Whether you’re new to the realm of six strings or you’re a bit out of practice after a prolonged hiatus from playing, there’s nothing quite like a captivating song to immerse you in the musical rhythm.
We’ve put together a collection of 27 easy guitar songs for beginners, allowing you to concentrate on honing your techniques without getting overwhelmed by scales and theory.
Short on time?
Below are our top five picks for simple guitar songs that are ideal for beginners:
1. “Free Fallin” by Tom Petty
2. “My Generation” by The Who
3. “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath
4. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
5. “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi
We’ve selected these songs for specific reasons
You might be curious about the criteria for a suitable “beginner” song. The answer lies in its:
- Chord selections
- Riff difficulty
- Tempo/rhythm/strumming patterns
- Transitions between chords/notes
We’ve opted for popular songs that encompass a range of chords, tempos, and genres to maintain diversity throughout the list. Additionally, we’ve included a blend of acoustic and electric songs.
Your approach to practicing each song is entirely up to you. Whether you prefer to master the primary chords for singing along or delve deeper into improvising fills and solos to enhance your music, the choice is yours.
Basic chords you need to know
In straightforward terms, a chord is formed by playing a group of notes simultaneously. In the realm of guitar terminology, there are two main types of chords: open chords and barre (pronounced ‘bar’) chords.
- Open chords are played near the nut (headstock of the guitar), allowing some strings to ring openly without pressing down any frets.
- On the other hand, barre chords don’t include any open strings, enabling them to be shifted along the guitar neck, altering the pitch of the chord.
In terms of difficulty, open chords are generally easier, as they don’t require holding down multiple strings with one finger or extensive finger stretching.
Some good ones to start with in the open position are C, D, E, and G.
These diagrams depict the guitar neck, with dots on the grid indicating which fingers (1 for index, 2 for middle, 3 for ring, and 4 for pinky) to place on specific frets. Dots at the top indicate the strings to be played, while others are left muted.
Feeling creative? Use a capo, such as the Fender Dragon, to shift chords higher up the neck, creating intriguing key changes!
27 Easy guitar songs perfect for beginners
1. “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath
Lift your fists of rock in homage to “Paranoid,” undeniably one of the most iconic metal anthems ever created.
Commencing with two robust strums of an E power chord positioned on the 7th fret, you’ll immediately embrace the sensation of a rock deity. This potent chord sets the stage for a captivating hammer-on riff in the same position, accompanied by E, A, and D power chords delivered in a resolute down-picked manner.
Attune your ears to the song’s rhythm, and in no time, you’ll find yourself grooving to the timeless beats of one of the most iconic tunes from the ’70s.
2. “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi
Requires a capo on 1st fret.
A heartfelt composition by the Scottish artist Lewis Capaldi, this song is perfect for both strumming and singing. The chords involved are C, G, Am, and F.
You can opt for a slow and steady strumming pattern to capture the emotional essence of the song. Alternatively, for a more advanced approach, consider fingerpicking the individual strings to infuse a melodic quality into your performance.
As the song progresses, you’ll encounter variations of the fundamental chords. Not to worry, though! These modifications are quite simple to execute. In the bridge section, you’ll encounter Am7 and Dm7, requiring only slight adjustments from the standard open chords.
3. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
A lively and iconic riff that transports you to the American South, this sequence revolves around open chord shapes, specifically D, C, and G. If you’re familiar with these chords, you’ll quickly grasp the riff.
The riff isn’t overly intricate, and the more you practice it, the quicker and more ‘twangy’ your playing will become.
Maintain your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the B string, and the other fingers will naturally fall into the C and G chord shapes. The key to mastering it is to play along with the song, closely matching the rhythm and picking style of Skynyrd.
Since the riff concludes where it begins, it’s a breeze to loop and play repeatedly! Rest assured, with practice, you’ll find yourself effortlessly playing this riff in no time.
4. “Free Fallin” by Tom Petty
Requires a capo on 3rd fret.
A song covered by various artists over the years, including the influential John Mayer, features a straightforward chord progression that you can easily master and sing along to.
Place a capo on the 3rd fret, and you’ll be using open D, A, and E chords, with the occasional Dsus4 chord to add some variation. Don’t worry, as Dsus4 is essentially a D chord with your pinky on the 3rd fret instead of the 2nd.
Whether you’re playing on an acoustic or electric guitar (consider adding a touch of crunch for a classic rock tone), you’ll be embracing the classic rock vibe in no time with this timeless hit.
5. “My Generation” by The Who
Remarkably simple to play and a blast to rock out to, “My Generation” is composed of just two chords: G and F. Play them as power chords to achieve that robust rock sound and unleash your powerful vocals during the pauses.
