How Do You Play London Bridge Is Falling Down on Piano?

By Anna Duncan

London Bridge Is Falling Down is a popular nursery rhyme that can be easily played on the piano. In this tutorial, we will break down the song into simple steps, making it easy for beginners to play. So grab your piano and let’s get started!

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Melody

Before we begin playing, let’s take a moment to listen to the melody of London Bridge Is Falling Down. This will help you get familiar with the tune and make it easier to follow along as we learn to play it.

Step 2: Find the Starting Note

The song starts on the note D. Depending on your piano’s range, you may find this note in different octaves. To begin, locate the D that feels comfortable for your hands.

Step 3: Play the First Phrase

To start playing London Bridge Is Falling Down, we first play a phrase consisting of four notes:

  • D
  • E
  • F#
  • G

Remember to play each note with a steady rhythm and equal duration. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the notes.

Step 4: Repeat the Phrase

After playing the first phrase, you’ll notice that it repeats twice more with slight variations in rhythm:

  • D – E – F# – G (same as before)
  • G – G – A – G (slight variation)
  • G – A – B – A (another slight variation)

Make sure to pay attention to these variations, as they add a nice touch to the melody.

Step 5: Add Chords

To make the piano arrangement more interesting, we can add chords to accompany the melody. Here’s a simple chord progression you can use:

  • First Phrase: D major chord
  • Second Phrase: G major chord
  • Third Phrase: D major chord

You can play each chord using your left hand while playing the melody with your right hand. Experiment with different inversions and voicings to find what sounds best to you.

Step 6: Practice and Have Fun!

Now that you have learned the basic structure of London Bridge Is Falling Down on piano, it’s time to practice and have fun with it! Remember to start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the song.

This tutorial has provided you with a foundation to play London Bridge Is Falling Down on the piano. Feel free to explore different variations, dynamics, and styles as you become more confident in your playing.

Remember: The key to mastering any song is practice, so keep practicing regularly and enjoy the process of learning and playing music!