Learning guitar can feel like entering a whole new world, especially when you’re just starting out. For a beginner, especially a child picking up a stringed instrument for the first time, the world of guitar music can seem overwhelming. Coordinating both hands, strumming rhythms, understanding chords, and reading music – it’s a lot to take in! If you’re a beginner guitar player, or a teacher looking for resources, you might feel lost in a sea of information.
But don’t worry, help is here! At guitarplayers.net, we believe that learning guitar should be an exciting and accessible journey for everyone. That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive collection of Guitar Music Sheets With Chords For Beginners, designed to make your first steps in music enjoyable and rewarding.
If you’ve had piano lessons, you might find some aspects of guitar learning more intuitive. However, for many beginners, especially children, guitar can present unique challenges. Understanding how chords work, reading music notation alongside tablature, and developing finger strength and coordination all require dedicated practice and the right resources.
This page is your gateway to a treasure trove of easy guitar songs and exercise sheets specifically created to demystify the learning process. We offer a variety of free resources, including:
- Guitar Worksheets: From chord diagrams to fretboard charts, these worksheets are essential tools for building a solid foundation.
- Beginner Guitar Chords Charts: Simple, easy-to-read chord charts, some featuring one-finger chords, perfect for absolute beginners.
- Very Easy Guitar Tabs: A wide selection of songs in tablature format, making learning melodies accessible from day one.
- Hymns, Carols, & Anthems: Introduce yourself to beautiful and familiar tunes, simplified for beginner guitarists.
- Classical Guitar Pieces: Start your classical guitar journey with carefully selected beginner pieces.
- Flatpicking & Fiddle Tunes: Explore the world of folk and traditional music with accessible arrangements.
- Folk and Traditional Songs: Learn timeless melodies with chords and tabs, perfect for sing-alongs.
Jump right into our resources below and start making music today!
Guitar Worksheets: Build Your Foundation
Worksheets are indispensable tools for any beginner guitarist. They help you visualize the fretboard, understand chord shapes, and practice essential music theory concepts. Our collection of guitar worksheets includes a variety of formats to suit different learning styles.
Guitar Worksheets
From small and large guitar chord fretboards to flashcards and blank tablature sheets, you’ll find numerous resources here to support your learning. These worksheets are designed to be practical and easy to use, whether you’re a student or a teacher.
Beginner chords chart
Beginner Guitar Chords
Our beginner guitar chord charts are designed to be incredibly user-friendly. The “Little” chords section features chords that require only one finger, making them perfect for those just starting to build finger strength and coordination. These charts are a fantastic starting point for learning basic chord shapes.
A and Am guitar chord chart
Big Guitar Chord Charts
For visual learners, our giant guitar chord charts are ideal. These large-format charts are perfect for beginners to clearly see chord diagrams and finger placements. Don’t hesitate to write directly on them as you practice and learn! These charts are great for classroom settings or for hanging in your practice space.
Guitar flashcards
Flashcards for Guitar
Mastering note reading is a crucial skill for any musician. Our guitar flashcards are designed to help you get comfortable with notes on the treble staff. Using flashcards is an effective and engaging way to memorize note names and their positions, improving your sight-reading skills.
Explore all our Guitar Worksheets HERE for even more resources to aid your practice!
Very Easy Guitar Tabs: Your First Songs
Tablature, or tabs, is a simplified way to read music for guitar, showing you exactly where to place your fingers on the fretboard. Our collection of very easy guitar tabs features popular and enjoyable songs that are perfect for beginners. These tabs are designed to be accessible and fun, allowing you to play recognizable tunes right away.
Twelve bar blues bass line for beginning guitar students
12-Bar Blues
Get introduced to the blues with our 12-Bar Blues resources. Starting with a simple bass line, these pages gradually introduce you to this fundamental musical form. The blues is a cornerstone of many genres, and this is a fantastic and easy way to begin your blues journey.
All Through the Night lullaby
All Through the Night
“All Through the Night” is a beautiful lullaby that’s surprisingly easy to play on guitar despite its varied chords. The tablature primarily uses 0, 2, and 4, making it very beginner-friendly. This song is not only easy to learn but also a lovely tune to add to your repertoire.