This ’60s classic, known for its bass solo, provides an excellent opportunity for you to insert your own improvisations during Pete Townshend’s guitar fills.
It serves as an ideal song for honing your soloing skills, as the rhythm and chords are not overly complex, making it accessible for players looking to develop their improvisational techniques.
6. “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals
“House Of The Rising Sun” is centered around Am, C, D, E, and F chords. Rather than strumming them conventionally, the key to capturing the bluesy and somber tone of the song is to pick each note of the chord, ascending and descending in pitch.
As the song progresses, you’ll encounter a C/E chord, a C chord with an E note as the bass note. It’s straightforward to play, just a slight deviation from the typical open chord structure.
Additionally, there are E7 and F7 chords, introducing 7th notes from the scale. These are simple variations of the open chords and appear once or twice in the song to infuse tension into specific lines. Mastering these nuances will enhance your rendition of this classic piece.
7. “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus
If you’re in the mood for a bit of two-step, the lively and spirited song from the mullet-sporting Billy Ray Cyrus, “Achy Breaky Heart,” is just the ticket.
This robust country-style jam is built on just two chords: A and E, fittingly appropriate for a song that may make hearts ache and break (or dance!).
The straightforward chord progression provides ample space for experimenting with country-style licks, utilizing the notes found in open A and E. Explore scales in the key of A to venture into improvisation territory, and for those seeking an advanced touch, try incorporating chicken pickin’ techniques to achieve an authentic country sound.
8. “American Idiot” by Green Day
“American Idiot,” a chart-topping hit from 2003, remains as enjoyable to play as ever.
The main riff comprises three straightforward power chords in C#, G#, and F# positions, with rapid switches between them creating the distinctive sound.
Towards the end of the riff, there’s a brief, crisp, and energetic strike of the open strings, serving as a signal for the commencement of the vocals.
The solo is relatively easy to pick up as well, involving octave shapes played in quick succession, followed by a straightforward lick higher up the fretboard. This combination makes for a fun and energetic playing experience.
9. “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
No need to fret, because you’ll have this song mastered in no time! It’s composed of just three chords – A, D, and E – played to a lively reggae beat.
The strumming pattern might pose a bit of a challenge, especially if you’re new to the genre. To ease into the song, start with a regular rhythm before attempting the more intricate reggae beat strum.
For a visual guide, you can check out the video below, which demonstrates how to effortlessly nail both an easy strumming pattern and the more complex reggae beat strum.
10. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
A classic for guitar enthusiasts, this influential grunge track features four power chords on the 1st fret of the E string, 1st fret of the A string, 4th fret of the E string, and 4th fret of the A string. The rhythm is straightforward, allowing you to play with plenty of attitude.
To nail the rhythm, hit the chords a few times and fill the spaces between them with muted hits of the strings.
For the verses, simply press down on the 1st fret of the high E and B strings and pluck them to capture the essence of the entire song!
11. “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
Certainly! “Brown Eyed Girl” is undeniably singable and exudes a feel-good vibe with its sweet G major key.
To play this crowd-pleaser, you’ll be using easy-strumming open G, C, D, and E chords, making it a fantastic song to practice your vocals on.
Once you’ve mastered the chords and rhythm, why not give the fun riffy intro a shot? It’s a great way to add an extra layer of charm to your rendition of this classic tune. Enjoy playing!
12. “Wonderwall” by Oasis
Indeed, the infamous “Wonderwall”! To capture that classic sound, place a capo on the 2nd fret and follow these chord variations.
The song is primarily made up of basic G, C, D, and Em chords, but with a slight twist. Keep the 3rd fret of the B and high E strings pressed down on all chords to create the iconic “Wonderwall” treble tone.
As the song progresses, you’ll encounter a G transition chord. This involves moving from the 3rd fret of the bottom E string to the 2nd fret while playing the rest of the strings open—except for the B and high E, which should remain pressed at the 3rd fret.
The G transition chord is played just once and smoothly leads into the Em chord. This transition is a common movement found in many songs, so it’s a valuable technique to add to your repertoire early on. Enjoy strumming!
13. “Zombie” by The Cranberries
Absolutely, “Zombie” is a soulful and somber ’90s classic that’s surprisingly simple to learn. With just four chords—Em, Cmaj7, G, and D—you can capture the essence of this iconic song.
Regarding Cmaj7, it might sound complex, but it’s essentially an open C chord without pressing down on the 1st fret of the B string.
The chord progression creates a comfortable and satisfying playing experience, especially when you belt out the memorable line, “What’s in your heaaaad.” Enjoy playing this emblematic piece!
14. “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan/Guns N’ Roses
“Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door,” originally by the renowned musical poet Bob Dylan and famously covered by Guns N’ Roses, is indeed great fun to play and easy to sing along with.
