Starting your guitar journey with an electric guitar is a fantastic choice. Many beginners might think acoustic guitars are the default starting point, but electric guitars offer several advantages that can make learning more enjoyable and less physically demanding in the initial stages. Electric guitars typically feature thinner strings, which are gentler on your fingertips compared to the thicker strings found on acoustic guitars. This can significantly reduce finger pain, especially when you’re first building calluses. Furthermore, the necks on electric guitars are often slimmer, making them easier to grip and navigate, particularly for players with smaller hands.
Learning to play songs is one of the most rewarding aspects of picking up any instrument, and the electric guitar is no exception. While the world of electric guitar music is vast and varied, filled with complex and challenging pieces, there’s also a treasure trove of songs that are perfect for beginners. To get you started on your electric guitar adventure, we’ve compiled a list of 10 easy songs that not only sound great on electric guitar but are also accessible for new players. From classic rock anthems to bluesy grooves, these tracks will help you build essential skills and keep you motivated as you learn.
Smashing Pumpkins: “Cherub Rock”
Billy Corgan, the mastermind behind Smashing Pumpkins, is known for his ability to blend powerful rock riffs with catchy pop melodies. “Cherub Rock,” the lead single from their iconic Siamese Dream album released in 1993, is a perfect example of this. This song is built upon a driving rhythm guitar part that’s excellent practice for developing your octave riffs and 16th note strumming techniques. Fender Play instructor Matt Lake breaks down the song in a lesson, making it approachable for beginners to tackle these foundational skills while learning a recognizable and energetic rock song. “Cherub Rock” is a great choice for beginners wanting to dive into rock music and learn rhythm guitar techniques.
Learn how to play “Cherub Rock” here.
Blue Öyster Cult: “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper”
For a song with a slightly darker and more atmospheric vibe, look no further than Blue Öyster Cult’s 1976 hit, “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper.” This acclaimed track, recognized as song of the year by Rolling Stone upon its release, is an excellent vehicle for practicing arpeggio picking and palm muting. While the song has a haunting quality, the guitar parts are surprisingly accessible for beginners. Learning “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” will introduce you to techniques used in many rock and metal genres, all within the context of a classic and memorable song. The arpeggiated intro riff is iconic and satisfying to learn.
Learn how to play “Don’t Fear the Reaper” here.
Willie Dixon: “I Can’t Quit You Baby”
“I Can’t Quit You Baby” is a blues standard penned by the legendary Willie Dixon. While Otis Rush first recorded it in 1956, and many artists like Led Zeppelin have covered it, the song’s core structure remains relatively simple and beginner-friendly. Built around just three chords – G, C, and D – this bluesy track provides a great introduction to 12-bar blues progressions and basic blues rhythms. Fender Play instructor Barrett Wilson will guide you through these chords and the song’s feel, making it a fantastic entry point into the world of blues guitar. Learning this song is a gateway to understanding the foundations of blues music.
Learn how to play “I Can’t Quit You Baby” here.
Black Uhuru: “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”
If you’re looking to explore different genres, “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” by Black Uhuru offers a foray into reggae rhythms. This groovy and hypnotic song is driven by a classic reggae backbeat, which Fender Play instructor Jen Trani expertly breaks down. Learning this song will help you develop your rhythmic skills, specifically the reggae “skank” rhythm, which is a fundamental element of the genre. It’s a fun and different style to try that expands your musical horizons beyond rock and blues.
Learn how to play “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” here.
Elmore James: “It Hurts Me Too”
Elmore James, known for his distinctive slide guitar playing, brings a soulful and slightly sorrowful feel to the blues classic “It Hurts Me Too.” This song utilizes traditional blues chord changes and provides a great opportunity to learn the blues shuffle pattern and downstrumming techniques. While Elmore James is famous for his slide guitar, the rhythm guitar part is very learnable for beginners. “It Hurts Me Too” serves as another excellent doorway into the blues genre, focusing on rhythmic playing and chord progressions.
Learn how to play “I Can’t Quit You Baby” here.
The Strokes: “Last Nite”
The Strokes spearheaded a garage rock and punk revival in the early 2000s with their debut single, “Last Nite.” This upbeat and danceable track reached the top five on the American charts and is known for its catchy and energetic rhythm. Learning “Last Nite” will introduce you to chord anticipation and 16th note strumming patterns within a modern rock context. This song is perfect for beginners who want to learn a more contemporary rock sound and practice rhythmic strumming and chord transitions at a faster tempo.
Learn how to play “Last Nite” here.
The Cars: “My Best Friend’s Girl”
The Cars successfully blended hard rock guitar with new wave synth-pop, achieving mainstream success, particularly with “My Best Friend’s Girl.” This song is built around an accessible three-chord progression that Fender Play instructor Matt Lake breaks down in his lesson. “My Best Friend’s Girl” is a fantastic choice for learning basic chord progressions and playing along to a song with a distinct 80s new wave vibe. It’s a fun, upbeat song that’s easy to get the hang of quickly.
Learn how to play “My Best Friend’s Girl” here.
Cracker: “Low”
Cracker’s 1993 hit “Low” is remarkably simple to play, relying on just four chords: D, C, E, and G. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners focused on mastering basic chord switching and maintaining a consistent strum pattern. Fender Play instructor Jen Trani guides you through these fundamentals in her lesson. “Low” is a great song to practice smooth chord transitions and develop a steady strumming hand. The repetitive chord structure makes it easy to memorize and play along with.
Learn how to play “Low” here.
Robert Cray: “Smoking Gun”
Robert Cray, a master of the Stratocaster, achieved pop radio success with “Smoking Gun,” which reached No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This bluesy track primarily uses E minor and A minor chords, allowing beginners to focus on a few basic techniques. Fender Play instructor Akira Harrison demonstrates these techniques in his lesson. “Smoking Gun” is an excellent song for learning minor chords and exploring blues-rock rhythms. It’s a slightly more sophisticated blues song compared to “I Can’t Quit You Baby” or “It Hurts Me Too,” but still very accessible.
Learn how to play “Smoking Gun” here
The Rolling Stones: “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”
No list of Easy Electric Guitar Songs is complete without “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones. Featuring arguably the most recognizable guitar riff in rock history, played by the legendary Keith Richards, “Satisfaction” perfectly exemplifies the Rolling Stones’ signature blend of rock and soul. This song, while iconic, is built around a simple and repetitive riff that’s perfect for beginner guitarists to learn. It’s a fantastic introduction to iconic rock riffs and developing rhythmic precision. Learning “Satisfaction” is a rite of passage for any aspiring electric guitarist.
Learn how to play “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” here.
These ten songs offer a diverse starting point for anyone learning electric guitar. They cover various genres and introduce fundamental techniques in a fun and engaging way. By learning these easy electric guitar songs, you’ll not only build your skills but also develop a repertoire of recognizable and enjoyable music to play. Don’t forget to explore the Fender Play lessons linked with each song for step-by-step guidance and to unlock even more songs and skills to further your guitar playing journey.
