody as interesting as possible by varying your dynamics, articulation, and rhythm.
“Summertime”
“Summertime,” composed by George Gershwin, is a jazz standard with a bluesy feel. With its haunting melody and simple harmony, it’s an approachable piece for beginner jazz pianists. The use of minor chords and blues scales offers a great introduction to the jazz blues style.
The slow tempo of “Summertime” is a perfect opportunity for beginners to experiment with dynamics and expression. Try playing each note with intention, adding in slight variations to create a rich sound.
“Blue Monk”
Composed by the legendary Thelonious Monk, “Blue Monk” follows the classic 12-bar blues structure, making it an excellent starting point for beginners wanting to explore the blues side of jazz. The 12-bar form is easy to understand, and the melody features simple, repetitive phrases.
While Monk’s distinctive style adds personality to the piece, its straightforwardness makes it approachable for new players. Playing “Blue Monk” allows beginners to explore improvisation using the blues scale. Start by learning the melody, then try adding simple fills or variations to make it your own.
“All Blues”
Miles Davis is a must-listen jazz artist, and his tune All Blues stands as a jazz classic. Set in a 12-bar blues form with a 6/4 time signature (sometimes felt in 3/4), this piece has the laid-back, cool jazz feel of the Kind of Blue album. Ideal for beginner jazz musicians, it offers a unique twist on the blues that encourages improvisation over extended dominant chords, blending blues with modal jazz. Davis’s solo is also perfect for novice improvisers looking to build their skills.
“Bag’s Groove”
Here’s another jazz piece that deserves your attention! Bag’s Groove is a 12-bar blues with a catchy, syncopated melody, perfect for learning swing feel, phrasing, and blues harmony. The standout version is on Miles Davis’s 1957 album, Bag’s Groove.
“Blue Bossa”
“Blue Bossa,” composed by Kenny Dorham, blends jazz with Latin influences, making it an engaging and enjoyable piece for beginners. The melody is straightforward, and the repetitive harmonic structure allows beginners to concentrate on rhythm and groove.
The fusion of Latin rhythm and jazz harmony makes “Blue Bossa” a fun and dynamic piece to play. Focus on mastering the rhythmic feel, and try playing along with recordings to capture the authentic bossa nova groove.
“Cold Duck Time”
“Cold Duck Time” is a rock-influenced jazz standard written by Eddie Harris. It first appeared on the album Swiss Movement by Les McCann and Eddie Harris. The first recording of this tune wasn’t well-rehearsed, and you can definitely hear that the band is learning this tune while on stage.
Benefits of learning jazz standards for beginners
There are numerous benefits to learning jazz standards for beginners, beyond just building your repertoire:
- Improvisation skills: Jazz standards are designed to encourage improvisation. They give you the tools to experiment, allowing you to make each performance unique.
- Understanding harmony: Many jazz standards feature common harmonic progressions like ii-V-I, providing an excellent foundation in jazz theory and jazz chords on piano.
- Creativity and expression: Jazz is one of the most expressive genres, and learning these standards allows you to add your personal touch, turning a simple tune into something distinct and memorable.
A fantastic resource for learning these standards is Skoove, which offers step-by-step lessons that make learning these classics approachable for beginners. Whether you’re working on your left-hand chords or want to tackle your first improvisation, Skoove’s lessons can be your guiding light.
So, what are the best and easy jazz standards for beginners? We scouted for user feedback, such as in this Reddit thread, where players would list the best standards that beginners can find helpful. Let’s explore the most popular pieces as recommended by other players.
What are good jazz standards to learn as beginner ?
byu/PerfectBlueBanana inJazzPiano
How to improvise on jazz standards as a beginner
Improvisation is one of the most exciting aspects of jazz. For many beginners, it can also be the most intimidating. However, with a few basic techniques, you can start improvising confidently.
Start with simple scales
The pentatonic scale is an excellent starting point for improvisation. It works well over many chords and allows you to focus on rhythm and phrasing.
Use call and response
This technique involves playing a short phrase (call) and then answering it with a similar phrase (response). It’s a great way to create a conversation in your improvisation and can make your solos sound more structured.
Mimic great players
Listen to recordings of famous jazz musicians and try to replicate their solos. This helps you understand the language of jazz and gives you ideas to incorporate into your playing.
Experiment with phrasing and dynamics
Jazz is as much about how you play as what you play. Experiment with different note lengths, articulations, and dynamics to add variety and emotion to your improvisation.
Remember, improvisation is all about expressing yourself. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Some of the best musical ideas come from “wrong” notes that you creatively incorporate into your playing. Skoove also offers guided lessons in improvisation, helping you learn the basics and build your confidence.
Starting out in jazz? Here’s how to master the basics
Learning jazz standards for beginners can be challenging but also extremely rewarding. Here are some strategies you can use today to help practice standards, or any other style of piano music you are interested in learning.
- Practice hands separately: Start by practicing the left-hand chords and the right-hand melody separately. This helps build confidence in each part before you combine them.
- Learn common chord progressions: Familiarize yourself with common jazz progressions like ii-V-I. These progressions are the backbone of many jazz standards, so being comfortable with them will make learning new pieces easier. Make sure you understand basic chord concepts like major and minor chords and seventh chords.
- Use rhythmic exercises: Jazz is all about rhythm, and a strong sense of timing is crucial. Practice with a metronome or use backing tracks to keep your rhythm steady and develop your swing feel and different rhythmic styles.
- Slow it down: Take your time to master each section of a song before moving on. Jazz requires precision, and it’s important to learn at a pace where you can focus on accuracy.
- Consistent practice: Regular, focused practice is key. Short, daily sessions are more effective than occasional long ones. Aim to practice for at least 20-30 minutes every day.
- Listen to jazz: Spend time listening to different jazz artists and styles. This will help you internalize the rhythms, phrasing, and improvisational techniques that define jazz.
Learn the standards!
Starting with easy jazz standards is a great way to dive into jazz piano. These pieces not only expand your repertoire but also introduce the core elements of jazz: harmony, rhythm, and improvisation. Whether you’re playing a classic like “Autumn Leaves” or experimenting with the Latin feel of “Blue Bossa”, each song offers an opportunity to develop your musical skills.
Jazz is all about creativity and personal expression, so take your time to explore each piece, make it your own, and enjoy the process. With tools like Skoove, you can progress step-by-step and gradually build confidence as a jazz pianist.
Author of this blog post:
Susana Pérez Posada
With over seven years of piano education and a deep passion for music therapy, Susana brings a unique blend of expertise to Skoove. A graduate in Music Therapy from SRH Hochschule Heidelberg and an experienced classical pianist from Universidad EAFIT, she infuses her teaching with a holistic approach that transcends traditional piano lessons. Susana’s writings for Skoove combine her rich musical knowledge with engaging storytelling, enriching the learning experience for pianists of all levels. Away from the piano, she loves exploring new places and immersing herself in a good book, believing these diverse experiences enhance her creative teaching style.
Published by Lydia Ogn from the Skoove team
