Interesting fact
“Imagine” was originally written as a poem by John Lennon. He penned the lyrics in 1971, inspired by his wife, Yoko Ono and her book Grapefruit, which contained similar poetic lines. The song’s powerful message about peace and unity resonated with listeners worldwide, making it one of the most iconic and enduring songs of all time.
Ready to play “Imagine” on piano? Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills or just looking to learn a new piece, we can show you how to practice each section of this iconic song at your own pace. With Skoove’s support, you’ll master it in no time, with tips and practice strategies that make learning fun and rewarding. Let’s get started with this “Imagine” piano tutorial!
Video tutorial
Find the full beginner arrangement of “Imagine” by John Lennon on piano. Start a free trial today!
“Imagine” piano chord chart
The foundation of “Imagine” lies in a few simple chords that you can easily master with a little practice. Let’s start with the main chords used in the song:
- C Major (C)
- F Major (F)
- G Major (G)
- E Seven (E7)
Each three note chord is played with the right hand using three fingers. Try this hand position:
- Thumb (1),
- Middle finger (3),
- Pinky (5).
The E7 chord is made up of four notes E, G#, B and D so you’ll need to use four fingers:
- Pinky (5)
- Middle finger (3)
- Index finger (2)
- Thumb (1)
Mastering the iconic piano riff
The verse of “Imagine” starts with a beautiful and simple piano riff. It’s a repeating pattern that sets the tone for the entire song, it’s a great riff to learn for beginners. The riff is based on the chords we just took a look at.
How to play it:
- Start with your left hand playing the bass notes (Cs and Fs)
- When you’re comfortable with the bass your right hand can pick up the 3rd and fifth of the chords outlining the harmony in an alternating rhythm as shown in the sheet music above.
- Focus on getting comfortable with these interactions between both hands and loop this pattern.
- To complete the riff add the final phrase at the end of the loop and there you have it, the iconic “Imagine” melody!
Want to play the whole song? Be sure to check out the Skoove app for our in depth tutorial.
Lesson plan: How to practice “Imagine” on piano?
Let’s take a look at a guided lesson plan to take you through the “Imagine” piano tutorial.
Step 1: Listen to the opening verse
Take a moment to listen to the opening verse of “Imagine” focusing on the iconic piano riff. Pay attention to the steady, calming feel of the song and how the chords change slowly underneath the melody.
Step 2: Practice the “Imagine” chords
Start by playing the chords used in the first lines of the song. Use simple block chords in your right hand or single bass notes in your left. You can add the alternating pattern we looked at if you’re feeling confident!
Step 3: Try the opening melody in your right hand
Try playing the specific melody/chord part in the right hand as you get accustomed to the feeling of the song.
Step 4: Learn the left-hand accompaniment pattern
Once you’re comfortable with the melody, it’s time to bring in the left hand. Start with the basic accompaniment pattern by playing one bass note per chord. You can add the specific alternating pattern when you feel comfortable.
Step 5: Play both hands together
Once you’ve practiced the melody and the left-hand accompaniment separately, it’s time to bring them together. Don’t rush, take it slow and let the song flow naturally. Inside the Skoove app, you can loop small sections, slow the tempo and get real-time feedback to help both hands lock together comfortably.
Practice more songs with Skoove
Well done you’ve mastered “Imagine”, a piano classic that’s bound to impress anyone you play it for! Remember, every great pianist started just like you, with small steps and a commitment to improvement. Keep practicing regularly and don’t forget that Skoove is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re working through a tricky section or looking for more piano lessons, we’ve got everything you need to keep growing your skills. Open the Skoove app and explore more lessons, songs, and personalized guidance to continue your musical journey. Happy practicing!
Author of this blog post:
Susana Pérez Posada
With over seven years in piano education and a deep passion for music therapy, Susana brings a unique blend of expertise to Skoove. A graduate in Music Therapy from SRH Hochschule Heidelberg and an experienced classical pianist from Universidad EAFIT, she infuses her teaching with a holistic approach that transcends traditional piano lessons. In her writings for Skoove, Susana combines her rich musical knowledge with engaging storytelling, enriching the learning experience for pianists of all levels. Away from the piano, she loves exploring new places and immersing herself in a good book, believing these diverse experiences enhance her creative teaching style.
Published by the Skoove team
