Learning guitar is an incredibly rewarding journey, and what better way to start than by playing songs you love? If you’re just beginning your guitar adventure, tackling complex solos or intricate riffs might feel daunting. But don’t worry, playing Easy Guitar Songs is the perfect way to build your skills, have fun, and stay motivated. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of strumming along to a familiar tune, and with a little practice and the right songs, you’ll be surprising yourself and your friends in no time.
Whether you have an acoustic guitar or an electric guitar in hand, this list of 40 simple songs is designed for beginners just like you. With the help of resources like Fender Play, mastering these tracks is absolutely achievable. So, grab your guitar, get comfortable, and let’s dive into some fantastic easy guitar songs to get you started!
Simple Songs to Kickstart Your Guitar Journey
Many beginner guitar songs rely on a few basic chords and straightforward strumming patterns. These songs are not only easy to learn but also incredibly popular and recognizable, making them perfect for building your confidence and repertoire.
1. J Mascis: “Feel The Pain”
Inspired by the heavy riffs of Black Sabbath, J Mascis crafted “Feel The Pain” with his band Dinosaur Jr., blending punk energy with classic rock vibes. This song is a great introduction to power chords and simple chord progressions that are common in rock music.
Learn how to play “Feel The Pain” here.
2. Oasis: “Wonderwall”
“Wonderwall” became an anthem of the 90s Britpop era. This iconic song from Oasis features a simple chord progression that’s repeated throughout, making it incredibly easy to memorize and play. It’s fantastic practice for smooth chord changes and consistent strumming.
Learn how to play “Wonderwall” here.
3. The Bobby Fuller Four: “I Fought the Law”
“I Fought the Law,” written by Sonny Curtis, is a classic rebel song with a catchy, upbeat tempo. The Bobby Fuller Four’s version is particularly beginner-friendly, often taught as a campfire strumming song due to its steady rhythm and simple chord structure. It’s excellent for developing a solid strumming hand.
Learn how to play “I Fought the Law” here.
4. Carrie Underwood: “Blown Away”
Carrie Underwood, often hailed as the “Queen of Country,” delivers powerful country storytelling in “Blown Away.” This Grammy-winning hit is surprisingly simple on guitar, featuring just one main chord progression that repeats throughout the song. It’s a great choice for practicing chord transitions in a country style.
Learn how to play “Blown Away” here.
5. Lukas Graham: “7 Years”
“7 Years” by Lukas Graham is a modern pop hit that resonated worldwide. This song’s appeal lies in its heartfelt lyrics and easy-to-follow chord progression. For guitar beginners, “7 Years” is excellent for practicing fingerstyle or simple strumming patterns in a contemporary pop context.
Learn how to play “7 Years” here.
6. Brad Paisley: “He Didn’t Have to Be”
Country guitar virtuoso Brad Paisley is known for his modern country sound, and “He Didn’t Have to Be” is a perfect example of his accessible songwriting. This chart-topping hit is easy to learn and focuses on refining your strumming technique. Its gentle tempo and clear chord structure make it ideal for beginners.
Learn how to play “He Didn’t Have to Be” here.
7. The Rolling Stones: “Honky Tonk Women”
“Honky Tonk Women” by The Rolling Stones is a rock classic with a country twist. This song is built around the G chord and features a memorable intro riff. Learning “Honky Tonk Women” will help you understand how to rock out with just a few chords and a strong rhythm.
Learn how to play “Honky Tonk Women” here.
8. Jimi Hendrix: “Purple Haze”
Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” is a defining song of psychedelic rock. While Hendrix is known for his guitar wizardry, the basic chord structure of “Purple Haze” is surprisingly accessible to beginners. Learning this song introduces you to iconic rock riffs and power chords in a foundational way.
Learn how to play “Purple Haze” here.
9. Joni Mitchell: “Big Yellow Taxi”
Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” is a folk-pop gem with a strong environmental message. This song is characterized by its distinctive strumming pattern and relatively simple chord progression. It’s perfect for those wanting to explore folk guitar styles and fingerpicking basics.