The chord progression for the verses goes G, D, Am/G, D, C, with an alternation between Am and C as the last chord.
During the chorus, you stick with the G, D, and C progression. Once you return to the next verse, the alternating pattern resumes, creating a smooth and engaging flow throughout the song. Enjoy playing and singing along to this timeless piece!
15. “The Joker” by Steve Miller Band
It sounds like you’re describing a catchy tune that’s easy to play! If it involves G, Cadd9, and D chords played in a steady pattern, that’s fantastic for beginners.
As you become more confident with these chords, try picking the notes individually to mimic the bass line. Additionally, feel free to experiment by adding your own little licks to enhance the overall sound. It’s a great way to make the song your own and have some fun with it. Enjoy playing!
16. “Buck Rogers” by Feeder
“Buck Rogers” is indeed a classic from the 2000s, and its catchy vibes endure to this day.
The song’s arrangement is super simple, featuring an open Em chord and power chords at the 7th and 9th frets of the low E string. This forms the basic rhythm, and during the chorus, there’s an additional power chord at the 5th fret of the low E string. The strumming follows a steady beat that’s easy to pick up.
As for the house in Devon, well, that remains a mystery! But the fun of playing this song is timeless. Enjoy jamming to “Buck Rogers”!
17. “All The Small Things” by Blink 182
“All The Small Things” is as pop punk as it gets, and it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that gets audiences singing along.
The song revolves around a C power chord on the 3rd fret of the A string, a G power chord on the 3rd fret of the low E string, and an F power chord. It’s nice and easy to sing along with, making it an excellent choice for a lively performance.
The strumming pattern is quick to learn, as it primarily involves steady down-picking. Pay attention to the palm mutes in the intro and other slight pauses to fully capture the song’s unique characteristics. Enjoy playing and singing along to this pop punk classic!
18. “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol
“Chasing Cars” is indeed soulful, catchy, and wonderfully easy to play!
Featuring a cool little melodic riff picked throughout most of the song, it offers a refreshing break from chord-heavy tunes. This time, you’re picking the power chord shapes instead of strumming them, adding a unique flavor to your playing.
There’s a slight stretch involved when picking the 5th fret of the A string and the 9th fret of the G string, which is excellent for building hand strength.
Towards the end of the song, you’ll encounter a series of chords – A, E/G#, D, Dsus2, Dmaj7 – played in a steady, down-picked fashion to complement the vocals. It’s a delightful piece to add to your repertoire. Enjoy playing “Chasing Cars”!
19. “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
“Stand by Me” is indeed a timeless classic with open chords, a fun intro, and lyrics that resonate through the ages.
The C, Am, F, G chord progression makes it easy to focus on the vocals, allowing you to fully embrace the singing-along experience.
The intro’s riff comes to life with precise timing, so paying close attention to the song will help you pick it up smoothly.
When it comes to strumming patterns, staying in time with the beat is key to matching the tempo and feel of the song. Enjoy playing and singing along to this enduring hit!
20. “Love Me Do” by The Beatles
“Love Me Do” is indeed super simple and a classic Beatles tune. With just G, C, G7, and D chords, it’s very quick to pick up and strum along with. The G7 chord in this context involves moving the note from the 3rd fret of the high E string to the 1st.
Moreover, the strumming pattern is steady and not too complex, making it accessible for beginners and a joy for players of all levels. Enjoy playing this timeless piece!
21. “A Horse With No Name” by America
It sounds like you’re describing a unique and interesting chord progression! Let’s break it down:
- Em (E minor)
- D6/9 (D sixth/ninth)
- Em9 (E minor ninth)
- Dmaj9 (D major ninth)
It’s great to hear that the chords themselves are not difficult. Here’s a quick summary of the variations you mentioned:
- D6/9: This chord typically involves one fret, offering a slightly different sound compared to a standard D chord.
- Em9: Instead of holding the 2nd fret on the A string for a regular Em chord, you’re now holding the 2nd fret of the high E string.
- Dmaj9: This is a slight variation of the normal D chord, featuring the addition of the 9th note.
It seems like a delightful and somewhat unconventional progression. Enjoy playing and experimenting with these chords!
22. “Blitzkrieg Bop” by The Ramones
“Blitzkrieg Bop” is indeed a classic punk tune known for its simplicity and energy. The three power chords you mentioned—located on the 5th fret of the low E string, the 5th fret of the A string, and the 7th fret of the A string—create a straightforward and iconic progression.
Play it fast and play it loud, as punk rock demands! It’s a great song for those who are just starting to learn power chords and want to dive into the energetic world of punk music. Enjoy rocking out to “Blitzkrieg Bop”!
23. “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes
“What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes is indeed a soulful and catchy song, and it’s fantastic that it only requires three chords—G, Am, and C.
