As a longtime piano bar entertainer, I often get asked where to start. There are so many songs out there - how can you decide which ones to learn?? This article not only outlines the 10 piano bar songs you need to know, but I also provide tutorials for every single one of those songs?
As a follow up to my 10 Piano Bar Songs You Need to Know post, this list is going to get you ready to will get you ready to rock the piano bar. Let's go!
#1: Hey Jude - The Beatles
Written by Paul McCartney for Julian Lennon when his parents were divorcing, Hey Jude is an anthem that everyone can sing along to. Using a simple pop ballad accompaniment, you'll be ready to go with this one.
To learn Hey Jude and get the free download CLICK HERE.
#2: Let it Be - The Beatles
Ok, ok - Yes there are two Beatles songs in a row, but they both desperately need to be here. This incredible anthem of peace and hope is a huge crowd pleasure!
Read the blog post and get the free download HERE.
The chords are very simple, but the message is extremely profound. I have played this song hundreds (maybe thousands) of times and I can never tire of it. Here, Paul McCartney plays beautiful pop piano accompaniments with the band backing him up. Pure magic!
#3: Imagine - John Lennon
From the first chords of the song it is musical magic. Using simple chords and a beautiful message, this is a song that is universally loved by audiences.
Read the blog post and get the free lyrics and chords download HERE.
Once you learn that iconic piano hook, then you are ready to play this gorgeous song!
Need to learn chords?
Sign up and get my FREE Ultimate Chord Cheat Sheets! Perfect for mastering your chords on piano.
#4: Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow - Carole King
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow is a gorgeous ballad written by legendary singer/songwriter Carole King. With heartbreaking lyrics and a mellow sound, you will love playing this one.
Check out the blog and the free lyrics and chords printable HERE.
Written in the Key of C, my tutorial includes two different accompaniment strategies that you will love learning!
#5. Eternal Flame - The Bangles
Eternal Flame is the hit power ballad from the all-female group The Bangles. Released on their 1988 album Everything, it was written by singer Susanna Hoffs in collaboration with songwriting team Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly.
Eternal Flame went to number one on charts around the world and continues to be a top karaoke classic.
Check out the blog and get the free lyrics and chords printable HERE.
#6: Waiting In Vain - Bob Marley
Waiting in Vain is the beloved song by Reggae legend Bob Marley. It was recorded and released for the 1977 album Exodus and became an instant classic. Over the years I have asked dozens of Caribbean musicians what their favorite Reggae song is and this song is almost always named.
Fun fact: Annie Lennox recorded a cover of this song for her 1995 album Medusa.
To learn Hey Jude and get the free download CLICK HERE.
#7: Everybody Hurts
Everybody Hurts is the classic song by R.E.M for their 1992 album Automatic for the People. It was a huge hit for the group and has made a ton of lists of “best songs ever”. The bulk of the song was written by R.E.M drummer Bill Berry, but the entire band gets the songwriting credit for it. Interestingly, there are almost no drums in the song.
Read the blog post and get the free download HERE.
#8: Never Tear Us Apart
Never Tear Us Apart was recorded by Australian rock band INXS on their 1988 album Kick. With its haunting melodies and soulful lyrics, it continues to resonate with listeners worldwide.
To check out the blog post and get the FREE lyrics and chords printable CLICK HERE.
#9: You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling
You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ was released as a huge hit in 1964 by the Righteous Brothers. Written by Phil Spector, Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, the song has been covered by numerous artists and was famously featured in the 1986 film Top Gun.
The song itself is pretty straightforward as a pop ballad, but there are some wonderful orchestrational elements that we are going to adapt to the piano.
Read the blog post and get the free download HERE.
#10: Can't Help Falling In Love
Brown Eyed Girl by "Van the Man" is such a classic that it needs to be included in your piano bar set. It's such a classic song and I promise you EVERYONE knows it!
Check out the blog post and free lyrics and chords download HERE.
Want to level up your musical skills so you can tackle the PIANO BAR? Strengthen your piano skills, develop your ear training, become a rhythm ninja and learn new skills like jazz and improvisation.
The Versatile Musician is an all-in-one membership that combines video lessons, print material and live support to help you level up your skills and thrive as a musician and music teacher.
CLICK THE YELLOW BUTTON AND MAKE SURE TO USE COUPON CODE GETSTARTED30 for $30 off your first month!
To learn more, check out www.theversatilemusician.com and get ready to become the best musician possible!
Never Tear Us Apart Tutorial