Learn how to play “Big Yellow Taxi” here.
10. Buddy Holly: “Not Fade Away”
Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away” is a rock and roll classic with a driving rhythm. This song typically uses three chords (E, A, and D major) and offers a great opportunity to practice both down strums and alternate strumming techniques. Its upbeat tempo and simple structure make it highly motivating for new guitarists.
Learn how to play “Not Fade Away.”
Easy Songs with Catchy Melodies
These songs are not only easy to play but also feature melodies that will stick in your head. They’re perfect for sing-alongs and impressing your friends with recognizable tunes.
11. The National: “I Need My Girl”
“I Need My Girl” by The National offers a more contemporary indie rock feel. This song uses four chords (A minor, C, F, and G) and can be simplified even further with a capo. It’s a great introduction to minor chords and creating a melancholic yet beautiful sound on the guitar.
Learn how to play “I Need My Girl” here.
12. Leonard Cohen: “Hallelujah”
Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is a timeless ballad known for its emotional depth and beautiful melody. Despite its profound sound, the chord progression is relatively straightforward and repeated throughout the song. Learning “Hallelujah” provides a fantastic foundation in fingerpicking and playing with dynamics.
Learn how to play “Hallelujah” here.
13. The Animals: “It’s My Life”
“It’s My Life” by The Animals is a classic rock anthem with a powerful message of individuality. This song is built on a simple, driving rhythm and a catchy melody. It’s a great choice for beginners to practice playing with energy and attitude.
Learn how to play “It’s My Life” here.
14. Grace VanderWaal: “Clay”
Grace VanderWaal’s “Clay” is a heartfelt ballad with a strong message against bullying. This song features just four easy chords (G, E minor, D, and C) in open position, making it extremely accessible for ukulele and guitar players alike. It’s a wonderful song to learn for developing emotional expression in your playing.
Learn how to play “Clay” here.
15. Delta Spirit: “California”
Delta Spirit’s “California” is an indie rock track with roots-rock influences and a catchy alternate strumming pattern. Using just four chords (A minor, C, G, and D), this song is more about rhythm and strumming technique. It’s a good step up for beginners wanting to explore more rhythmic guitar playing.
Learn how to play “California” here.
16. The Isley Brothers: “Shout”
“Shout” by The Isley Brothers is an iconic soul and R&B song known for getting crowds moving. While it’s a dynamic and energetic song, the underlying guitar part is quite simple and repetitive. Learning “Shout” is all about rhythm and learning to play dynamically, from soft to loud.
Learn how to play “Shout” here.
17. Creedence Clearwater Revival: “Bad Moon Rising”
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising” is a timeless rock classic with an ironically upbeat and happy sound despite its ominous lyrics. This song is fantastic for learning basic chords (D, A, and G) and practicing chord switching smoothly and quickly.
Learn how to play “Bad Moon Rising” here.
18. Billie Eilish: “Ocean Eyes”
Billie Eilish’s “Ocean Eyes” was her breakthrough hit, showcasing her unique voice and style. Written by her brother Finneas, “ocean eyes” has a hauntingly beautiful melody and a simple chord structure that translates well to guitar. It’s a great modern pop song for beginners to add to their repertoire.
Learn how to play “Ocean Eyes” here.
19. Andra Day: “Rise Up”
Andra Day’s “Rise Up” is an empowering anthem with a powerful vocal performance and a soulful feel. This platinum-selling single is built around a simple chord progression that’s easy to learn on guitar. It’s a wonderful song for practicing dynamics and playing with emotion.
Learn how to play “Rise Up” here.
20. Willie Dixon: “I Can’t Quit You Baby”
Willie Dixon’s blues classic “I Can’t Quit You Baby” has been covered by many artists, including Led Zeppelin. This song is a foundational blues track that uses just three basic chords (G, C, and D). Learning this song is a fantastic entry point into blues guitar and the 12-bar blues structure.