Bluegrass music Boil
Boil’em Cabbage Down beginner guitar song
“Boil’em Cabbage Down” is a great beginner guitar song for learning both melody and chords (A-D-E). It’s particularly useful for practicing the “Down, Down-Up” picking pattern, a fundamental strumming technique. This song is often used after “Pizza Please” (Hot Cross Buns melody) to reinforce this picking pattern.
Canoe Song chords for guitar
Canoe Song
The “Canoe Song” is an exceptionally easy guitar tab, featuring a driving melody and just one chord. This Canadian folk song is a favorite among kids due to its simplicity and catchy tune. It’s a perfect song for building confidence and rhythm.
Guitar exercises all on open strings
Easiest Guitar Tab to Play
Our easiest guitar tab exercises are designed to help you get acquainted with your instrument. These four exercises focus on open strings, helping you understand string and fret placement. For the first few weeks of learning, these exercises can become your go-to “song” as you familiarize yourself with the guitar.
Guitar tabs God is So Good
God is Good, or God is So Good!
Whether you prefer tabs or chords, “God is Good” is a sweet and simple melody that’s very easy to learn. While the F chord can be challenging for beginners, we suggest using a simplified “baby F” chord (using only 1, 2, or 3 strings) to make it accessible.
Home on the Range music
Home On The Range free guitar tabs & chords
Our easy arrangement of “Home On The Range” uses “baby chords,” making it perfect for beginners. This page also features a more advanced arrangement for when you’re ready for a challenge, using a wider range of chords.
Jingle Bells guitar tabs
Jingle Bells guitar tabs
Everyone should learn to play “Jingle Bells,” and thankfully, our beginner arrangement makes it simple! This version uses just two chords. For a bit more challenge, a second arrangement on the page uses four chords, perfect for progressing beginners.
Mary Had a Little Lamb with guitar tabs
Mary Had a Little Lamb
The famous nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb” is incredibly easy to play on guitar, using only 2 chords and simple tabs. It’s a classic beginner song that’s both recognizable and fun to learn.
Halloween guitar music
Monsters Everywhere Halloween guitar sheet music
Get into the spooky spirit with “Monsters Everywhere,” a Halloween song that’s fun and not too scary. Its melody moves slowly across the frets, making it very easy to learn, and perfect for Halloween-themed lessons or performances.
Old Joe Clark guitar tabs
Old Joe Clark
With its goofy words and catchy tune, “Old Joe Clark” is a fun song to sing and play. This song is great for engaging students with its playful nature and singable melody, making practice enjoyable.
Guitar tablature sheet for beginners
Pizza Please (the Hot Cross Buns melody!)
“Pizza Please” uses the melody of “Hot Cross Buns,” one of the world’s easiest songs for beginners. Older beginners might recognize it from band class, making it an instantly familiar and accessible starting point.
Sharks, sounding like the Jaws theme song, with guitar tabs
Sharks easy guitar tabs
Tell your students “Sharks” is almost like the theme from “Jaws,” and watch their motivation soar! This recognizable and slightly dramatic tune is simple to learn and a fun way to engage beginners.
Easy guitar tabs music
Shortnin’ Bread
The repetitive nature of “Shortnin’ Bread” makes it easy to learn both the tabs and the 2 chords used in the song. This cute and catchy tune is perfect for reinforcing basic skills through repetition.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star for guitar tabs
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star music
Beginners love working on familiar tunes, and “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” is a perfect example. Its universal recognition and simple melody make it an ideal choice for building confidence and basic guitar skills.
Hymns, Carols, & Anthems: Beautiful and Meaningful Music
Explore our collection of hymns, carols, and anthems, simplified for beginner guitarists. These songs offer a chance to learn beautiful and meaningful music while developing your guitar skills.
All Through the Night lullaby
All Through the Night
Tip for teachers: “All Through the Night” is particularly popular with young girls. Mastering this song on guitar is a great way to engage and motivate them. It’s available in the key of D, and lead sheets in other keys are also available (without guitar tablature).
Amazing Grace guitar tabs
Amazing Grace
The melody of “Amazing Grace” is beautifully simple to pick in the key of G, and it’s also offered in C. This timeless hymn is a wonderful piece to learn, combining musicality with cultural significance.
