Learning guitar is exciting, especially when you start playing your favorite songs. Many beginners get discouraged when faced with complicated chords in popular music. It can be frustrating and lead to giving up altogether – and we definitely don’t want that! To prevent this, we’ve put together a list of fantastic three chord songs. These songs are not only easy to learn, but they’re also incredibly fun to play and will significantly improve your guitar skills.
Let’s get started and explore some awesome three chord songs.
1. I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas
“I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas is an incredibly accessible three chord song for guitarists.
This song is not only simple to play, but it’s also a massive hit worldwide. Nominated for Song of the Year at the Grammys and winner of a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, its popularity speaks for itself.
Here’s why “I Gotta Feeling” is perfect for beginner guitarists:
- It uses only three chords throughout the entire song.
- Each chord is held for the same duration, making it easy to follow.
- It’s excellent practice for smooth chord transitions.
Listen to the song here: [Link to “I Gotta Feeling” on YouTube or Spotify]
What Chords Do I Need?
The chords for “I Gotta Feeling” are G, C, and Em. Here are the chord diagrams:
Chord Diagram for G, C, and Em
If you’re unsure how to read these diagrams, check out our guide: How To Read Guitar Chordboxes
Playing “I Gotta Feeling”
Each chord is played for 8 beats. The chord progression is:
- G (8 beats)
- C (8 beats)
- Em (8 beats)
- C (8 beats)
Experienced players can strum each chord eight times. Beginners can listen to this audio clip for a simplified breakdown of the song’s rhythm and strumming patterns: [Link to Audio Clip]
Easier Chord Options
Yes! If the standard chords are challenging, you can use easier “stepping-stone” versions.
Stepping-stone chords are simplified versions of standard open chords. For G, C, and Em, the stepping-stone versions are G6, Cmaj7, and Em7.
Here are the diagrams for these easier chords:
For more beginner-friendly chord variations, see this lesson: 14 Easy Guitar Chords For Beginners
2. Can’t Stop The Feeling – Justin Timberlake
“Can’t Stop The Feeling” by Justin Timberlake is another fantastic three chord song to learn.
This song is excellent because:
- It features the chords C, Am, and F.
- These chords are repeated throughout the verses and choruses, covering most of the song. You can play over 90% of the song using these three chords.
Listen to the song: [Link to “Can’t Stop The Feeling” on YouTube or Spotify]
Playing “Can’t Stop The Feeling”
The chords for this song are C, Am, and F.
Here are the chord diagrams:
Chord Diagram for C, Am, and F
The chord progression is:
- C (4 beats)
- Am (4 beats)
- F (4 beats)
- Am (4 beats)
The F chord can be tricky for beginners as it’s a barre chord. If you find barre chords difficult, check out this video tutorial: [Link to Barre Chord Tutorial]
Easier Chord Options
You can use easier stepping-stone versions for these chords as well.
Here are the easier versions for C, Am, and F: [Chord diagrams for easier C, Am, and F]
3. Twist And Shout – The Beatles
The Beatles, one of the most influential bands ever, were masters of creating catchy three chord songs.
Interestingly, “Twist And Shout” wasn’t written by The Beatles but by Bert Berns and Phil Medley. However, The Beatles’ rendition is arguably the most famous.
Listen to the song: [Link to “Twist And Shout” on YouTube or Spotify]
Playing “Twist And Shout”
This song uses the chords:
- D
- G
- A
Chord Diagram for D, G, and A
To play “Twist And Shout”:
- D (2 beats)
- G (2 beats)
- A (4 beats)
This song has a lively rhythm and some strumming nuances. For a detailed explanation of how to play it, listen to this audio clip: [Link to Audio Clip]
Easier Chord Options
Yes, you can use stepping-stone chords to simplify “Twist And Shout”:
- Dsus2
- G6
- Asus2
Here are the chord diagrams for these easier versions: [Chord diagrams for Dsus2, G6, and Asus2]
4. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd
“Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd is a classic country anthem. Its simple chord progression and signature country guitar licks make it a top three chord song.
Interested in country guitar? Check out this lesson: Country Guitar Lessons: 4 Essential Lessons
The song is famously known as a response to Neil Young’s “Southern Man” and “Alabama,” which is why Neil Young is mentioned in the lyrics:
“Well, I heard Mister Young sing about her
Well, I heard ol’ Neil put her down
Well, I hope Neil Young will remember
A Southern man don’t need him around anyhow“
Listen to the song: [Link to “Sweet Home Alabama” on YouTube or Spotify]
The chords for “Sweet Home Alabama” are:
Chord Diagram for D, Cadd9, and G
Notice that the Cadd9 and G chords share a similar shape. When switching between them:
- Keep your 3rd and 4th fingers planted on the 3rd fret of the B and high E strings.
- Move your 1st and 2nd fingers from the A and D strings to the low E and A strings.
To play the song, use this chord progression:
- D (2 beats)
- Cadd9 (2 beats)
- G (4 beats)
Listen to this clip of Jack playing the chords in context: [Link to Audio Clip]
Easier Chord Options
Yes, you can simplify the chords to:
- Dsus2
- Cmaj7
- G6
Here are the chord diagrams for these easier chords: [Chord diagrams for Dsus2, Cmaj7, and G6]
5. Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
“Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison is one of the most popular three chord songs from the 1960s.
Despite its popularity, Van Morrison reportedly didn’t receive royalties for this song due to an unfavorable contract.
Listen to the song: [Link to “Brown Eyed Girl” on YouTube or Spotify]
This song is excellent for beginners because:
- It has a simple structure using only G, C, and D chords.
- It’s a great song to get people singing along.
- It sounds fantastic and is instantly recognizable.
Here are the chords for “Brown Eyed Girl”:
Chord Diagram for G, C, and D
To play the song:
- G (4 beats)
- C (4 beats)
- G (4 beats)
- D (4 beats)
Listen to this clip of Jack demonstrating the chords: [Link to Audio Clip]
This progression repeats in both the verses and choruses.
If you find these chords challenging, use the stepping-stone versions:
- G6
- Cmaj7
- Dsus2
Bonus Chord – The Em Chord
While “Brown Eyed Girl” is primarily a three chord song, there’s a fourth chord – Em – that appears in the bridge. Here’s the Em chord:
Chord Diagram for Em
Here’s the bridge progression:
- C (4 beats)
- D (4 beats)
- G (4 beats)
- Em (4 beats)
- C (4 beats)
- D (4 beats)
- G (4 beats)
- D (16 beats)
Listen to how the bridge sounds: [Link to Audio Clip]
(Continue to page 2 for more three chord songs)
