PIANUMERO
Easy piano · 6 keys

Traditional · Molly Malone easy piano by numbers

Traditional Irish song (19th century), also known as Cockles and Mussels · 26 s · 48 notes · public domain

Molly Malone is easy to play on the piano with numbers. One hand, 6 keys, about 26 seconds: press the numbers in order, as they light up, and the lesson waits for you. Free, no account needed.

▶ Play it now

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

Traditional · Molly Malone piano notes: G C C C C E C D · D D D F D E D C · G F E E D D D G …

The number sheet

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

1G·2C·2C·2C·2C·4E·2C·3D·
3D·3D·3D·5F·3D·4E·3D·2C·
6G·5F·4E·4E·3D·3D·3D·1G·
1G·2C·2C·2C·2C·4E·2C·3D·
3D·3D·3D·5F·3D·3D·4E·6G·
5F·4E·6G·5F·4E·2C·3D·2C·

How to play Traditional · Molly Malone on the piano

The unofficial anthem of Dublin, the story of a fishmonger who sold cockles and mussels from her barrow. The tune is a gentle waltz, here with the verse and the refrain. It is usually written in G major; this version is moved to C major, so it stays on white keys.

This easy version uses 6 keys (all white keys) and the right hand only: 48 notes, about 26 seconds at 120 BPM in 3/4 time. It has no words.

  1. Find key 1: G3 (below middle C). The other numbers go up from there, to the next key the song uses.
  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
1GG3below middle C
2CC4middle C
3DD4above middle C
4EE4above middle C
5FF4above middle C
6GG4above middle C

Traditional · Molly Malone in letter notes

Show the whole song in letter notes, line by line

G C C C C E C D

D D D F D E D C

G F E E D D D G

G C C C C E C D

D D D F D D E G

F E G F E C D C

Questions

How do you play Traditional · Molly Malone on the piano, the easy way?

With one hand and 6 keys: put a finger on key 1, G3, and number the keys the song uses from there. Then press the numbers in order: 1 2 2 2 2 4 2 3 (in letter notes: G C C C C E C D). The whole song lasts about 26 seconds; the lesson on this page shows the next key and waits for you.

How many keys do I need for Traditional · Molly Malone?

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

What are the first notes of Traditional · Molly Malone?

In numbers: 1 2 2 2 2 4 2 3. In letter notes: G C C C C E C D.

Is Traditional · Molly Malone free to play and share?

Yes. Traditional · Molly Malone is in the public domain (Traditional Irish song (19th century), also known as Cockles and Mussels). 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 1–6 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 26 seconds at 120 beats a minute. Most beginners play it through within a few tries; lower the speed with the slider to go slower.

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