Patriotic guitar tabs
America -My Country, ‘Tis of Thee
Learn a piece of national heritage with “America – My Country, ‘Tis of Thee“. This patriotic song, with roots in England, speaks of freedom and is a meaningful addition to any beginner’s repertoire.
Christmas guitar tabs
Angels We Have Heard On High
Embrace the Christmas spirit with “Angels We Have Heard On High,” a pretty carol known for its long “Glo-o-o-o-o-ria” section. Learning Christmas carols is a festive and enjoyable way to practice guitar.
Ave Maria lead sheet for guitar
Ave Maria sheet music
Explore the classic “Ave Maria” with our lead sheets, which include chords in multiple keys. This page also offers the full piano accompaniment and English lyrics, providing a rich musical experience. This version combines Bach’s Prelude in C with Gounod’s soaring melody.
Easy guitar Christmas music
Away in a Manger
The simple Christmas carol “Away in a Manger” features an easy guitar tab line, making it a perfect choice for beginner holiday music. Its gentle melody and straightforward arrangement make it accessible for new guitarists.
Hymn lead sheet Be My Vision
Be Thou My Vision
Learn the beautiful and ancient hymn “Be Thou My Vision,” praising God. We offer lead sheets and piano arrangements for this timeless piece. It’s a song that carries deep meaning and musical richness.
Carol of the Bells for guitar – classical style, with guitar tabs
Carol of the Bells guitar tab
While “Carol of the Bells” is more challenging, it’s a fun challenge! This beautiful Christmas song is spread across three pages and offers a rewarding goal for young students who want to push their skills.
Christ Arose chords for guitar
Christ Arose sheet music
Celebrate Resurrection Sunday with “Christ Arose.” This great old song is presented with easy chords in the key of C and tabs, making it accessible for beginners while still being musically rich.
Come Ye Sinners Beach Spring melody music
Come Ye Sinners, old gospel hymns (Beach Spring melody, from The Sacred Harp)
Explore “Come Ye Sinners” with the Beach Spring melody. This old-fashioned hymn, from The Sacred Harp, features guitar chords (no tabs) and an irresistible melody, making it also easy for fiddle players.
Hymn sheet music for guitar
Come Ye Sinners (I Will Arise and Go to Jesus)
Another version of “Come Ye Sinners” (I Will Arise and Go to Jesus) offers a haunting melody in a minor key. While this lead sheet is in a “scary key” for guitarists and primarily for piano, other keys are available on the page!
Christmas carol sheet music
Deck the Halls free Christmas songs
Get festive with “Deck the Halls,” offered in both high and low melody versions. This classic Christmas carol is a joyous addition to your holiday music collection.
Doxology sheet music
Doxology
Learn the short and well-known hymn “Doxology” (“Praise God from whom all blessings flow…”). Discover that there are many more verses to this hymn! Lead sheets and a piano arrangement are available on this page.
French Christmas music sheet
Entre le boeuf Christmas music lyrics and piano chords (Between the Ox and Donkey)
Discover a less familiar Christmas carol from France, “Entre le boeuf et l’âne gris” (Between the Ox and Donkey). This lovely carol is presented with guitar chords, introducing you to international Christmas music.
Lead sheet
Farther On
“Farther On” is a sweet hymn about a better place. This hymn is one of the most touching and comforting songs, offered with chords and lyrics, and arrangements for choral groups. It’s a meaningful song for reflection and comfort.
For Health & Strength & Daily Bread prayer for Thanksgiving
Express gratitude with “For Health & Strength & Daily Bread,” a simple round for Thanksgiving. This round, with guitar tabs and chords, carries a simple and good message of thankfulness.
Hymn sheet music For the Beauty of the Earth
For the Beauty of the Earth Thanksgiving song
Another Thanksgiving song, “For the Beauty of the Earth,” is a hymn of thanksgiving to God. Featured in the film “Little Women,” this song is a non-denominational hymn suitable for various settings.
The Friendly Beasts sheet music
The Friendly Beasts
“The Friendly Beasts” is a charming Christmas carol that can be played with just three main chords, although it includes a few secondary chords (Am & Dm). This song is a delightful addition to your Christmas repertoire.
