Estimated reading time 3 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Are you new to playing piano? Do you want (or do you want your child) to learn an easy version of the song? Written in 1939, The Wheels on the Bus is a beloved children’s standard that’s had popular staying power. Keep reading to learn how to play The Wheels on the Bus – easy piano version.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission from purchases made through the links. I’ll only recommend products I use, use in lessons, or ones my students or colleagues have recommended.
How to Play The Wheels on the Bus – Easy Piano Version: The Video
To help you, I’ve included a play-along video.
- When you watch the video, you’ll notice that colored shapes descend from the top of the screen down to the bottom where the video keyboard sits.
- This’ll help you anticipate when to play the notes.
- If the shape is longer, you’ll hold the notes for longer and vice versa.
- Notice that the colored shapes have note labels on them. This’ll help you learn the names of the piano keys.
- Click on the gear icon (settings) to change the playback speed if you need to follow along with the video at a slower tempo.
If you already know how to read music because you play another instrument, this easy sheet music book will help you learn the song.
How to Play The Wheels on the Bus – Easy Piano Version: How Do I Play the Rhythm Accurately?
Usually, you’d learn the rhythm from your sheet music.
- However, if you don’t know how to read music at all, you can grease the wheels (pun intended) by singing the song as you play.
- If you can sing the words in time, this’ll help you play in time.
- In fact, many ear-oriented players just follow along with the music playing inside their heads.
Click this link to view The Wheels on the Bus lyrics.
The following posts show you how to count rhythm.
How to Play The Wheels on the Bus – Easy Piano Version: Which Fingers Should I Use?
Organizing Your Fingers
- The song The Wheels on the Bus spans an octave from C to C.
- If you place both thumbs on the central F, the other fingers on your right hand (RH) and left hand (LH) will cover the notes you’ll need.
- See the hand icons above and cross reference them with the piano keyboard diagram below.
Mobile users: for best results reading the example, rotate your screen 90o to the right.
Fingering on the Right Hand
- Thumb (#1) on F
- Pointer (#2) on G
- Middle (#3) on A
- Ring (#4) on B
- Pinky (#5) on C
Fingering on the Left Hand
- Thumb (#1) on F
- Pointer (#2) on E
- Middle (#3) on D
- Ring (#4) on middle C
Once you get your hands in position, you’re ready to play along with the video.
Video: The Wheels on the Bus
If you’re interested in learning how to play piano, the following links show you the piano books that I use when I teach piano lessons (sorted by age).
Ages 4-6
Ages 5-7
Ages 8-10
Ages 10-12
Teens and Adults
Final Thoughts
Takeaway points:
- In the video, the colored shapes descend from the top of the screen down to the bottom where the video keyboard sits. This will help you anticipate when to play the notes.
- If you place both thumbs on the central F, the other fingers on your right hand (RH) and left hand (LH) will cover the notes you’ll need.
- Once you’ve got your hands in position, you can play along with the video.
Have fun playing!
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