’80s Tunes To Nail At Home On the Piano: A Guide For Beginners

Nostalgia.

That bittersweet emotion that someone gets when they remember something from their past with fondness and a bit of sadness. For most people, a core part of feeling nostalgic is hearing a song from the period they grew up in, as it can throw them back to a time when life was simpler. 

If you are currently learning how to play the piano and don’t want to wait until you can perfectly use your left and right hand in unison to play some of your favorite songs from the 1980s, then read on. Here, you will be walked through some simple to play hits that will get you and your friends smiling.

Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper

Not the first piece you might think of when it comes to piano sheet music for beginners, but this memorable piece by Cyndi Lauper is the perfect mix of simple to play and incredibly nostalgic.

What makes it easy to play?

• One of the key features of the piece is that it has a ballad tempo and, of course, a memorable melody. This makes it simpler for beginners.
• It has a simple chord progression and only uses basic chords such as C, G, Am (A minor) and F. This means it is easy to follow and play from memory.

Every Breath You Take By The Police

Released in 1983, this song is one of the most recognizable tunes from the 1980s. Granted, you might think it will only sound good on a guitar, but it is just as recognizable on the piano. 

Why is it simple to play on the piano, or guitar, for that matter?

• The arrangement is based on a repetitive arpeggio pattern, which includes the basic chords G, Em (E minor), C, and D. 
• It has a steady rhythm and doesn’t have any complicated key changes. 
• It’s ideal to learn from scratch and can be memorized for those 1980s-themed parties.

Take On Me by A-ha

Everyone knows this song, even if it is only for the drawn music video. Released in 1984, this tune has a simple melody and is easy to play on any instrument. 

Why is it perfect for beginners?

• The tune has the duality of sounding intricate and complicated, but the main part is repetitive and easy to master with practice. 
• The tune and the consistent tempo make it ideal for beginners who are trying to practice finger and pressure coordination.

Mad World by Tears For Fears

If you were around in 1982, you will remember this song: the perfect mixture of a simple harmony and slow tempo while also being a bit dark with its lyrics.

What makes this tune perfect for beginners or learners of the piano?

• The slower tempo and repetitive chord progressions like Em (E Minor), G, D, and A create a haunting, eerie melody style that is recognizable to any fan of the 1980s.
• It involves minimalistic playing styles, which makes it ideal for those who may need a bit more time and leeway for mistakes with finger placement. 

When you have mastered these, you can move on to more complicated pieces of nostalgic music from the 1980s. Pretty soon, November Rain from Guns N Roses (a very complicated piece) will be as simple to play as Mary Had a Little Lamb!