PIANUMERO
Easy piano · 3 keys

Hot Cross Buns easy piano by numbers

Traditional English nursery rhyme (street cry, 18th century) · 19 s · 34 notes · public domain

Hot Cross Buns is easy to play on the piano with numbers. One hand, 3 keys, about 19 seconds: press the numbers in order, as they light up, and the lesson waits for you. Free, no account needed.

▶ Play it now

On paper: the 25 easiest songs, in a printable book · 2 songs free to print

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The interactive lesson needs JavaScript. Meanwhile, here is the whole song in numbers.

Hot Cross Buns piano notes: E D C E D C C C · C C D D D D E D · C E D C E D C C …

The number sheet

The whole song, in numbers. Print it, or put it on your piano.

3E·2D·1C·3E·2D·1C·1C·1C·
1C·1C·2D·2D·2D·2D·3E·2D·
1C·3E·2D·1C·3E·2D·1C·1C·
1C·1C·1C·2D·2D·2D·2D·3E·
2D·1C·

How to play Hot Cross Buns on the piano

The English street cry turned nursery rhyme, three notes going down and back up, then a quick run of repeated notes. It is already in C major, so it needs only white keys and works as a first tune for a beginner.

This easy version uses 3 keys (all white keys) and the right hand only: 34 notes, about 19 seconds at 100 BPM in 4/4 time. It has no words.

  1. Find key 1: C4 (middle C). The other numbers go up from there, one white key each.
  2. Press ▶ Listen to hear the song while the numbers light up.
  3. Press 🎹 Play it and play the numbers in order; an arrow shows the next key, and the lesson waits for you.
  4. Want the rhythm too? Press 🌧 Falling notes: each note falls onto its key, and its length shows how long to hold it (how falling notes work).
  5. Finish the song for up to three stars — fewer mistakes, more stars.

The keys

NumberNoteKeyWhere
1CC4middle C
2DD4above middle C
3EE4above middle C

New to numbers? How piano numbers work · Where is middle C? · Know do re mi? The same keys in do re mi

Hot Cross Buns in letter notes

Show the whole song in letter notes, line by line

E D C E D C C C

C C D D D D E D

C E D C E D C C

C C C D D D D E

D C

How to read piano letter notes

Questions

How do you play Hot Cross Buns on the piano, the easy way?

With one hand and 3 keys: put a finger on key 1, C4, and number the keys the song uses from there. Then press the numbers in order: 3 2 1 3 2 1 1 1 (in letter notes: E D C E D C C C). The whole song lasts about 19 seconds; the lesson on this page shows the next key and waits for you.

How many keys do I need for Hot Cross Buns?

3 keys, all white keys, played with the right hand: 1 = C, 2 = D, 3 = E.

What are the first notes of Hot Cross Buns?

In numbers: 3 2 1 3 2 1 1 1. In letter notes: E D C E D C C C.

Is Hot Cross Buns free to play and share?

Yes. Hot Cross Buns is in the public domain (Traditional English nursery rhyme (street cry, 18th century)). This easy arrangement, its number sheet and its MIDI file are free to use and share for learning.

Can I play it without a piano?

Yes: tap the keys on the page on a phone or tablet, or press the numbers 1–3 on a computer keyboard. The lesson waits for the right key and shows the next one.

How long does it take to learn?

The whole song lasts 19 seconds at 100 beats a minute. Most beginners play it through within a few tries; lower the speed with the slider to go slower.

If you like Hot Cross Buns, try

Mary Had a Little Lamb

American nursery rhyme

Very easy4 keys35 s

Old MacDonald Had a Farm

English nursery rhyme

Very easy5 keys32 s

Happy Birthday

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Easy8 keys36 s

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

French melody, English nursery rhyme

Easy6 keys29 s

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