Learn how to play “I Can’t Quit You Baby” here.
Explore Different Genres with Easy Guitar Songs
Expanding your musical horizons is part of the fun of learning guitar. These songs introduce you to various genres while remaining beginner-friendly.
21. Butch Walker: “Chrissie Hynde”
Butch Walker’s “Chrissie Hynde” is a folk-pop ballad with country influences, paying tribute to The Pretenders’ iconic frontwoman. This song is introspective and mellow, featuring a gentle chord progression that’s easy to learn. It’s great for practicing fingerpicking or delicate strumming.
Learn how to play “Chrissie Hynde here.
22. Frankie Ballard: “Helluva Life”
Frankie Ballard’s country hit “Helluva Life” is all about gratitude and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. This song has an uplifting feel and a straightforward chord structure that’s typical of many country songs. It’s a fun and easy way to explore country guitar.
Learn how to play “Helluva Life” here.
23. Carl Perkins: “Matchbox”
Carl Perkins’ “Matchbox” is a rockabilly gem with a catchy, upbeat rhythm. Using only three chords (A, D, and E), this song is excellent for practicing alternate strumming and solidifying your rhythm playing. Its rockabilly style adds a fun, vintage flavor to your beginner song list.
Learn how to play “Matchbox”.
24. Elmore James: “It Hurts Me Too”
Elmore James’ version of “It Hurts Me Too” is a blues standard with a soulful and emotional depth. This song, with its three chords and variations (A5, A6, D5, D6, E5, and E6), is an accessible introduction to blues guitar. It’s perfect for learning to play with feeling and exploring blues chord voicings.
Learn how to play “It Hurts Me Too” here.
25. Bonnie Raitt: “Something to Talk About”
Bonnie Raitt, known for her bluesy slide guitar and smooth vocals, delivers a hit with “Something to Talk About.” This song has a catchy, upbeat tempo and a chord progression that’s easy to grasp. It’s a great way to explore blues-rock and practice playing with a groove.
Learn how to play “Something to Talk About” here.
26. Muddy Waters: “Mannish Boy”
Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy” is a quintessential blues song with a powerful, swaggering riff. This song is driven by its iconic riff and a simple blues structure. Learning “Mannish Boy” is essential for understanding the roots of blues and rock and roll guitar.
Learn how to play “Mannish Boy” here.
27. Guitar Slim: “Things That I Used to Do”
Guitar Slim’s “Things That I Used to Do” is a New Orleans blues classic with a distinctive, soulful sound. This song features a single chord progression using just three chords (E, A, and B7) for the entire song. It’s perfect for focusing on rhythm, timing, and the feel of blues chord progressions.
Learn how to play “Things That I Used to Do” here.
28. The Smithereens: “Blood & Roses”
The Smithereens’ “Blood & Roses” is a power-pop hit with a driving energy and catchy chorus. This song uses five chords (E minor, G, C, D, and A minor) and introduces techniques like pivot fingers and 8th note alternate strumming. It’s a great step towards playing more complex rhythm guitar parts.
Learn how to play “Blood & Roses” here.
29. Cracker: “Low”
Cracker’s “Low” is a 90s rock hit with a distinctive, slightly quirky vibe. Using only four chords (D, C, E, and G), “Low” focuses on basic chord switching and a consistent strum pattern. It’s excellent practice for smooth transitions between chords and maintaining a steady rhythm.
Learn how to play “Low” here.
30. ZZ Top: “Tush”
ZZ Top’s “Tush” is a hard rock and blues-rock anthem with a signature ZZ Top groove. This 12-bar blues rocker is simplified into a campfire version with just three chords (D, G, C). Learning “Tush” introduces you to blues-rock rhythm guitar and the 12-bar blues form in an accessible way.
Learn how to play “Tush” here.