A song for a girl who died young
Gabrielle: Address Heaven
“Gabrielle: Address Heaven” is a song written to offer comfort to mourners. This touching piece provides solace and can be a meaningful song to learn and share.
Medieval music Gaudete
Gaudete (Rejoice!) free Christmas vocal sheet music
Explore “Gaudete (Rejoice!),” a very old and interesting Latin hymn of praise with a classical style. Several arrangements are available for this unique and historical Christmas piece.
Guitar tabs God is So Good
God is So Good, or God is Good, lyrics and chords and tabs for guitar
“God is So Good” is a short and sweet song that’s easy to learn and transpose. Its simplicity and heartwarming message make it a great choice for beginners.
Hark the Herald Angels Sing, guitar tabs and chords, in the key of C
Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
“Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” is a classic Christmas carol offered with guitar tabs and a beginner piano arrangement. Lyrics are also available as a downloadable PDF.
I Love You Lord sheet music
I Love You sheet music
“I Love You, Lord” features a very easy guitar melody and chords, with plenty of room for finger-picking. This song is ideal for practicing melody and fingerstyle techniques.
I
I’ll Fly Away
“I’ll Fly Away” is a vigorous old-timey hymn about going to heaven. Easy guitar tabs make up the melody of this still-popular and uplifting song.
Jingle Bells guitar music
Jingle Bells guitar chords and tabs
This arrangement of “Jingle Bells” uses a slightly fancier chord progression (C, F, D7, G, and G7). A simpler version using only C and G7 is also available on the page, perfect for beginners using “Little C” and “Little G7” chords.
Guitar tabs Jolly Old St Nicholas
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas, free print-out sheet music
“Jolly Old Saint Nicholas” is a fun and nostalgic Christmas song for all ages. Find the guitar music further down the page and bring back happy memories while learning a festive tune.
joy to the world tablature
Joy to the World lyrics and guitar tabs
“Joy to the World” is offered in several arrangements, including guitar tabs, piano, and voice. You can also download a PDF of the lyrics with all verses.
Just As I Am, a hymn for church, with guitar tabs.
Just As I Am Without One Plea
“Just As I Am Without One Plea” is a beautiful and soul-stirring older hymn that still resonates today. It uses just three chords, making it accessible for beginner guitarists to learn this classic hymn.
Kum Ba Yah guitar tabs
Kum Ba Yah
“Kum Ba Yah” is a sweet and simple song that asks God to come near. This folk song is perfect for beginners due to its repetitive and easy-to-learn structure.
Guitar tabs Christmas carol
Lo I Bring You Tidings Christmas carol lyrics
“Lo I Bring You Tidings” is a modern Christmas carol with lyrics straight from the Bible. It tells the story of the shepherds and the angel’s message.
Ode to Joy music
Ode to Joy guitar music for beginners
Learn the iconic “Ode to Joy” with standard notation and “helper” tablature below. This arrangement is designed for beginning readers, helping bridge the gap between tabs and traditional notation.
Christmas violin duet
On Christmas Night
While “On Christmas Night” is a violin duet, it can also be sung. The second violin part is very easy for beginners, primarily using open A and E strings, making it adaptable for beginner guitar.
Silent Night guitar tabs
Silent Night chords, lyrics and tabs
“Silent Night” is available in several arrangements, including ensembles for string instruments and guitar solo. This peaceful Christmas carol is a must-learn for any guitarist.
Sing We Noel chords
Sing We Noel
“Sing We Noel” is a French Christmas carol offered with lead sheets in numerous keys to explore chords. This version does not include tablature, focusing on chord practice.
Hymn sheet music for guitar
Softly and Tenderly free hymn sheet music
“Softly and Tenderly” is an old-fashioned hymn perfect for contemplative music. This hymn evokes a sense of peace and reflection, ideal for quiet practice or performance.
Guitar tabs Sweet Hour of Prayer
Sweet Hour of Prayer hymn music
“Sweet Hour of Prayer” is a pretty hymn melody with meaningful and scriptural lyrics. This hymn, with four verses, is a beautiful addition to your repertoire of hymns.
