How to play Royals by Lorde with letter notes
Lorde’s “Royals” has a spacious, steady sound that makes it a good choice for beginner piano players. The melody moves at a manageable pace, while the repeated accompaniment gives you time to find each key without rushing. With letter notes, you can begin playing the recognisable tune before learning traditional staff notation.
This guide uses a simplified approach for piano or keyboard. You will learn how to find the arrangement, organise your hands, practise the melody, and add simple bass notes or chords. Whether you are playing in a Sydney bedroom, a Melbourne flat, or during the school holidays in Brisbane, a basic keyboard and a few focused minutes can take you a long way.
Find the right letter-note arrangement
Start by opening the Piano Letters home page and searching for “Royals” by Lorde. A letter-note arrangement replaces staff notation with names such as A, B, C, D, E, F and G. If a sharp or flat is needed, it may appear beside the letter, depending on the format used by the arrangement.
Check that you have selected the correct song and artist before you begin. Several songs may share similar titles, and an arrangement can sometimes be written in a different key from the recording. That is perfectly acceptable for learning. A transposed version may use easier notes while preserving the shape and character of the melody.
Keep the page open on a phone, tablet or laptop beside the keyboard. Australian learners often practise with a compact digital piano after work or with headphones on while others are watching television. If your device keeps going to sleep, copy a short phrase onto paper so you can keep your attention on the keys.
Set up your hands and keyboard
Find middle C before playing. On most keyboards, it is the white key immediately to the left of a group of two black keys, roughly near the centre of the instrument. Use your right hand for the main melody first, placing one finger over each nearby white key. You do not need to force your fingers into a formal position if that makes the first attempt uncomfortable.
The tune of “Royals” has a calm, speech-like quality, so relaxed movement matters more than speed. Keep your wrist loose and let each finger lift naturally after playing. If a phrase moves slightly beyond your starting position, shift the whole hand rather than stretching hard between distant keys.
For the accompaniment, begin with single bass notes in the left hand. A simplified version commonly centres on D, C and G, though the exact chord pattern depends on the arrangement and key. Play one low root note at a time while your right hand learns the melody. This creates a musical foundation without making the task too demanding.
Learn the melody in small phrases
Do not try to memorise the entire song at once. Divide the letter notes into short phrases of roughly four to eight notes. Read one phrase, play it slowly, then repeat it until your hand begins to remember the shape. Pause briefly between phrases, as if you were taking a breath while singing.
The opening is especially useful for building confidence because the vocal line is clear and the backing is restrained. Play each note with an even touch, then listen for the natural rise and fall of the phrase. Letter notation tells you which key to press, but your timing and note length are what make the melody sound recognisable.
Once the first phrase feels comfortable, connect it to the next one without stopping. If you lose your place, return to the beginning of the current phrase rather than restarting the entire song. This approach works well during a short practice session on a weekday evening or on a rainy afternoon in Hobart.
Add rhythm, bass and simple chords
The recording has a strong pulse, but beginners often play too quickly because they are concentrating on the letters. Count slowly and evenly, using “one, two, three, four” if that helps. A metronome set at a comfortable tempo can keep the beat steady. Increase the speed only after you can play the notes accurately several times in a row.
When the right-hand melody is reliable, add left-hand root notes at the start of each chord change. Later, you can turn those roots into simple triads. For example, a D major chord uses D, F-sharp and A; a C major chord uses C, E and G; and a G major chord uses G, B and D. If the arrangement uses a different key, follow its displayed notes instead of forcing these chords into the song.
Avoid playing every chord loudly. “Royals” depends on space, so a soft left hand and a slightly clearer right hand will usually sound better than heavy, constant pressing. Digital keyboards with a built-in rhythm function can be useful, but leave the rhythm feature off at first so it does not distract you from the letter notes.
Make the arrangement sound musical
After learning the notes, focus on consistency. Play the melody three times at a slow tempo, aiming for the same starting point, rhythm and volume each time. Then record a short section on your phone. Listening back can reveal uneven pauses or missed notes that are difficult to notice while your eyes are fixed on the keyboard.
If you enjoy learning modern songs, you can use the same method with Another Love letter notes or explore the arrangement for California Dreamin’. Each song helps you practise a different musical skill: steady repetition, moving between hand positions, or following a longer melodic line.
For “Royals”, the most important expressive detail is restraint. Leave small gaps where the melody suggests them, keep repeated notes controlled, and allow the final note of a phrase to fade naturally. You do not need an expensive instrument or advanced theory to make the piece enjoyable. A basic 61-key keyboard, a sustain pedal used sparingly, and regular practice are enough to develop a convincing beginner performance.
Save a version of the letter notes that is easy to read, then practise for ten minutes at a time. Begin with the melody, add the bass notes when ready, and finish by playing along with the recording at a reduced speed. With steady repetition, you can turn a page of letters into a relaxed piano version of Lorde’s “Royals”.
Open the arrangement, find middle C, and play the first short phrase today. Keep the tempo comfortable, celebrate clean repetitions, and gradually build the song section by section until the full performance feels natural under your fingers.
