The xylophone is a classic musical instrument that has been enjoyed by many for centuries. Xylophone songs are easy to learn, making it a great choice for people of all ages and musical backgrounds. Whether you're a complete beginner or a professional musician, there are plenty of easy xylophone songs to get started with. Playing the xylophone involves striking its bars with mallets to produce sound. Beginners usually start by learning how to hold the mallets correctly and strike the bars at the right angle. To play a note, simply strike the corresponding bar with the correct mallet. With practice, players can develop rhythm, timing, and eventually play melodies, harmonies, and even more complex pieces.
1. Mary Had a Little Lamb
This popular nursery rhyme is an excellent song for beginners because it only uses a few notes. The main notes used are C, D, and E. Here are notes so that you can play it below.
D D E E E E D C
Get the full version of Mary Had a Little Lamb here.
2. Tu scendi dalle stelle
Tu scendi dalle stelle is an easy song to play on the xylophone. The melody is simple and repetitive, making it accessible for beginners. The song is also commonly played during the holiday season, so it's a great option to add to your Christmas music repertoire.
3. Happy Birthday
This classic song is a bit more complex than the previous two but still easy enough for beginners. Happy Birthday is one of the easiest songs to play on the xylo.
C C D C F E
C C D C G F
Get the full version of Happy Birthday here.
4. Up On The Housetop
Up On The Housetop is an easy song to play on the xylophone. It consists of simple notes and rhythms that are easy to learn for beginners. This song and its notes are included in our ebook.
5. Row Row Row Your Boat
C C C D E E D E
F G C° C° C° G G G
Get the full version of Row, row, row your boat here.
6. Do Re Mi
Do Re Mi is a relatively easy song to play on the xylophone. It uses simple, repetitive melodies that are easy to remember and follow. The song also has a slow tempo, which allows beginners to play at a comfortable pace without feeling overwhelmed.
7. Fur Elise
E D E D E B D C A C E
Get the full version of Fur Elise here.
8. La cucaracha (in Spanish “The cockroach”)
La Cucaracha is a relatively easy song to play on the xylophone. The song is typically played with a simple melody that beginners can easily learn. The song's rhythm and melody are also relatively simple, making it a good choice for those who are new to playing the xylophone.
C C C F A C C C F
Get the full version of La Cucaracha here.
9. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
C C G G A A G F
F E E D D C G F
Get the full version of twinkle twinkle little star here.
10. Camptown Races
Camptown Races is an easy song to play on the xylophone. It has a simple melody and a repetitive structure that makes it accessible for beginners to learn and practice. To play Camptown Races on the xylophone, you can find the full song in our ebook.
G G E G A G E E D E
Get the full version of Camptown Races here.
11. He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands is generally considered an easy song to play on the xylophone. It features a simple melody with repetitive notes and a slow tempo, making it accessible for beginners. With some practice and patience, beginners can easily learn to play this song on the xylophone.
12. Ode to Joy
E E F G G F E D C C D E
Get the full version of Ode to Joy here.
13. Jingle Bells
Although it is a Christmas song, it is still a fun song to play on the xylophone. The song uses simple notes and is easy to play.
E E E E E E E G C D
Get the full version of Jingle Bells here.
14. The First Noel
E D C D E F G A B C B
Get the full version of the first noel here.
15. When The Saints Go Marching In
When The Saints Go Marching In is generally considered an easy song to play on the xylophone, especially for beginners. The song features a simple melody that is easy to memorize and repetitive patterns that make it easier to play. This one and many others are included in our eBook!
16. You Are My Sunshine
All Things Bright And Beautiful" is an easy song to play on the xylophone. It has a simple melody and repetitive structure that makes it a great choice for beginners.
G C D E E E D E C
Get the full version of you are my sunshine here.
17. London Bridge
G A G F E F G
Get the full version of London Bridge here.
18. Frère Jacques
Frère Jacques is a relatively easy song to play on the xylophone. It is a classic French nursery rhyme that uses only a few notes and is often one of the first songs that beginners learn on the instrument. With its simple melody and repetitive structure, it is a great song for practicing basic xylophone techniques such as hand placement, mallet control, and tempo.
Get the full version of Frere Jacques here.
19. Hot Cross Buns
E D C E D C
Get the full version of Hot Cross Buns here.
20. Brahms Lullaby
E E G E E G E G C B
Get the full version of Brahms Lullaby here.
The Only Xylophone Guide You’ll Ever Need!
The Complete Glockenspiel Player eBook is a 40-page resource designed for all skill levels, featuring playing tips, rhythm exercises, chord charts, and 20 popular songs. This all-in-one guide helps you learn both basic and advanced techniques with step-by-step instructions and practice tips. Save time with instant access to a quality-checked printable PDF and improve your skills quickly with expert guidance. Your purchase helps us create more tutorials, thank you for supporting our music community!
Download the Complete Glockenspiel Player here.
Xylophone (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are some tips for learning the xylophone?
Learn the note layout first, use beginner sheet music with finger numbers, and practice slowly with a steady rhythm. Focus on accuracy before speed, then gradually increase tempo as your confidence and control improve.
