3 Chord Guitar Songs: Your Fast Track to Playing Your Favorite Tunes

Starting your guitar journey can feel like climbing a mountain, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Many aspiring guitarists are surprised to discover that a huge number of popular and beloved songs are built on just a few basic chords. If you’re looking for the quickest way to start playing music and impressing your friends, learning 3 Chord Guitar Songs is the perfect launchpad.

At guitarplayers.net, we believe that learning guitar should be fun and accessible from day one. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of amazing songs that you can master with just three chords, or even fewer! These aren’t just simple nursery rhymes either; we’re talking about hits from iconic artists spanning genres like rock, reggae, blues, country, and pop. Get ready to be amazed at how quickly you can start playing real songs.

Here are 8 fantastic songs to kickstart your guitar playing adventure with easy chords:

1. Ben Kweller: “Thirteen” – Just Two Chords!

Ben Kweller, known for his catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, crafted “Thirteen” as a deceptively simple yet beautiful song. Originally conceived on piano, Fender Play instructor Barrett Wilson brilliantly adapted it for guitar, stripping it down to just two one-finger chords. Yes, you read that right – only two! Throughout the entire track, you’ll only need to switch between G and C chords. Focus on consistent downstrumming, and you’ll be playing this indie gem in no time. This song is a perfect example of how easy guitar songs can still be incredibly rewarding and fun to play.

Learn how to play “Thirteen” here.

2. Israel Vibration: “Cool and Calm” – Reggae Vibes Made Easy

Dive into the laid-back rhythms of reggae with Jamaican legends Israel Vibration and their classic track “Cool and Calm.” Hailing from the roots reggae era of the 1970s, Israel Vibration’s smooth vocals and positive vibes are infectious. Featured on their 1988 album Strength Of My Life, “Cool and Calm” offers a refreshing musical escape. And the best part for beginner guitarists? It only uses two chords! This song proves that even with minimal chords, you can create a rich and captivating musical experience. Learning beginner guitar songs like this is a great way to explore different genres and expand your musical horizons.

Learn how to play “Cool and Calm” here.

3. ZZ Top: “Tush” – Texas Boogie Rock with 3 Chords

Get ready to rock with ZZ Top’s iconic “Tush”! This track put Texas boogie on the global map, blending John Lee Hooker’s signature rhythm with hard rock energy. “Tush” became one of ZZ Top’s biggest hits, instantly recognizable for its driving beat and catchy guitar riffs. Fender Play instructor Scott Goldbaum has created a simplified version perfect for beginners, using just G, C, and D chords. You’ll not only learn these essential chords but also practice your quarter note strumming, a fundamental technique for rock and blues guitar. “Tush” is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to learn 3 chord guitar songs in a classic rock style.

Learn how to play “Tush” here.

4. Black Uhuru: “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” – Reggae Rhythms for Beginners

Continue your reggae journey with Black Uhuru’s mesmerizing “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.” This song is perfect for developing your reggae rhythm skills, featuring the genre’s signature backbeat throughout its groovy and hypnotic sound. Fender Play instructor Jen Trani expertly guides you through this essential rhythm, making it accessible for beginners to grasp. While the original article mentions focusing on rhythm, exploring easy songs to play on guitar in reggae style is a fun way to diversify your playing and get comfortable with different strumming patterns.

Learn how to play “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” here.

5. Willie Dixon: “I Can’t Quit You Baby” – Blues Standard in 3 Chords

Delve into the heart of the blues with Willie Dixon’s timeless standard, “I Can’t Quit You Baby.” Written by the blues legend and first recorded by Otis Rush in 1956, this song has been covered by countless artists, including Led Zeppelin. Dixon’s version masterfully showcases the foundational 12-bar blues structure and chord progressions. Using just three chords – G, C, and D – “I Can’t Quit You Baby” is an excellent entry point into blues guitar. It’s a fantastic example of how simple guitar songs can be deeply expressive and historically significant.

Learn how to play “I Can’t Quit You Baby” here.

6. Carrie Underwood: “Blown Away” – Country Pop Power with Easy Chords

Experience the dynamic sound of modern country pop with Carrie Underwood’s hit “Blown Away.” This chart-topping song features a surprisingly simple chord progression, made captivating by its varied strumming patterns. You’ll be playing this country blockbuster with ease using just Am (A minor), C, and G chords. “Blown Away” demonstrates how 3 chord guitar songs can be found even in contemporary hits across different genres, making learning guitar relevant to today’s music landscape.

Learn how to play “Blown Away” here.

7. Traditional: “I Shall Not Be Moved” – Folk, Blues, and Country Roots

Explore the rich tapestry of American roots music with the traditional song “I Shall Not Be Moved.” Mississippi John Hurt’s blues rendition of this classic offers a masterclass in songwriting and soulful guitar playing using countrified chords. Covered by Johnny Cash, Son House, and even Elvis Presley, this song bridges folk, blues, and country genres. Featuring three basic chords and syncopated rhythms, “I Shall Not Be Moved” is a rewarding challenge for beginners looking to explore diverse musical styles within the realm of easy guitar songs.

Learn how to play “I Shall Not Be Moved” here

8. Creedence Clearwater Revival: “Bad Moon Rising” – Upbeat Rock Classic with 3 Chords

Find out why bad mojo can sound so good with Creedence Clearwater Revival’s timeless hit “Bad Moon Rising.” This upbeat rock anthem, driven by steady and basic strumming, is instantly recognizable and incredibly fun to play. “Bad Moon Rising” is an ideal starting point for mastering basic chords (D, A, and G) and practicing smooth chord transitions. This song is a testament to the power of songs with 3 chords to create enduring and beloved music across generations.

Learn how to play “Bad Moon Rising” here.

Beyond these eight songs, the world of 3 chord guitar songs is vast and waiting to be explored. For example, “A Horse With No Name” by America, a #1 hit known for its enduring appeal, and Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi,” with its folk storytelling, are also fantastic options for expanding your repertoire with simple chords.

https://www.fender.com/play/lesson/a-horse-with-no-name-exercise

https://www.fender.com/play/lesson/big-yellow-taxi

Ready to unlock even more easy songs and deepen your understanding of beginner guitar chords? Visit guitarplayers.net today for a wealth of resources, lessons, and song tutorials designed to make your guitar journey enjoyable and successful. Start playing your favorite music sooner than you ever thought possible!