PIANUMERO
Easy piano · 8 keys

Handel · Joy to the World easy piano by numbers

George Frideric Handel (theme) and Lowell Mason (arrangement, 1848), words by Isaac Watts (1719) · 19 s · 57 notes · public domain

Joy to the World is easy to play on the piano with numbers. One hand, 8 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.

Handel · Joy to the World piano notes: C B A G F E D C · G A A B B C C C · B A G G F E C C …

The number sheet

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

8C·7B·6A·5G·4F·3E·2D·1C·
5G·6A·6A·7B·7B·8C·8C·8C·
7B·6A·5G·5G·4F·3E·8C·8C·
7B·6A·5G·5G·4F·3E·3E·3E·
3E·3E·3E·4F·5G·4F·3E·2D·
2D·2D·2D·3E·4F·3E·2D·1C·
8C·6A·5G·4F·3E·4F·3E·2D·
1C·

How to play Handel · Joy to the World on the piano

The Christmas carol that opens with a joyful scale falling straight down an octave. It was arranged in 1848 by Lowell Mason from themes of Handel's Messiah. The original is in D major; here it is moved to C major, so it stays on white keys.

This easy version uses 8 keys (all white keys) and the right hand only: 57 notes, about 19 seconds at 126 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
4FF4above middle C
5GG4above middle C
6AA4above middle C
7BB4above middle C
8CC5above middle C

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

Handel · Joy to the World in letter notes

Show the whole song in letter notes, line by line

C B A G F E D C

G A A B B C C C

B A G G F E C C

B A G G F E E E

E E E F G F E D

D D D E F E D C

C A G F E F E D

C

How to read piano letter notes

Questions

How do you play Handel · Joy to the World on the piano, the easy way?

With one hand and 8 keys: put a finger on key 1, C4, and number the keys the song uses from there. Then press the numbers in order: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 (in letter notes: C B A G F E D 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 Handel · Joy to the World?

8 keys, all white keys, played with the right hand: 1 = C, 2 = D, 3 = E, 4 = F, 5 = G, 6 = A, 7 = B, 8 = C.

What are the first notes of Handel · Joy to the World?

In numbers: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1. In letter notes: C B A G F E D C.

Is Handel · Joy to the World free to play and share?

Yes. Handel · Joy to the World is in the public domain (George Frideric Handel (theme) and Lowell Mason (arrangement, 1848), words by Isaac Watts (1719)). 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 1–8 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 126 beats a minute. Most beginners play it through within a few tries; lower the speed with the slider to go slower.

More by George Frideric Handel

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George Frideric Handel, Messiah, HWV 56 (1741)

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Handel · Arrival of the Queen of Sheba

George Frideric Handel, Solomon, HWV 67, Sinfonia “The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” (1748)

Easy9 keys13 s

If you like Joy to the World, try

Ode to Joy

Beethoven, Symphony No. 9 (1824)

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Beethoven · Für Elise

Beethoven, Bagatelle No. 25 WoO 59 (1810)

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Eine kleine Nachtmusik

Mozart, Serenade No. 13 K.525 (1787)

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Can-Can

Offenbach, Orpheus in the Underworld (1858)

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