19 Easy Marimba Songs For Beginners
Contents
“Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish
Song year: 2019
“Bad Guy” may be Billie Eilish’s fifth single off When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? but today it’s practically the song she’s best remembered for.
The song follows the female empowerment movement modern female pop artists have become known for, and in “Bad Guy” Eilish asserts her dominance over an alleged “bad guy.”
Subject matter notwithstanding, the song is easily replicated on the marimba.
“Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd
Song year: 2019
The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” went on to become one of the longest-charting songs of all time by a solo artist.
Among the ranks of songwriters and producers who worked on this release, you will find the legendary Max Martin’s name, which likely played no small part in its overall success. Honestly, it has become a fast-established formula for The Weeknd.
Its synth riffs and melodies alike are not that hard to transfer over to the marimba.
“The Scientist” by Coldplay
Song year: 2002
Coldplay’s “The Scientist” was a critical and commercial success. The piano ballad was written by lead singer Chris Martin on an out-of-tune piano after he had listened to George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass.
He was originally working on Harrison’s “Isn’t It a Pity” when inspiration struck, and Martin arrived at the chord sequence heard in “The Scientist.”
The song’s slower tempo certainly helps with learning it.
“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
Song year: 1983
One of Michael Jackson’s most important albums is Thriller, and one of the most important songs from the album is none other than “Billie Jean.”
As with most if not all tunes on Thriller, “Billie Jean” was developed to the point of being possibly a little overwrought, but the results speak for themselves – practically every aspect of the song is iconic, including the music video, which is among the top 100 all-time global music videos.
Every marimbist should benefit from studying “Billie Jean.”
“Stand by Me” by Ben E. King
Song year: 1961
Singer-songwriter Ben E. King had a strong foundation in church music. He’d had thoughts of updating Charles Albert Tindley’s hymn, “Stand by Me,” though he hadn’t thought to record it himself.
After the Drifters passed on his new rendition, King would end up recording it himself after he was asked if he had any more songs at a 1960 recording session.
The result, of course, is a near-timeless hit, with an unforgettable bassline.
“Viva la Vida” by Coldplay
Song year: 2008
Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida” won not one but two Grammy Awards. The song explores the contrast between the need for government, law, and regulation on one side, and the meaninglessness of it in light of the fact that people are emotional creatures and will one day pass on.
The upbeat “Viva la Vida” would go on to become a critical and commercial success. Its rhythmic patterns and melodies alike are well worth studying on the marimba.
“Beat It” by Michael Jackson
Song year: 1983
Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” features an essential rock guitar riff played by Steve Lukather. The guitar solo, of course, was played by none other than the incomparable Eddie Van Halen.
Its brilliance is sometimes easy to overlook when you’ve heard the song dozens if not hundreds of times, but it's a work of genius through and through.
It’s not too much of a hassle to play on the marimba either.
“Come as You Are” by Nirvana
Song year: 1992
“Come as You Are” is considered one of “the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” by Rolling Stone. After the unexpected success of “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” the band and management debated what song to release next. Ultimately, management persuaded Cobain to prioritize the release of “Come as You Are.”
Cobain is sometimes considered one-of-a-kind, but like any artist, he had his share of influences as well. Have a listen to Killing Joke’s “Eighties.” You’ll probably notice some similarities between “Come as You Are” and it.
For beginners, it’s another very easy song to take on.
“Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol
Song year: 2006
In the alternative rock scene, Snow Patrol was nearly matchless in 2006 with “Chasing Cars” taking over the airwaves.
The slow, sentimental ballad had everyone wishing their significant other would lay with them and just forget the world.
The song’s gentle melody lends itself beautifully to marimba.
Easy Marimba Songs, Final Thoughts
The above songs should keep you busy for a while, especially if you decide to learn all the parts (not just the melodies). We wish you all the best on your marimba journey.
