23 Easy Accordion Songs For Beginners

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“Clocks” by Coldplay

Song year: 2003

Coldplay’s “Clocks” has got that adventurous, “gliding through dimensions” kind of vibe to it, doesn’t it? Some even consider it one of the best songs of the early 2000s. Vocalist Chris Martin said the song’s main riff was inspired by the English progressive rock outfit Muse.

What gives the song its trademark sound is a mode of the major scale known as the Mixolydian scale. While it might be a little early to delve too deep into music theory as a beginner, the song is great for being introduced to the concept.

“Imagine” by John Lennon

Song year: 1971

Can you imagine? Well, many people could because John Lennon’s “Imagine” endures to this day. While you may not agree with its idealist philosophy, we’ve all thought about what it would be like to live in a better world.

This song is considered very easy to play on the piano, and not that every song that’s easy on the piano is also easy on the accordion, but in most cases, it gets you about halfway there.

Fun accordion tunes to learn

“Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon

Song year: 1978

Sweet home Ala… Oh wait, this isn’t Lynyrd Skynyrd. It’s Warren Zevon! Yep. There’s some similarity to the “Werewolves of London” chord progression as well as its rhythmic pattern, so maybe you could use “Werewolves of London” as a jumping-off point to learn “Sweet Home Alabama” too.

Either way, this is a fun song to learn and it’s highly recommended for beginners.

“Home Sweet Home” by Mötley Crüe

Song year: 1985

Mötley Crüe isn’t exactly a piano band, you know? But they weren’t afraid to take some risks, and power ballads were in vogue around the time “Home Sweet Home” was written.

The song is a very teachable moment for anyone learning the accordion, piano, or keyboard-based instruments. In addition to simple triad shapes, you’ll learn how to arpeggiate, play double stops, and more.

Learning these techniques and applying them elsewhere will add spice to your playing, guaranteed. Generally, you will deepen your learning by taking concepts and techniques and making them your own.

“Yesterday” by The Beatles

Song year: 1965

The Beatles’ “Yesterday” is largely considered an easy song to learn.

The entire Beatles catalog is an important bit of music history, but when it comes to “Yesterday,” there are over 2,200 known cover versions in existence, making it one of the most covered songs of all time.

The Lennon-McCartney team struck gold again with a sad song about breakups (though it is effectively a McCartney tune, as the melody came to him in his dreams – or so the story goes). Breakup songs can do very well on the charts. Noted.

“Endless Love” by Diana Ross feat. Lionel Richie

Song year: 1981

Listen closely to the melody of this song, and you might just notice some similarities to The Beatles’ “Yesterday.” Didn’t I say that The Beatles set the foundation for pop music to come? It’s everywhere if you start listening.

“Endless Love” will have an endless association with one of the best comedy films of all time, Happy Gilmore. And as far as romantic duets are concerned, there are few more iconic.

“I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz

Song year: 2008

Get out your straw hat, sunglasses, and flip-flops, because we’re about to head to the beach for a relaxing day in the sun.

Jason Mraz’ “I’m Yours” gives you instant island vacation vibes, and while the comparison to “similar” artists like Jack Johnson was inevitable, I’ve always felt that Mraz had more depth to him, especially as a singer.

Anyway, if you know anyone who plays ukulele, “I’m Yours” could be a fun song to jam out with them too.

“Mamma Mia” by ABBA

Song year: 1975

I don’t think most accordion teachers would disagree with adding a bit of ABBA to your repertoire. “Mamma Mia” has got a fun ominous intro riff and a hooky chorus too.

“You’re Beautiful” by James Blunt

Song year: 2004

Is there a term for being Blunt trolled? Like Rickrolling? Bluntrolling! I just made that up, but I think it could stick. Spread it around. Share with your friends.

James Blunt’s teary, rainy-day declaration of “You’re Beautiful” is relatable, no doubt, and at the same time, very much a self-caricature at this point.

From the mystery of the repeating opening line “My life is brilliant” to the shirtless music video, it was either all carefully engineered, or just a lucky fluke (it was probably engineered).

Either way, “You’re Beautiful” is a good beginner-oriented song for accordion and keyboard instruments. So, it’s got that going for it.

“Another One Rides the Bus” by “Weird Al” Yankovic

Song year: 1983

“Weird Al” Yankovic’s “Another One Rides the Bus,” of course, is a parody of Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust.” Whichever version you choose to learn, the essence remains the same, though Al’s version features the accordion and is much goofier.

The way Al plays it, the song mostly revolves around single-note riffs, which makes it perfect for a beginner to attempt. With any luck, you’ll be able to self-accompany and sing the vocals too. It’s fun!

“Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison

Song year: 1964

Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman” is a mid-60s power pop classic. The iconic opening riff is something every musician should study, as there are so many other riffs like it in rock and roll history. Learning this riff will open doors to others.

You can play the main riff in the left hand as demonstrated in the video, but you can also learn the riff in the right hand and even play it together as octaves. If you listen carefully to the original, you’ll hear multiple instruments playing it in unison too.

Easy Accordion Songs For Beginners, Final Thoughts

In addition to songs covered here, there are plenty of traditional and novelty accordion favorites, more “Weird Al” Yankovic tunes, pop songs, and others, to explore. As you continue to improve on your instrument, it would be well worth checking out most if not all of these.

We hope you had fun and don’t forget to keep practicing. It may take some effort to learn your favorite songs but it’s worth the trouble. Happy trails!

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