How to Play “London Bridge Is Falling Down” on Piano (3 Levels, Free)
Learn the traditional nursery rhyme London Bridge Is Falling Down on piano: listen to the beginner, easy and intermediate versions, then play with falling notes in your browser.
Listen and play: 3 levels
Beginner
Right hand
Easy
Both hands · simple
Intermediate
Both hands · full
About the piece
London Bridge Is Falling Down is a world-famous traditional English nursery rhyme. Its origins are uncertain, with many historians linking the lyrics to the various historical destructions of the actual London Bridge in the city of London.
It is an excellent piece for beginners because the melody is catchy, repetitive, and uses a very limited range of notes. The melody relies on a playful rhythm that makes it a perfect entry point for mastering basic piano coordination.
Which level should you choose?
- Right hand only: the melody alone, ideal for learning the notes and the rhythm of the tune.
- Both hands, simple: the left hand adds a single steady note to mark the beat while you play the melody with the right.
- Both hands, full chords: the left hand plays chords to provide a fuller, more harmonic accompaniment to the melody.
Fingering and hand position
Place your right hand so your thumb starts near middle C. The melody uses a range from C to A. The sequence starts with G A G F E F G, followed by D E F E F G. The final part repeats the beginning G A G F E F G and finishes with D G E C.
Keep your fingers relaxed and curved. Since the melody spans several notes, you will need to shift your hand slightly or use all five fingers effectively to cover the range from C to A without stretching awkwardly.
Practice tips
- Listen to the demo version a few times to internalize the rhythm.
- Start in Rhythm mode at a slow speed, such as 50 percent, to ensure your fingers hit the right keys.
- Focus on one phrase at a time, specifically the transitions between the middle sections.
- Keep your eyes on the falling notes on the screen rather than looking down at your fingers.
Learn it step by step
To learn this song, start by playing the melody with your right hand alone until you can play it without pausing. Once you are comfortable with the notes, practice the melody slowly at a steady tempo. Next, introduce the left hand by playing only the first beat of each measure. Finally, combine both hands together and gradually increase the speed until you reach the original tempo.
Frequently asked questions
Is London Bridge Is Falling Down easy to play on piano?
Yes. It is a beginner-friendly piece with a simple melody and a repetitive structure that is perfect for those new to the piano.
What are the notes of London Bridge Is Falling Down?
The main melody starts with G A G F E F G, D E F E F G, followed by the repeat of the first phrase and a final ending of D G E C.
Who composed London Bridge Is Falling Down?
It is a traditional English nursery rhyme, so the composer is unknown.
How long does it take to learn London Bridge Is Falling Down on piano?
Most beginners can learn the right-hand melody in one practice session of about 15 minutes. Mastering the two-hand version may take a few more days.
Which fingers do you use for London Bridge Is Falling Down?
Use a standard five-finger position, starting with your thumb near C or D, allowing your fingers to cover the range from C to A comfortably.
Can I play London Bridge Is Falling Down without a piano?
Yes. You can use your computer keyboard, a tablet, or a MIDI keyboard to play it on DOLI PIANO for free without needing an account.
Do I need to read sheet music to play it?
No. DOLI PIANO uses falling notes to show you exactly which keys to press, allowing you to play immediately without prior music theory knowledge.
What should I play after London Bridge Is Falling Down?
You can try other classic children's songs like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star or Mary Had a Little Lamb to continue developing your finger independence.
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