Learning to play the guitar is an incredibly rewarding journey, and one of the first hurdles for any beginner is navigating the world of guitar tabs. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by traditional music notation, or just eager to start playing your favorite songs right away, Easy Guitar Tabs For Beginners are your perfect starting point.
Tablature, or TAB as it’s commonly known, is a simple and intuitive system that shows you exactly where to place your fingers on the fretboard. Forget complicated sheet music – guitar tabs are a musical shortcut that has been helping guitarists for centuries. From the early days of magazines and transcriptions to the digital age of the internet, tabs have democratized music learning, making it accessible to everyone.
Are you ready to ditch the confusion and start playing? We’ve compiled a list of 50 fantastic songs with easy guitar tabs that are perfect for beginners. This collection is designed to be fun, quick to learn, and provide a reliable path to mastering the fundamentals. Whether you’re a student just picking up the guitar or a teacher looking for accessible material for your students, this list has something for everyone.
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Get ready to grab your guitar, tune up, and dive into these easy guitar tabs!
50 Must-Know Songs with Easy Guitar Tabs for Beginners
This list of songs is curated with beginner guitarists in mind. Each song is:
- Beginner-Friendly: Easy to play and learn quickly.
- Fun and Engaging: Songs you’ll actually enjoy playing.
- Tab-Reliable: Tabs are readily available and accurate.
- Diverse Selection: A variety of genres and styles to explore.
No matter your musical taste, you’ll find something to love and learn on this list. Let’s get started!
1. Seven Nation Army (The White Stripes)
This iconic riff from The White Stripes is instantly recognizable and incredibly easy to play. Tuned to Open A, the main riff is a single-note line on the 5th string, making it perfect for beginners to practice simple melodies and rhythm. It’s also a fantastic introduction to slide guitar techniques with its one-finger chord riff in the chorus.
Seven Nation Army (White Stripes) Tabs
Seven Nation Army (White Stripes) YouTube
2. Zombie (The Cranberries)
“Zombie” by The Cranberries is built around a simple four-chord progression: Em–Cmaj7–G–D/F#. Beginners can start with first-position chords in the verse and then explore power chords in the chorus. This song is excellent for practicing chord changes and legato phrasing in the easy single-note melodies.
Zombie (The Cranberries) YouTube
3. You Really Got Me (The Kinks)
A rock and roll classic from The Kinks, “You Really Got Me” is a power chord anthem. This song is ideal for beginners to develop their power chord technique and rhythm guitar skills. It’s also a great tune to learn if you’re thinking of starting a band!
You Really Got Me (The Kinks) Tabs
You Really Got Me (The Kinks) YouTube
4. Clocks (Coldplay)
While originally a piano riff, “Clocks” by Coldplay translates beautifully to guitar. The tabbed guitar version simplifies the piano part into an arpeggio exercise. The straightforward guitar chords make this song a fun and accessible way to learn arpeggios and practice chord transitions.
5. All the Small Things (Blink 182)
For beginners diving into rock guitar, “All the Small Things” by Blink 182 is a perfect starting point. It’s fantastic for learning power chords and palm muting, essential techniques for rock rhythm guitar playing. The catchy melody and simple structure make it a rewarding song to learn early on.
All the Small Things (Blink 182) Tabs
All the Small Things (Blink 182) YouTube
6. Louie Louie (Motorhead cover)
Originally a garage rock tune by The Kingsmen, Motorhead’s cover of “Louie Louie” injects a heavier, more rocking energy into this three-chord classic. Both versions are in the key of A and offer a simple yet fun introduction to chord-based songs. Learning both versions can highlight how different genres can interpret the same basic song structure.
Louie Louie (Motorhead cover) Tabs
Louie Louie (Motorhead cover) YouTube
7. Closing Time (Semisonic)
“Closing Time” by Semisonic uses a four-chord riff built on power chords and octave riffs. The tabs often include the main piano riff and solo arranged for guitar, offering beginners a chance to explore different textures and arrangements within a simple chord structure.
Closing Time (Semisonic) YouTube
8. Summer of ‘69 (Bryan Adams)
Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ’69” is an 80s anthem that introduces syncopated eighth-note strumming and arpeggios using open chords. Easy guitar tabs for this song often include the keyboard riff adapted for guitar and the outro lead guitar riffs, providing a comprehensive learning experience for rhythm and lead elements.