31. Hank Williams: “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)”
Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” is a country classic with a cheerful melody and simple structure. This song, featuring just two chords, highlights Hank Williams’ single-note picking style and songwriting skills. It’s a foundational country song for any beginner guitarist.
Learn how to play “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” here.
32. The Beatles: “Here Comes the Sun”
The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun,” written by George Harrison, is an uplifting and iconic song from Abbey Road. While the original has some barre chords, simplified versions are readily available for beginners, focusing on basic open chords. Learning “Here Comes the Sun” is a rewarding experience and a must-have for any guitarist.
Learn how to play “Here Comes The Sun” here.
33. The Cactus Blossoms: “Stoplight Kisses”
The Cactus Blossoms’ “Stoplight Kisses” is a modern song with a vintage rockabilly and jangle-pop feel. This upbeat track uses four chords (E, A, B7, and E7) and is perfect for parties and sing-alongs. It’s a fun way to practice slightly more complex chord voicings while maintaining a beginner-friendly level.
Learn how to play “Stoplight Kisses” here.
34. Traditional: “I Shall Not Be Moved”
“I Shall Not Be Moved,” in the style of Mississippi John Hurt, is a traditional folk and blues song with a rich history. This version features countrified chords and syncopated rhythms, offering a blend of folk, blues, and country styles. It’s a great song for exploring fingerpicking patterns and traditional American music.
Learn how to play “I Shall Not Be Moved” here.
35. Paolo Nutini: “Candy”
Paolo Nutini’s “Candy” is a neo-soul hit with a catchy melody and a soulful vibe. This song, when adapted for guitar, can be played with folk-inspired strumming patterns. It’s a good choice for beginners wanting to explore soul and R&B influenced guitar playing.
Learn how to play “Candy” here.
36. Blue Öyster Cult: “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper”
Blue Öyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” is a classic rock song with a haunting melody and iconic guitar riff. Despite its eerie vibe, the basic chord progression is relatively simple. Learning this song introduces you to classic rock riffs and playing in minor keys.
Learn how to play “Don’t Fear the Reaper” here.
37. Traditional: “Amazing Grace”
“Amazing Grace” is a timeless hymn that resonates across cultures and generations. This simplified guitar version focuses on fingerpicking in 3/4 time using chords like A, A7, D, and E7. It’s a beautiful and rewarding song to learn for fingerstyle practice and playing in 3/4 time.
Learn how to play “Amazing Grace” here.
38. Santana: “Oye Como Va”
Santana’s “Oye Como Va” is a Latin rock classic originally written by Tito Puente. This song is known for its infectious rhythm and Latin grooves. While it involves some rhythmic complexity, beginner versions often focus on simplified chord shapes and strumming patterns to capture the song’s essence.
Learn how to play “Oye Como Va” here.
39. John Legend: “All of Me”
John Legend’s “All of Me” is a piano-driven ballad that translates beautifully to guitar. The intro and verse sections feature beautiful open chords (E minor, C, G, and D) that are perfect for beginners. It’s a contemporary pop ballad that sounds fantastic on acoustic guitar and is easy to learn.
Learn how to play “All of Me” here.
40. Kris Kristofferson: “Me and Bobby McGee”
Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee,” popularized by Janis Joplin, is a country-folk classic with a story-driven lyric and memorable melody. This song is relatively simple in terms of chords and strumming, making it accessible for beginners while still being deeply rewarding to play.
Learn how to play “Me and Bobby McGee” here.
Starting your guitar journey with easy guitar songs is a fantastic way to build skills and confidence. This list of 40 songs provides a diverse range of styles and genres to explore, all while keeping the learning curve gentle and enjoyable. For even more songs and structured lessons, check out Fender Play for a wealth of resources to support your musical growth. Happy playing!
Explore more easy songs by genre: Easy Pop Songs | Easy Folk Songs | Easy Rock Songs | Easy Blues Songs | Easy Country Songs | Easy Songs for Electric Guitar | Easy Songs for Acoustic Guitar | Easy Ukulele Songs | Easy Bass Songs
