How to Play “Morning Mood” by Grieg on Piano (3 Levels, Free)
Learn Grieg's Morning Mood 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
Beginner
Right hand
Easy
Both hands · simple
Intermediate
Both hands · full
About the piece
Morning Mood is one of the most famous pieces by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, written in 1875 as part of the incidental music for the play Peer Gynt. Its serene and pastoral melody perfectly captures the feeling of a sunrise in the mountains.
It is an ideal piece for beginners because its famous opening theme is slow, spacious, and centered around a few key notes, allowing you to focus on beautiful phrasing and expression.
Which level should you choose?
- Right hand only: the iconic melody alone. Perfect to get familiar with the rhythm and the flow of the notes.
- Both hands, simple: the left hand provides a gentle bass note to anchor the melody. Recommended once you are comfortable with the melody notes.
- Both hands, full chords: the left hand plays richer chords to accompany the melody, capturing the full orchestral feel of the original composition.
Fingering and hand position
Place your right hand so your thumb (1) is near middle C. The melody begins with a gentle movement: G E D C D E, then repeats G E D C D E. The transition continues with D E G E G A E A G E D C.
Keep your hand relaxed. The main challenge is the steady, lyrical flow. Try to keep your fingers close to the keys and use a smooth, connected touch to mimic the flute and oboe sounds of the original version.
Practice tips
- Listen to the recording on the site to internalize the tempo and the calm mood.
- Use the Rhythm mode to slow down the piece until you can hit every note perfectly.
- Practice the right hand until the sequence feels automatic before adding the left hand accompaniment.
- Focus on the quality of sound and keep your wrists loose throughout the performance.
Learn it step by step
Start by identifying the main motif of the melody, which repeats several times in the first half. Master these few notes with your right hand first. Once the melody is steady, introduce the left hand one note at a time, aligning it with the first beat of each measure. Increase the speed gradually until you reach the original flowing tempo.
Frequently asked questions
Is Morning Mood easy to play on piano?
Yes. It is considered a level 1 piece, perfect for beginners because the melody is slow, predictable, and stays within a comfortable range for the hands.
What are the notes of Morning Mood?
The main theme starts with G E D C D E, followed by a repetition of the motif, and leads into the flowing sequence of D E G E G A E A G E D C.
Who composed Morning Mood?
Edvard Grieg composed the piece in 1875 as part of the Peer Gynt suite.
How long does it take to learn Morning Mood on piano?
Because the melody is repetitive, most beginners can learn the right-hand part in a single 20-minute practice session.
Which fingers do you use for Morning Mood?
Since the melody spans a small range, you can keep your hand in a neutral position, using your thumb on C and stretching your fourth or fifth finger to reach the G or A notes comfortably.
Can I play Morning Mood without a piano?
Yes. You can play it for free on DOLI PIANO using your computer keyboard, a tablet, or a MIDI keyboard without needing an account.
Do I need to read sheet music to play it?
No. The falling notes on the screen show you exactly when to press each key, making it easy to learn visually.
What should I play after Morning Mood?
Other calm classical themes or simple five-finger melodies like Minuet in G or other pieces from the romantic era for beginners.
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