How to Play “Ar Hyd y Nos” Traditional Welsh on Piano (3 Levels, Free)
Learn the beautiful Welsh folk song Ar Hyd y Nos on piano: listen to the beginner, easy and intermediate versions, then play the level of your choice with falling notes, right in your browser.
Listen and play: 3 levels
Easy
Right hand
Intermediate
Both hands · simple
Advanced
Both hands · full
About the piece
Ar Hyd y Nos, known in English as All Through the Night, is a classic Welsh folk song. Its melody is famously gentle and serene, often used as a lullaby. The original Welsh lyrics were written by John Ceiriog Hughes, and it has since become a beloved cultural treasure around the world.
It is an excellent piece for early piano learners because the melody is lyrical and slow, allowing you to focus on beautiful phrasing and smooth finger transitions rather than speed.
Which level should you choose?
- Right hand only: the melody alone. Perfect to get used to the gentle flow and timing of the song.
- Both hands, simple: the left hand adds long, steady bass notes to support the melody. Recommended once you are comfortable with the melody timing.
- Both hands, full chords: the left hand plays richer chords to accompany the tune. This provides a fuller, more harmonic sound for advanced beginners.
Fingering and hand position
Place your right hand so your thumb (1) is on F. The melody begins with A# A G A#, requiring you to move your fingers across the keys smoothly. Use your index and middle fingers to reach the notes in the higher range.
The key is to maintain a legato touch, keeping the notes connected as you move from A# to C and then back down to F. Keep your hand relaxed to ensure the movement between the phrases feels natural and fluid.
Practice tips
- Listen to the melody a few times to internalize the rhythm before you start playing.
- Use the DOLI PIANO Rhythm mode and set the speed to 50% to focus on hitting the right notes in sequence.
- Break the song down into phrases; master one line of the melody before moving to the next.
- Keep your eyes on the falling notes on your screen, which will guide your fingers to the correct keys in real time.
Learn it step by step
Start by practicing the melody with your right hand alone until you can play it without stopping. Once the tune feels familiar, practice the left hand separately to master the bass line or chords. Finally, combine both hands slowly, focusing on playing the notes at the same time, and gradually increase the tempo to the original 84 bpm.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ar Hyd y Nos easy to play on piano?
Yes. It is a beginner-friendly piece with a steady, moderate tempo and a recurring melodic structure that is easy to memorize.
What are the notes of Ar Hyd y Nos?
The melody starts with A# A G A# C A# A F G A, which repeats and then leads into a slightly higher variation using D# D D# F G F D# D.
Who composed Ar Hyd y Nos?
It is a traditional Welsh folk song, meaning the melody has been passed down through generations without a single known composer.
How long does it take to learn Ar Hyd y Nos on piano?
Most beginners can learn to play the right-hand melody in one or two practice sessions. Adding the full arrangement with both hands typically takes about a week of consistent practice.
Which fingers do you use for Ar Hyd y Nos?
With your thumb on F, use your index finger for G, middle finger for A, and ring finger for A# to maintain a comfortable position.
Can I play Ar Hyd y Nos without a piano?
Yes. DOLI PIANO allows you to play this song using a tablet, your computer keyboard, or a MIDI keyboard for free and without needing an account.
Do I need to read sheet music to play it?
No. The falling notes interface provides visual cues for when to press each key, allowing you to play the song immediately while you learn music theory at your own pace.
What should I play after Ar Hyd y Nos?
After mastering this lullaby, you might enjoy other lyrical traditional songs or slow pieces like Greensleeves or simple classical arrangements.
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