Summer of ‘69 (Bryan Adams) Tabs
Summer of ‘69 (Bryan Adams) YouTube
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9. Mony Mony (Billy Idol)
Originally by Tommy James and the Shondells but popularized by Billy Idol, “Mony Mony” is driven by steady eighth-note rhythms, distortion, and power chords. This track is excellent for building stamina in your strumming hand and mastering basic power chord progressions.
Mony Mony (Billy Idol) YouTube
10. Landslide (Fleetwood Mac)
“Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac showcases the beautiful interplay between Stevie Nicks’ vocals and Lindsey Buckingham’s guitar work. Using open-position chords like C–G/B–Am and G–D/F#–Em with a capo at the 3rd fret, this song introduces fingerpicking patterns. While the fingerpicking might take a little practice, it’s a rewarding skill to develop for acoustic guitarists.
Landslide (Fleetwood Mac) Tabs
Landslide (Fleetwood Mac) YouTube
11. Sunshine of Your Love (Cream)
Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love” is a blues-rock classic built from two single-note pentatonic blues riffs and a few chords. This song is a rite of passage for guitarists learning to transform the pentatonic scale into blues and rock riffs. It’s a perfect introduction to Eric Clapton’s iconic style.
Sunshine of Your Love (Cream) Tabs
Sunshine of Your Love (Cream) YouTube
12. TNT (AC/DC)
AC/DC’s “TNT” is power chords on easy mode! If you’re learning rock guitar, AC/DC is essential. This song is built on open-position power chords and eighth notes, with syncopation adding a fun rhythmic challenge. It’s Rock 101 at its finest.
13. Breaking the Law (Judas Priest)
“Breaking the Law” by Judas Priest uses quarter notes and syncopated eighth notes in its driving riff, based on the A natural minor scale. Power chords and sliding power chords make up the rest of this heavy metal anthem. It’s a great song for practicing minor scales and rhythmic precision.
Breaking the Law (Judas Priest) Tabs
Breaking the Law (Judas Priest) YouTube
14. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (AC/DC)
Another AC/DC classic, “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” uses open-string power chords and movable power chords for its syncopated riffs. The solo is classic Angus Young – pentatonic licks with bluesy phrasing and double-pulloffs, offering a taste of lead guitar for beginners.
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (AC/DC) Tabs
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (AC/DC) YouTube
15. Come Together (The Beatles)
The Beatles were songwriting masters, and “Come Together” is a Rock 101 staple. The main riff fits nicely within the pentatonic box pattern, making it accessible for beginners. The verse uses power chords, including the classic power 5 to power 6 move popularized by Chuck Berry. The solo is also pentatonic-based, perfect for practicing bluesy bends.
Come Together (The Beatles) Tabs
Come Together (The Beatles) YouTube
16. Paranoid (Black Sabbath)
Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” is often one of the first songs guitar teachers introduce to students. It’s built on three simple power chords and palm-muted, eighth-note rhythms. This song is foundational for learning heavy metal rhythm guitar and is a must-know for any aspiring rock guitarist.
Paranoid (Black Sabbath) YouTube
17. Smoke on the Water (Deep Purple)
“Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple is arguably the quintessential beginner guitar riff. This song introduces inverted power chords, arpeggiated rhythms, and the legendary Ritchie Blackmore’s style. It’s simple, iconic, and a fantastic starting point for any guitarist.
Smoke on the Water (Deep Purple) Tabs
Smoke on the Water (Deep Purple) YouTube
18. Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana)
Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was a game-changer. Despite its simplicity, it’s incredibly impactful. Using power chords, percussive strumming, and a two-note verse riff, plus a pentatonic scale solo, this song demonstrates how powerful simplicity can be in music. It’s essential for understanding 90s grunge and alternative rock.
Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana) Tabs
Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana) YouTube
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19. Come As You Are (Nirvana)
Continuing the Nirvana influence, “Come As You Are” offers more Rock 102 riffs. Tuned down a whole step, this song creates a darker, moodier feel. The open-string main riff is simple yet effective and resonated deeply with a generation. It’s a lesson in how tuning can dramatically change the mood of a song.
