How to Play “Ding Dong Merrily on High” by Thoinot Arbeau on Piano (3 Levels, Free)
Learn the festive classic Ding Dong Merrily on High on piano: listen to the three versions and play along with falling notes in your browser.
Listen and play: 3 levels
Easy
Right hand
Intermediate
Both hands · simple
Advanced
Both hands · full
About the piece
Ding Dong Merrily on High is a popular Christmas carol based on a 16th-century dance tune known as Branle de l'Official, recorded by the French cleric Thoinot Arbeau. It is famous for its joyful, ringing melody that mimics the sound of church bells.
It is a delightful piece for piano learners because it is energetic and repetitive, helping you practice consistent rhythm and fluid finger movement across a major scale.
Which level should you choose?
- Right hand only: the main melody alone, focusing on getting the rhythm of the bells right. Perfect for your first attempt.
- Both hands, simple: the left hand plays a single bass note on the downbeat to keep the rhythm steady.
- Both hands, full chords: the left hand plays harmony notes to give the piece a fuller, grander sound typical of Christmas carols.
Fingering and hand position
Place your right hand in the G major position: thumb (1) on G, 2 on A, 3 on B, 4 on C and 5 on D. The melody begins with G G A G, then F# E D D, followed by E F# G G F# G.
Keep your wrist flexible to handle the quick movement between notes. The jump from the middle register up to the higher D requires a smooth shift in your hand position, so keep your fingers arched and relaxed to maintain speed.
Practice tips
- Listen to the audio version fully before you start playing.
- Use the Rhythm mode and slow the speed down to 50% to master the phrasing.
- Learn the melody one line at a time rather than trying to play the whole piece at once.
- Focus on the falling notes on your screen and let your fingers follow the numbers shown on the keys.
Learn it step by step
Start by playing the right-hand melody slowly until you can play it without pausing. Once the notes feel familiar, add the left-hand bass notes, one by one, to match the rhythm of your melody. Only after you are comfortable with both hands playing together should you try to play at full speed.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ding Dong Merrily on High hard to play?
It is a moderate-level piece. While the melody is catchy and easy to recognize, the tempo is quite energetic, so you should start slowly.
What are the first notes of the melody?
The melody starts with the sequence G G A G, followed by F# E D D, and continues with E F# G G F# G.
Who composed Ding Dong Merrily on High?
The melody comes from a 16th-century French dance collection compiled by the composer and cleric Thoinot Arbeau.
How long does it take to learn this piece?
Most beginners can master the right-hand melody in a few practice sessions. Adding the left-hand accompaniment may take an additional week of consistent practice.
Which finger pattern should I use?
Using a G major hand position works best: thumb (1) on G, index (2) on A, middle (3) on B, ring (4) on C, and pinky (5) on D.
Can I play this without a piano?
Yes, you can use your tablet, computer keyboard, or any MIDI keyboard to play this song for free on the DOLI PIANO web app.
Do I need to read sheet music?
No, you can simply follow the falling notes on the screen which indicate exactly which key to press and which finger to use.
What should I play after this song?
Try other festive classics like Jingle Bells or Deck the Halls to keep practicing your rhythmic timing and coordination.
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