Learning guitar can be an incredibly rewarding journey, and the good news is, it doesn’t have to be difficult! Many popular and beloved songs rely on a handful of simple guitar chords that are easy for beginners to learn. If you’re eager to start playing your favorite tunes quickly, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will show you how to play a variety of songs using just four basic guitar chords. With a little practice and the help of a capo, you’ll be strumming along to these tunes in no time.
The secret weapon? A common chord progression we like to call the “Don’t Stop Believing” progression, named after the famous Journey song. This sequence of chords appears in countless hit songs across genres. Once you master it, a whole world of music opens up.
The Magic Chord Progression: G – D – Em – C
This chord progression consists of four fundamental chords:
- G Major
- D Major
- E minor
- C Major
Let’s take a look at how to play each of these chords. These chord diagrams illustrate finger placement on the fretboard.
Mastering the Basic Chords: Visual Guide
Visual learning is often the most effective way to learn guitar chords. Below are diagrams to help you visualize how to form each of the essential chords in this progression.
G Major guitar chord diagram for beginner songs
G Major Chord: A bright and uplifting chord, G major is a cornerstone of countless songs.
E minor guitar chord diagram for beginner songs
E minor Chord: Often described as melancholic or introspective, E minor adds depth and emotion to the progression.
D Major Chord: Another cheerful and strong chord, D major provides a sense of resolution and forward motion.
C Major guitar chord diagram for beginner songs
C Major Chord: A warm and grounding chord, C major often brings a song back to a comfortable and familiar place.
12 Easy Guitar Songs Using the G-D-Em-C Chord Progression
Now for the exciting part – putting these chords into practice! Below is a list of 12 popular songs that utilize this exact chord progression. To play along with the original recordings, you’ll need to use a capo. A capo is a clamp that you place on the guitar neck to raise the pitch of all the strings. Don’t worry if you don’t have one yet; you can still practice the chord progression and get familiar with the songs. We’ve included capo positions and links to chord charts for each song to make it as easy as possible.
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“Don’t Stop Believin” – Journey
- Capo: 9th fret (E Major)
- Chord Chart
-
“With or Without You” – U2
- Capo: 7th fret (D Major)
- Chord Chart
-
“Soul Sister” – Train
- Capo: 9th fret (E Major)
- Chord Chart
- Note: The chorus uses a slightly different progression: C D G G.
-
“Let it Be” – The Beatles
- Capo: 5th fret (C Major)
- Chord Chart
- Note: The chorus progression is: Em – D C G.
-
“Already Gone” – Kelly Clarkson
- Capo: 2nd fret (A Major)
- Chord Chart
-
“I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz
- Capo: 4th fret (B Major)
- Chord Chart
- Note: Occasionally includes an A major chord.
-
“Take Me Home Country Roads” – John Denver
- Capo: 2nd fret (A Major)
- Chord Chart
- Note: Sometimes uses a D7 chord instead of D major.
-
“Cruise” – Florida Georgia Line
- Capo: 3rd fret (Bb Major)
- Chord Chart
-
“Save Tonight” – Eagle Eye Cherry
- Capo: 5th fret (C Major)
- Chord Chart
- Note: Starts the progression differently: Em – C – G – D.
-
“Hey Oh (Snow)” – Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Capo: 4th fret (B Major)
- Chord Chart
- Note: Starts the progression differently: Em – C – G – D.
-
“Apologize” – OneRepublic Ft. Timbaland
- Capo: 8th fret (Eb Major)
- Chord Chart
- Note: Starts the progression differently: Em – C – G – D.
-
“Love the Way You Lie” – Eminem ft. Rihanna
- Capo: 3rd fret (Bb major)
- Chord Chart
- Note: Starts the progression differently: Em – C – G – D.
Tips for Guitar Beginners
- Start Slow: Don’t rush. Focus on clean chord changes and accurate finger placement.
- Practice Regularly: Even 15-20 minutes of daily practice can make a huge difference.
- Use a Tuner: Make sure your guitar is in tune. A tuner app on your phone works great.
- Listen to the Songs: Familiarize yourself with the rhythm and feel of each song.
- Have Fun! Learning guitar should be enjoyable. Choose songs you love and celebrate your progress.
Get Started Today!
Learning guitar is within your reach! By mastering these four simple chords and practicing the “Don’t Stop Believing” progression, you’ll be able to play a surprisingly large number of songs. So grab your guitar, start with these easy guitar chords for beginner songs, and begin your musical journey today. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can start playing music you love.