Come As You Are (Nirvana) Tabs
Come As You Are (Nirvana) YouTube
20. Cocaine (Eric Clapton)
Eric Clapton’s “Cocaine” is built on movable major-chord riffs, essential for every guitarist’s toolkit. The song is a rock standard, often heard at jams and open mics. The solo provides a glimpse into Rock 201 lead guitar techniques, building upon the pentatonic scale skills learned in earlier songs.
Cocaine (Eric Clapton) YouTube
21. Basket Case (Green Day)
Green Day’s “Basket Case” brought pop-punk to the forefront in the 90s. Tuned down a half step, this song utilizes driving, eighth-note power chord riffs. It’s a fast-paced, energetic song that combines the energy of punk with catchy pop melodies, perfect for practicing speed and rhythm.
Basket Case (Green Day) YouTube
22. Everlong (Foo Fighters)
Foo Fighters’ “Everlong” showcases power chords, inverted power chords, and interesting chord voicings. This 90s hit offers more advanced rhythm guitar techniques, moving beyond basic power chords and into chordal color and variation. It’s a step up for beginners looking to expand their chord vocabulary.
Everlong (Foo Fighters) YouTube
23. Surrender (Cheap Trick)
Cheap Trick’s “Surrender” is packed with power chords, movable chords, and slash chords (like C/G). Rick Nielsen’s guitar work is deceptively complex, but the core riffs are accessible to beginners. This song is great for learning different chord types and how to use them in a rock context.
Surrender (Cheap Trick) YouTube
24. Sweet Home Alabama (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
“Sweet Home Alabama” is a Southern Rock anthem known for its hard-rocking, whiskey-soaked riffs. The open-position D–C–G chords are harmonized and embellished with open-string pentatonic fills. This song is a lesson in layering and creating texture with simple chord progressions and pentatonic scales.
Sweet Home Alabama (Lynyrd Skynyrd) Tabs
Sweet Home Alabama (Lynyrd Skynyrd) YouTube
25. Living After Midnight (Judas Priest)
Judas Priest’s “Living After Midnight” uses movable major barre chords for its main riff – excellent practice for beginners learning barre chords. Syncopated eighth notes and a Pete Townshend-esque bridge section add rhythmic variety. The solo is also a good starting point for aspiring lead guitarists wanting to learn to “shred.”
Living After Midnight (Judas Priest) Tabs
Living After Midnight (Judas Priest) YouTube
26. Hey Joe (Jimi Hendrix)
“Hey Joe” popularized by Jimi Hendrix, is a teaching staple because of its CAGED chords and chromatic bassline riff. The intro is iconic, and the open-string, double-stops are based on the open-position E minor pentatonic scale – a must for lead guitarists. It’s a versatile song for learning chords, riffs, and basic lead techniques.
Hey Joe (Jimi Hendrix) YouTube
27. House of the Rising Sun (The Animals)
“House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals features open-string chords, which are easy for beginners, but the fingerpicking pattern can be a bit trickier. Focus on the tab for the picking pattern, as it’s key to the song’s distinctive sound. It’s a classic folk-rock song and a great exercise in fingerstyle guitar.
House of the Rising Sun (The Animals) Tabs
House of the Rising Sun (The Animals) YouTube
28. Wonderful (Everclear)
Despite its somewhat repetitive intro, Everclear’s “Wonderful” is easy and fun to play. Built on a G–D–C–D progression, it can be strummed or arpeggiated. It’s a simple, catchy 90s alternative song that’s great for practicing basic chord changes and strumming patterns.
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29. Never Can Tell (Chuck Berry)
Chuck Berry’s “(You) Never Can Tell” (often known as “Pulp Fiction” song) is quintessential Chuck Berry: double-stop licks, power chord riffs, and a great story. It’s pure rock and roll energy and a must-learn for understanding the roots of rock guitar.
Never Can Tell (Chuck Berry) Tabs
Never Can Tell (Chuck Berry) YouTube
30. Pyro (Kings of Leon)
Kings of Leon’s “Pyro” features a cool open-string main riff. The verse uses arpeggiated power chords that are relatively easy once you get the picking pattern down. It’s a modern rock song with a distinctive guitar part that’s accessible to beginners willing to learn a slightly more complex picking pattern.
Pyro Lyrics (Kings of Leon) Tabs
Pyro YouTube (Kings of Leon) Video
31. Satisfaction (The Rolling Stones)
The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is an easy, iconic jam song. Start by learning the chords and strumming along, then add the famous riffs, which are clearly tabbed out. It’s a foundational rock riff and a must-know for any guitarist.
