Learn to Play ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon on Piano – Easy Tutorial and Chords PDF

John Lennon Imagine - by the mic

Discover how to play ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon, one of the most iconic songs in history.

On this page, you’ll find everything you need to master this timeless piece on piano, including a free video tutorial, chord sheet PDF, and links to sheet music.

Whether you’re a fan of John Lennon or simply love the beauty of this song, this guide will help you play ‘Imagine’ on your piano or keyboard – step by step.

In other words – if you are ready to get the best collective info about how to play John Lennon ‘Imagine’ on piano – you’ve come to the right place. Take a look at all the peace, love and goodies you will find here:

Take a good look at this list of in-depht information you will get – for free – on this page:

  1. ‘Imagine’ Piano Chords and Lyrics Chart – Free PDF Download
  2. Video Tutorial: This is how to Play ‘Imagine’ on Piano – Nice, Slow and Thorough
  3. ‘Imagine’ Piano Sheet Music. Best links for free downloads. Several Levels Available
  4. Play Smarter: More info on the key and chords used in the song. Chart of Related Chords in the Same Musical Key as ‘Imagine’
  5. Free Online Webinar: “Piano in 3 Weeks” – Learn these skills once – apply them over and over again – on ANY pop or rock song YOU choose to learn in the future. 
  6. Imagine’ Lyrics with Chords – Sing and Play – right here on this page
  7. Additional Information About Imagine (song) and John Lennon (composer)

 

1. ‘Imagine’ Piano Chords and Lyrics Chart – Free PDF Download

Piano Chord Chart for Imagine: Follow along with the chords and lyrics as you play.

Free PDF Download – CLICK HERE to download your copy

 

2. Video Tutorial: This is how to Play ‘Imagine’ on Piano – Nice, Slow and Thorough

Watch our easy-to-follow video tutorial and learn how to play Imagine on piano.
Perfect for beginners and intermediate players!

Start and Stop the video. Learn how to play ‘Imagine’ on the piano – at your own pace

 

3. Printable ‘Imagine’ Easy Piano Sheet Music with Vocal Line – Free PDF Download

Free PDF Download – CLICK HERE to download your copy

 

4. Play Smarter: More info on the key and chords used in the song.
Chart of Related Chords in the Same Musical Key as ‘Imagine’

Imagine is written in the key of C major, making it an accessible choice for piano players. Let’s get a better understanding of what chords are used.

When you first listen to ‘Imagine’ the piano playing appears to be slow and quite easy. But actually the song uses a mixture of both 3-note chords (Triads) and 4-note chords (Tetrads).

John Lennon also plays a few small melody lines in between some of the chords. This in turn can cause a chord to change from a 3-note chord, to a 4-note chord. The most recognisable melody line is the semi-chromatic ‘walk’ at the end of the first three lines of singing.

This line uses the notes A – A# – B – D (first three notes are chromatic – then jumping to the last note D). The song ‘Imagine’ simply wouldn’t be the same without this small ascending line.

Below you will find a table of all the 3- and 4-note chords that naturally belongs to the musical key of C. ‘Imagine’ is played using chords from this family. However – there are some chords that differ from what you find in the table:

  1. The chord Cadd9 (pronounced: C add nine). The Cadd9 chord is a 4-note chord that consists of the notes C – E – G – D (where the note D is the ninth step on the C major scale). Lennon plays this chord as the end of the ascending line we just talked about. Remember – the line ended on the note D.
  2. The Slash-chord. You will find the slash-chord a couple of times when playing ‘Imagine’ on your piano. We’ll look at just one example. You will encounter the slash-chord Am/E (pronounced A minor slash E). A slash-chord means that the first letter you see (above the slash) is the chord you should be playing (in your right hand). The next letter you see (beneath the slash) is an alternative bass-note. This bass-note will typically be played by your left hand. This means that you in reality is playing an Aminor chord – with an E bass-note.
  3. The E major chord. If you look at the table, you will see that the third degree of the C major scale has the chord Em (E minor). In ‘Imagine’ you will be playing the E(major) chord instead of the Em (E minor) chord. This is called a chord variation – and is very commonly used. You simply get a variation of the sound while playing the respective step on the scale.

I hope you found this additional information useful.

Pro-tip:
You will always get value from practising all the chords on a respective scale. In this case you should practise both the 3-note chords and the 4-note chords.

 

Scale Degree Chord Name (Triad) Notes (Triad) Chord Name (Four-Note Chord) Notes (Four-Note Chord)
1 C C – E – G Cmaj7 C – E – G – B
2 Dm D – F – A Dm7 D – F – A – C
3 Em E – G – B Em7 E – G – B – D
4 F F – A – C Fmaj7 F – A – C – E
5 G G – B – D G7 G – B – D – F
6 Am A – C – E Am7 A – C – E – G
7 Bdim B – D – F Bm7b5 B – D – F – A

 

5. Free Online Webinar: “Piano in 3 Weeks” – Learn these skills once – apply them over and over again – on ANY pop or rock song YOU choose to learn in the future.

So – Now you’ve learned to play the classic ‘Imagine’. But how about learning a few simple skills that will allow you to play ANY song of your choice in the future? Sign up for my free online webinar – like right now!

Learn to play ALL your favorite pop and rock songs on the piano in just 3 weeks.
No need for sheet music or tiresome theory.
Learn this method once – and use it again and again on any song you want to learn.

This is truly learning piano the fun, the fast and the inspired way!

Sign Up for your Free Online Webinar – Click Here!