Up On the Housetop easy kids’ Christmas piano sheet music
While primarily piano sheet music, “Up On the Housetop” also includes chords for guitar. This surprisingly old Christmas carol has a joyous and modern feel, using just the common “I, IV, & V” chords.
We Wish You a Merry Christmas chords, tabs, and lyric**s**
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” is a high-energy and joyous Christmas carol. Easy chords for guitar make this a fun and festive song to learn and play during the holiday season.
What Child is This Christmas sheet music
“What Child is This” uses the melody of “Greensleeves,” a beautiful melody centuries old. This version with Christmas lyrics features a lute-like arrangement.
What Wondrous Love, two different melodies
“What Wondrous Love” offers two different melodies: the familiar version and a lesser-known “bluegrass” or Shape Note melody. Explore both versions of this compelling hymn.
What Wondrous Love with 4-part harmony
This is the “bluegrass” or Shape Note melody of “What Wondrous Love” in a 4-part harmony arrangement. Discover this strong and compelling tune, even if you are more familiar with the lyrics to the other melody.
When He Cometh
Also known as “Jewels,” this song speaks to the preciousness of children. It’s based on just three main chords and offers great opportunities for vocal harmony.
Classical Guitar: Elegant Beginnings
Step into the world of classical guitar with our selection of beginner-friendly pieces. Classical guitar music emphasizes fingerstyle technique and note reading, offering a refined and rewarding musical path.
Classical guitar sheets for beginners
Allegro from The Butterfly by Giuilani for guitar, with and without guitar tabs
Allegro classical guitar sheet music
“Allegro” from Le Papillon (The Butterfly) by Giuliani looks more complex than it is. The notes are derived from chord shapes Am, Dm, E, and E7, making it a lovely and accessible classical piece for beginners.
Carol of the Bells for guitar – classical style, with guitar tabs
Carol of the Bells guitar tab
Even in a classical style, “Carol of the Bells” remains a beautiful, albeit challenging, piece for young students. This three-page arrangement offers a classical take on the popular Christmas carol.
A duet version for guitar or treble instruments of Jesu Joy of Man
Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring duet
“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Bach, arranged as a duet, is perfect for guitar ensembles. This well-loved piece is arranged for cello and violin, two violins, or two guitars, offering versatility in performance.
Ode to Joy music
Ode to Joy guitar music for beginners
Our arrangement of “Ode to Joy” for classical guitar focuses on standard notation, omitting tablature to encourage note-reading practice. A note-reading guide is included to support beginners in this essential skill.
Spanish Study classical guitar music with tabs
Spanish Study
“Spanish Study” is a beautiful first classical piece for young guitarists. Available in 3-page and 1-page versions, and with a worksheet for practicing tablature, this piece is a great introduction to classical guitar.
Viva la Musica
“Viva la Musica” is a simple melody that’s also a round, presenting a unique challenge for guitar students. Playing this with another student or teacher enhances listening and ensemble skills. The song’s meaning, “Long live music!”, is inspiring and joyful.
Flatpicking Guitar and Fiddle Pieces: Lively and Energetic Tunes
Dive into the energetic world of flatpicking guitar and fiddle tunes. These pieces are perfect for developing your picking technique and exploring traditional melodies.
Flatpicking guitar songs
Arkansas Traveler for flat-picking guitar, with standard notation and tabs
Arkansas Traveler
“Arkansas Traveler” is a famous American song available in both keys of C and G. These versions are arranged for flatpicking guitar, with standard notation and tabs, making them great for practicing this technique.
Bonaparte Crossing the Rocky Mountains, bluegrass guitar tabs
“Bonaparte Crossing the Rocky Mountains” is a unique and minor piece with a great melody, perfect for bluegrass guitar. These bluegrass guitar tabs introduce you to a different style and mood in traditional music.
The Butterfly for fiddle and guitar
The Butterfly – free Irish fiddle sheet music
“The Butterfly” is a popular Irish tune, famously played by Celtic Woman. This free Irish fiddle sheet music (also great for guitar) is exciting and engaging. A video of this song is available on the page to inspire you.
Camptown Races
“Camptown Races” by Stephen Foster is a cute and classic American song. This arrangement for guitar solo is perfect for practicing flatpicking and learning a piece of American musical history.