Satisfaction (The Rolling Stones) Tabs
Satisfaction (The Rolling Stones) YouTube
32. Under My Thumb (The Rolling Stones)
Another Rolling Stones classic, “Under My Thumb,” is built on five chords (barre chord shapes and open-string chords). Listen closely for the cool double-stop licks and bluesy riffs mixed in, all of which are beginner-friendly when using tabs.
Under My Thumb (The Rolling Stones) Tabs
Under My Thumb (The Rolling Stones) YouTube
33. Start Me Up (The Rolling Stones)
“Start Me Up” showcases Keith Richards’ iconic open-G tuning style. Tune your guitar to open G (remove the 6th string if you want to be truly authentic, though not necessary!) and follow the tabs for Guitar 1. You’ll instantly hear and feel the classic Rolling Stones sound. It’s a great introduction to open tunings and their unique sonic possibilities.
Start Me Up (The Rolling Stones) Tabs
Start Me Up (The Rolling Stones) YouTube
34. Stranglehold (Ted Nugent)
Don’t be intimidated by Ted Nugent! “Stranglehold” is built on variations of the same riff. The main movement is an A5–C5–D5 riff and another A5–G5 riff. Power chords and open strings are followed by A minor pentatonic licks. It’s a straightforward rock song with a powerful, repetitive riff that’s easy to get under your fingers.
Stranglehold (Ted Nugent) Tabs
Stranglehold (Ted Nugent) YouTube
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35. Down on the Corner (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Down on the Corner” is known for being easy to play, making it a popular choice for jam sessions and beginner bands. While easy, the bass riff is funky and fun. It’s a great song for practicing rhythm and groove.
Down on the Corner (Creedence Clearwater Revival) Tabs
Down on the Corner (Creedence Clearwater Revival) YouTube
36. Simple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd) – Easy Mode
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” in “easy mode” requires tuning down a half step. The chords C–G/B–Am are easy open-position chords. Follow the tab for the fingerpicking pattern, and then add the C5–G5–A5 power chords. The A minor pentatonic solo at the 17th fret offers a slightly more advanced challenge for later. It’s a beautiful ballad that’s surprisingly accessible to beginners.
Simple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd) Tabs
Simple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd) YouTube
37. The Joker (Steve Miller Band)
Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker” puts a unique spin on the common G–C–D chord progression. It’s a feel-good classic that’s easy to learn and play, making it a crowd-pleaser and a great song for building confidence on the guitar.
The Joker (Steve Miller Band) Tabs
The Joker (Steve Miller Band) YouTube
38. Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love (Van Halen)
Van Halen’s “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” might be your first foray into Van Halen’s energetic style. The picking pattern in the main riff might take a little practice, but once mastered, the power chords and guitar solo become much easier. It’s a great song for learning picking technique and classic hard rock riffs.
Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love (Van Halen) Tabs
Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love (Van Halen) YouTube
39. Running with the Devil (Van Halen)
Following up “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” Van Halen’s “Running with the Devil” introduces double-stop chord inversions in the main riff. The arpeggiated guitar solo is also excellent Lead Guitar 101 material. It’s another energetic Van Halen track that expands on beginner techniques and introduces slightly more complex concepts.
Running with the Devil (Van Halen) Tabs
Running with the Devil (Van Halen) YouTube
40. Twist and Shout (The Beatles)
“Twist and Shout” by The Beatles is three-chord rock at its finest: D–G–A. Use open-string versions or barre chord shapes – both work perfectly. The harmonized guitar break can be played on one guitar (though it’s a little tricky). It’s a high-energy classic that’s guaranteed to get people moving.
Twist and Shout (The Beatles) Tabs
Twist and Shout (The Beatles) YouTube
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41. Are You Gonna Be My Girl (Jet)
Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” is a simple, high-energy tune that’s incredibly fun to play. In the key of A, it uses power chords and double-stop riffs. Its driving rhythm and catchy riff make it a perfect song for jamming and practicing energetic rock guitar.