The strumming pattern, transitioning from slow to fast on each bar, adds a dynamic feel to the song. This characteristic makes it quick to get into the rhythm of the entire piece, making it accessible for beginners while maintaining a captivating sound.
Enjoy strumming and singing along to “What’s Up?”! It’s a great choice for those who appreciate simplicity with a touch of soul.
24. “Good Riddance” by Green Day
This song sounds like a wonderful choice for acoustic enthusiasts! With a progression consisting of G, Cadd9, D, Em, and C chords, it offers a simple yet captivating musical journey that’s quick to pick up.
In particular, mastering the intro involves a special technique: instead of full strums, focus on playing the bottom strings while sequentially picking the high E and B strings. This approach adds a mellow and catchy touch to the introduction, setting the tone for the rest of the song.
As the song progresses, it transitions to standard strumming, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in its mellow and captivating rhythm.
Enjoy playing and embracing the soothing vibes of this acoustic gem!
25. “Circles” by Post Malone
It sounds like you’re describing a fun and musically interesting song to play! The chord progression you provided includes some variations that might look complex at first, but they are, in fact, slight modifications of open chords. Here’s a breakdown of the chords:
- Cmaj7
- Fmaj7
- Fm
- C
- F
- C/B
- Cmaj7/B
It’s great advice to simplify the F chord if you’re having trouble with the barre shape. Playing it as a power chord or an open chord is a good alternative, and it allows you to keep the flow of the song.
Enjoy strumming and singing along to this fun and engaging tune!
26. “Otherside” by Red Hot Chilli Peppers
“Otherside” is indeed a great song, and it’s fantastic that you can adapt it with strummed chords in the verses. The chord progression with Am, F, C, G, Em, and A chords makes it accessible for players of various levels.
As you advance, incorporating the riff and melody over a backing track is an excellent idea. It not only enhances your playing but also adds a dynamic layer to the song.
Enjoy strumming and exploring the various elements of “Otherside” as you progress with your guitar skills!
27. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
A capo on the 2nd fret is necessary for this one.
This is a gently paced song featuring a simple set of chords: C, C/E, F, G, Dm, and Am cover the entire melody. The key lies in attentive listening to capture the precise timing.
Especially noteworthy is the line “maybe we found love right where we are,” where each word prompts a chord change. While challenging initially, with practice, you’ll swiftly conquer the shifts and achieve mastery!
FAQs
Certainly! Mastering the guitar can be a challenging endeavor, which is why we’ve compiled a set of frequently asked questions to address common queries and provide clarity.
What is the easiest song to play on the guitar?
The easiest song to play on the guitar can vary depending on individual preferences and skill levels. However, some songs are commonly considered beginner-friendly due to their simple chord progressions and strumming patterns.
Examples include “Horse with No Name” by America, “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan, “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley, and “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus. Keep in mind that the easiest song for you will depend on your current proficiency and the chords and techniques you’re comfortable with.
Starting with simpler songs and gradually progressing to more complex ones is a good strategy.
What are 3 easy chords on guitar?
Three easy and commonly used chords for beginners on the guitar are:
- G Major (G): Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the high E string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, and your index finger on the 2nd fret of the D string. Strum all the strings except the low E.
- C Major (C): Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string. Strum from the A string to the high E string.
- D Major (D): Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string, and your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string. Strum from the D string to the high E string.
These chords form the basis for many songs and are excellent for beginners to practice and build foundational skills.
What should a beginner guitarist learn?
Starting with open chords is highly recommended for beginners as it opens the door to playing a wide variety of songs. Not only does it enhance rhythm and timing skills, but it also contributes to the development of finger strength.
Over time, mastering open chords lays the groundwork for tackling more advanced techniques like barre chords and handling longer stretches.
The versatility of open chords allows beginners to enjoy playing songs across different genres, building a diverse repertoire and fostering a deeper understanding of musical concepts. Smooth transitions between these foundational chords are crucial for playing songs seamlessly and improving overall playing fluidity.
Final thoughts
Several useful tools can elevate your practice experience. If you’re using a tuition book or tab on an iPad, consider the K&M 101 Music Stand for a stable and propped-up display.
For reviewing your playing or creating rhythmic backdrops, the TC Electronics Wiretap Riff Recorder is an excellent choice, especially for electric and electro-acoustic guitars, capable of storing up to eight hours of your musical exploration.
To enhance your practice routine further, the Mooer Groove Loop Drum Machine & Looper is a valuable addition. It allows you to play along with background drum beats, improving your timing, while the looper feature adds endless fun to keep your motivation high.
Whether or not you have these accessories, the provided easy guitar songs for beginners are approachable pieces of music that will undoubtedly make your practice sessions more enjoyable. And remember, if you encounter challenges with one, feel free to switch to another!
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