Rhythm Style Piano
First chords, rhythm patterns, real songs from Day 1. Best opening book for beginners.
Independent Review · Updated 2026
A detailed breakdown of every book in the Pianoforall curriculum — what's in each, what you'll learn, what we liked, and what could be better.
COURSE VERDICT: 4.8/5. Pianoforall's 10-book curriculum is the most complete self-teaching piano system available at any price. Minor production quality issues don't detract from the excellent teaching content.
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We went through every book in the curriculum. Here's what each one delivers, plus the honest verdict on its strengths and limitations.
First chords, rhythm patterns, real songs from Day 1. Best opening book for beginners.
Left hand techniques and blues structure. Short but effective.
Chord inversions and cycle of fifths. Transforms basic playing into musical playing.
Deep chord theory. Can feel dry, but essential for serious players.
9ths, 11ths, and suspended chords with Beatles styling. Excellent.
Step-by-step ballad composition. A personal favorite.
Jazz voicings and improvisation. An excellent introduction.
Deep blues technique. Best blues content in any beginner course.
The weakest book. Good introduction, but not for serious classical study.
Scales, arpeggios, and technical exercises. Well-presented.
Overall assessment: Books 1, 3, 6, and 8 are the standouts. Book 9 is the only genuine weak point, but it doesn't undermine the value of the complete curriculum.
| Course | Price | Method | Feedback | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teaching QualityBEST VALUE | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 5/5 | Clear, practical instruction | Excellent |
| Value for MoneyBEST VALUE | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 5/5 | $49 one-time + lifetime access | Outstanding |
| Content DepthBEST VALUE | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 5/5 | 10 books, 300+ videos | Comprehensive |
| Production Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4/5 | Some older video quality | Very good |
| Beginner-FriendlinessBEST VALUE | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 5/5 | Zero assumed knowledge | Excellent |
| OverallBEST VALUE | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.8/5 | Best self-teaching system | Top pick |
Ready to try the chord-first method risk-free?
"I tried Flowkey for 6 months and kept quitting. With Pianoforall I was playing real songs in the first week. The chord method just clicked for me. Best $49 I've spent."
Sarah M., 42, Teacher
"I'd always wanted to play piano but thought I was too old to start. Robin Hall's teaching style is patient and clear. Now I play every evening. The blues books especially are fantastic."
James T., 55, Engineer
"I was about to pay $1,200 for private lessons when I found Pianoforall. $49 for a lifetime course that actually teaches you to play by ear? It's a no-brainer. Three months in and I can improvise."
Rachel K., 31, Designer
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No. Many students focus on the books relevant to their musical interests, such as Blues and Jazz, and skip Classical. The books are self-contained enough to use selectively.
At 20-30 minutes per day, most students work through all 10 books in 6-12 months. Lifetime access means there's no rush.
Book 1 (Rhythm Style Piano). It's specifically designed as the entry point with zero assumed knowledge.