Are You Gonna Be My Girl (Jet) Tabs
Are You Gonna Be My Girl (Jet) YouTube
42. Batman Theme (The Ventures)
The Ventures’ “Batman Theme” offers a break from power chords with a cool guitar riff played in octaves. It’s a 12-bar blues in G and a classic instrumental track that’s great for practicing octave melodies and blues structure.
Batman Theme (The Ventures) Tabs
Batman Theme (The Ventures) YouTube
43. I Wanna Be Sedated (The Ramones)
The Ramones’ “I Wanna Be Sedated” is pure punk rock simplicity: power chords and eighth-note, downward-strummed rhythms. It’s fast, fun, and perfect for developing a strong down-strumming hand and learning the essence of punk rock guitar.
I Wanna Be Sedated (The Ramones) Tabs
I Wanna Be Sedated (The Ramones) YouTube
44. Blitzkrieg Bop (The Ramones)
“Blitzkrieg Bop” by The Ramones is another punk rock anthem with the same recipe as “I Wanna Be Sedated”: power chords and eighth-note rhythms. “Hey ho, let’s go!” – it’s instantly recognizable and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s essential for understanding the energy and simplicity of punk rock.
Blitzkrieg Bop (The Ramones) Tabs
Blitzkrieg Bop (The Ramones) YouTube
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45. 18 and Life (Skid Row)
Skid Row’s “18 and Life” is a power ballad with strong storytelling framed by solid songwriting. The arpeggios in the main riff offer a slightly more advanced challenge (Rock 102 level), while the rest of the song uses power chords and eighth-note rhythms. The solo is more challenging, suitable for late beginners or intermediate players aiming to improve their lead skills.
18 and Life (Skid Row) YouTube
46. Voodoo (Godsmack) – Simple Chord Riffs
Godsmack’s “Voodoo” requires tuning down a whole step for its dark, heavy sound. The chord riffs are simple yet effective in conveying the song’s mood and lyrics. The prominent double-stop lick is played with just one finger, making it surprisingly easy to learn and add a heavier element to your playing.
47. Taking Care of Business (Bachman Turner Overdrive)
Bachman Turner Overdrive’s “Taking Care of Business” uses a C–Bb–F chord progression played with Chuck Berry-style power chord riffs. It’s a 70s classic that’s easy to learn and jam on. Jimi Hendrix also did a cool cover version, showcasing the song’s versatility.
Taking Care of Business (Bachman Turner Overdrive) Tabs
Taking Care of Business (Bachman Turner Overdrive) YouTube
48. Every Rose Has Its Thorn (Poison)
Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” is an 80s power ballad that’s more ballad than power. Tuned down a half step, it uses open chords in the key of G. C.C. DeVille’s guitar solo, while seemingly flashy, is based on the E minor pentatonic box shape with added extensions, offering a good study in melodic soloing within a familiar scale.
Every Rose Has Its Thorn (Poison) Tabs
Every Rose Has Its Thorn (Poison) YouTube
49. Wild Thing (The Troggs)
The Troggs’ “Wild Thing” is I–IV–V in the key of A. No singalong is complete without it! It’s an impromptu, fun, and essential rock standard. The ocarina solo is even tabbed out for guitar, adding a quirky element to learn.
Wild Thing (The Troggs) YouTube
50. Personal Jesus (Depeche Mode)
Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus” features simple riffs and a few movable chord shapes. Johnny Cash’s cover version highlights the song’s strong songwriting. It’s a modern classic with a bluesy edge and a fitting song to round out this list of easy guitar tabs for beginners.
Personal Jesus (Depeche Mode) Tabs
Personal Jesus (Depeche Mode) YouTube
Closing Thoughts on Easy Guitar Tabs
Congratulations on exploring these 50 easy guitar tabs! Learning guitar should be an enjoyable experience, and using tabs is a fantastic way to quickly access your favorite songs and start making music. This list is just the beginning. The guitar is an incredible instrument, and with the vast resources available online, learning new songs is easier than ever. Keep practicing, keep exploring, and most importantly, keep playing!
Related: Complete Buyers Guide for Guitar Straps
Learn Guitar Faster 😫 Overwhelmed with scattered tabs and tutorials?
😃 Dive into structured lessons designed for beginners.
🎸 See for yourself at GuitarTricks.com.
Start for Free
Ed Lozano
Ed Lozano is a professional guitarist, instructor, producer and published author. He is a graduate of Berklee College of Music and lives in the Andes mountains.
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