Learning guitar can feel like climbing a mountain, but what if I told you there’s a secret shortcut? It’s true! You can unlock a vast library of popular songs using just four simple guitar chords. If you’re eager to strum your favorite tunes quickly and easily, you’ve landed in the right place. This guide reveals how you can play countless hits with the same essential chord progression, often referred to as the “Don’t Stop Believin'” progression, making guitar accessible and fun for beginners.
The Magic Four: G, D, Em, C
The secret weapon is this incredibly versatile chord progression: G Major – D Major – E minor – C Major. This sequence isn’t just random; it’s the foundation of countless popular songs across genres. Why? Because it sounds great and it’s easy to play! Many artists have unknowingly (or knowingly!) built their hits upon this simple but effective foundation.
To help you visualize these essential chords, take a look at the diagrams below. Mastering these shapes is your first step to musical freedom.
G Major Chord Diagram for Guitar Beginners
E minor Chord Diagram for Easy Guitar Songs
D Major Chord Diagram for Guitarists
C Major Chord Diagram for Simple Guitar Songs
Unleash the Capo: Your Key Transposer
To play these songs in their original keys, you’ll often need a capo. Think of a capo as a movable nut that effectively shortens the strings, raising the pitch of your guitar. By placing the capo at different frets, you can easily transpose the “Don’t Stop Believin'” chord progression to match the key of each song. Don’t worry if this sounds complicated; it’s incredibly simple in practice. Just follow the capo instructions for each song below.
12 Hit Songs Using the Same 4 Chords
Ready to dive in? Here are 12 popular songs you can play using the G-D-Em-C chord progression. Grab your capo, tune your guitar, and get ready to impress yourself and your friends!
1) “Don’t Stop Believin” – Journey
- Capo: 9th fret (E Major)
- Chord chart
2) “With or Without You” – U2
- Capo: 7th fret (D Major)
- Chord chart
3) “Soul Sister” – Train
- Capo: 9th fret (E Major)
- Chord Chart
- Note: Verse uses the standard progression; chorus is C D G G….C D G G
4) “Let it Be” – The Beatles
- Capo: 5th fret (C Major)
- Chord Chart
- Note: Verse uses the standard progression; chorus is e- D C G….G D C G
5) “Already Gone” – Kelly Clarkson
- Capo: 2nd fret (A Major)
- Chord Chart
6) “I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz
- Capo: 4th fret (B Major)
- Chord Chart
- Note: Occasionally includes an A major chord.
7) “Take Me Home Country Roads” – John Denver
- Capo: 2nd fret (A Major)
- Chord Chart
- Note: Sometimes uses a D7 chord instead of D major.
8) “Cruise” – Florida Georgia Line
- Capo: 3rd fret (Bb Major)
- Chord Chart
9) “Save Tonight” Eagle Eye Cherry
- Capo: 5th fret (C Major)
- Chord Chart
- Note: Uses the same progression starting on a different chord: e- C G D
10) “Hey Oh (Snow)” – Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Capo: 4th fret (B Major)
- Chord Chart
- Note: Uses the same progression starting on a different chord: e- C G D
11) “Apologize” – OneRepublic Ft. Timbaland
- Capo: 8th fret (Eb Major)
- Chord Chart
- Note: Uses the same progression starting on a different chord: e- C G D
12) “Love the Way You Lie” – Eminem ft. Rihanna
- Capo: 3rd fret (Bb major)
- Chord Chart
- Note: Uses the same progression starting on a different chord: e- C G D
With just these four chords and a capo, you’re now equipped to play a huge number of songs. Start practicing these chords, explore the songs on this list, and enjoy the rewarding journey of learning guitar!