 

6. Imagine’ Lyrics with Chords – Sing and Play – right here on this page

[Intro]

| C, C, C, Cmaj7 | F |
| C, C, C, Cmaj7 | F |

[Verse 1]

C                        Cmaj7 F
  Imagine there’s no      heaven

C                 Cmaj7   F
  It’s easy if you       try

C           Cmaj7    F

 No hell below us

C                Cmaj7 F
  Above us only      sky

[Bridge 1]

F             Am/E   Dm7    F/C
 Imagine all  the people

G            C/G   G7
Living for to – day a-hah

[Verse 2]

C                     Cmaj7  F
 Imagine there’s no      countries

C                  Cmaj7  F
  It isn’t hard to         do

C                     Cmaj7   F
 Nothing to kill or      die for

C                 Cmaj7  F
  And no religion      too

[Bridge 2]

F               Am/E   Dm7     F/C
   Imagine all the  people

G              C/G G7
Living life in      peace – you-hou-hou-ou-ou

[Chorus]

F               G           C            Cmaj7  E  E7
  You may say I’m a dreamer

F              G                C     Cmaj7  E  E7
   But I’m not the only one

F                    G             C        Cmaj7  E  E7
  I hope some day you’ll join us

F              G            C
  And the world will be as one

[Verse 3]

C                Cmaj7  F
  Imagine no pos – sessions

C                  Cmaj7   F
  I wonder if you        can

C                        Cmaj7  F
 No need for greed or      hunger

C                    Cmaj7      F
 A brotherhood of           man

[Bridge 3]

F              Am/E  Dm7   F/C
  Imagine all the people

G               C/G G7
Sharing all the world – you-hou-hou-ou

[Chorus]

F               G            C         Cmaj7  E  E7
  You may say I’m a dreamer

F              G                C     Cmaj7  E  E7
   But I’m not the only one

F                    G            C        Cmaj7  E  E7
  I hope some day you’ll join us

F             G            C
 And the world will live as one

7. Additional Information About Imagine (song) and John Lennon (composer)

The Timeless Legacy of “Imagine”

John Lennon by the piano playing Imagine songJohn Lennon’s “Imagine” is more than just a song—it’s a global anthem of hope and peace. Released in 1971, this masterpiece has inspired millions with its dream of a world united. Fans around the world continue to search for terms like “Imagine song John Lennon” and “John Lennon Imagine meaning” to dive deeper into its timeless message.

The Story Behind “Imagine”

“Imagine” was the title track of John Lennon’s 1971 album Imagine. Its powerful lyrics encourage listeners to imagine a world without barriers—no countries, no religion, and no possessions. Many people search for “John Lennon Imagine lyrics” to reflect on these iconic words, which challenge us to consider what peace and unity could look like.

John Lennon himself described the song as “virtually the Communist Manifesto,” but in a non-violent, hopeful way. Its message remains as relevant today as it was over 50 years ago.

Is “Imagine” a Beatles Song?

One common question is whether “Imagine” is a Beatles song. While John Lennon wrote it after The Beatles broke up, some fans still associate it with the band. Searches like “Imagine song Beatles” reflect this confusion. The track was actually part of Lennon’s solo career and became the centerpiece of the Imagine album, which features other introspective songs.

Why “Imagine” Is a Must-Play Song for Pianists

“Imagine” is a favorite for piano players due to its elegant simplicity. The song is written in the key of C major, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Searches for “Imagine piano sheet” or “Imagine piano chords” highlight the song’s popularity among musicians.

If you’re learning piano, this song offers the perfect mix of accessibility and emotional depth. Simplified versions, often found under searches like “Imagine piano easy” or “Imagine piano sheet music pdf”, make it even easier to get started.

Learning to Play Imagine on Piano

Playing “Imagine” on piano is a rewarding experience. Many look for tutorials under terms like “Imagine piano tutorial” or “John Lennon imagine piano sheet music”. The song’s flowing melody and soothing tempo and overall feeling makes it ideal for building confidence as a pianist.

The Meaning of “Imagine”

One of the most searched-for questions is “John Lennon Imagine meaning”. The song’s message is deeply philosophical, encouraging listeners to picture a utopian world. Lennon envisioned a society without divisions, greed, or war—a theme that resonates universally.

The lyrics also touch on themes of human connection and equality, making it a timeless anthem for those longing for peace. For fans interested in understanding more, searches like “John Lennon Imagine words” and “Imagine Lennon album” provide insights into the song’s origins and legacy.

“Imagine” as a Cultural Phenomenon

Over the decades, “Imagine” has become a cultural icon. It’s been performed at countless events and covered by artists worldwide. Lennon’s rendition, coupled with its universal themes, has cemented the song’s place in history.

If you’re looking to honor Lennon’s vision, playing the song is a great way to connect with its message. By searching for “Imagine music sheet” or “Imagine music notes”, you can bring this classic to life on your own piano.

FAQs About “Imagine”

•Who wrote “Imagine”?

“Imagine” was written by John Lennon, with some inspiration and conceptual input from his wife, Yoko Ono.

•Can beginners play “Imagine” on piano?

Yes! The song’s tempo and relative simplicity makes it accessible for beginners. Many search for “Imagine piano easy” or “Imagine piano chords” to get started.

Where can I find sheet music for “Imagine”?

Searching for “Imagine music sheet pdf” or “John Lennon imagine piano sheet music” will lead you to downloadable versions of the sheet music. But then again – you’ve already found most of it on this page – yeah.

Famous Last Words from the me: A Song That Inspires Generations

“Imagine” by John Lennon continues to inspire millions with its universal message of peace and hope. Whether you’re learning it on piano, analyzing its lyrics, or simply listening to its soothing melody, the song has something for everyone.

Bring the beauty of “Imagine” into your own life—on the piano, in your thoughts, or as part of your personal journey toward peace.

I’m Niels Andersen – at PianoChordCharts.net – see you soon!