Devil’s Dream free guitar tabs
“Devil’s Dream” is a piece that guitarists and fiddlers alike can use to improve their speed and skill. For guitarists learning to flatpick, this melody is almost entirely “Down-Up, Down-Up,” making it excellent practice for rhythmic picking.
June Apple violin tabs and guitar tabs
“June Apple” is a fun and lively song for both fiddle and guitar. These violin and guitar tabs make it easy to learn this energetic tune and enjoy playing with others.
Mari’s Wedding
“Mari’s Wedding” is a cute and energetic song with lyrics to sing along to. Its lively rhythm and singable melody make it a fun piece to learn and perform.
Musical Priest free printable violin music
“Musical Priest” is a fun minor piece with opportunities to add ornaments. Two arrangements are available: a simple melody and a more ornamented version, allowing you to progress as your skills develop.
Redhaired Boy
“Redhaired Boy” is a studio favorite, available in keys of A and G for fiddle or guitar. This piece is popular among students and offers a chance to play a well-loved tune.
Road to Lisdoonvarna free fiddle sheet music
“Road to Lisdoonvarna” is a catchy fiddle and guitar tune with two versions: plain and fancy! Explore both arrangements to challenge yourself and enjoy this lively piece.
Sleepsong music for piano, voice, & guitar
Sleepsong
“Sleepsong” is a beautiful piece transposed to Em to make it easier for beginner guitar players. Listen to the video on the page to appreciate the beauty of this song, perfect for gentle practice and performance.
The Spanish Lady sheet music
Spanish Lady
“Spanish Lady” is a really fun and bouncy song with high energy and a pretty tune. This piece is great for developing your flatpicking speed and accuracy.
Guitar flatpicking music, for violin too.
Ten-Penny Bit
“Ten-Penny Bit” is a great fiddle melody that also works wonderfully as a flatpicking piece for guitar. This minor-melody tune is both fun to play and musically interesting.
Folk and Traditional Songs: Timeless Melodies
Our collection of folk and traditional songs offers timeless melodies that are perfect for beginner guitarists. These songs are often simple to learn, culturally rich, and great for sing-alongs.
Ale is Dear song for violin
Ale is Dear fiddle sheet music for beginners
“Ale is Dear” is presented as a violin trio, with one part being almost a single-note “drone.” This very pretty piece can be adapted for guitar, particularly for ensemble playing.
Lullaby All the Pretty Little Horses
All the Pretty Little Horses
“All the Pretty Little Horses” is a lullaby with lovely repeating melody lines, offered in two keys for guitar. This song is perfect for practicing fingerpicking and exploring different keys.
All Through the Night lullaby
All Through the Night
“All Through the Night” is featured again here as a folk song, with guitar tabs in the key of D. This pretty lullaby with poetic lyrics is great for practicing fingerstyle and learning a traditional Welsh tune.
The Ash Grove song
Ash Grove
“Ash Grove” is an old and very pretty song from Wales. This traditional melody is beautiful and simple, making it ideal for beginner guitarists to learn and enjoy.
Aura Lea/Love Me Tender song
Aura Lea: Love Me Tender sheet music
“Aura Lea, ” famously known as “Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley, is a beautiful song from the Civil War era. Find chords, tabs, and lyrics for both versions of this lovely tune.
Blow the Candles Out song
Blow the Candles Out, lead sheets free to print
“Blow the Candles Out” is a song with an unforgettable melody. These free lead sheets (no chords shown) allow you to explore the melody and create your own chord accompaniment.
Camptown Races
“Camptown Races” is featured again as a folk song, with both solo and duet versions available. Explore different arrangements of this classic American tune.
The Cat Came Back song
Cat Came Back lyrics and chords
“The Cat Came Back” is a fun song with silly words about a persistent cat. The repeating chord pattern is excellent for walking bass practice. The vocal range is limited, making it great for beginner singers too.
The Colorado Trail song
Colorado Trail song
“Colorado Trail” is a genuine cowboy song, surprisingly sweet and pretty. Written by a real cowboy, this song offers a glimpse into American cowboy culture and music.
Come By the Hills
“Come By the Hills” is a pretty Gaelic song with English lyrics and simple chords. Its recognizable tune and easy-to-play chords make it a lovely addition to a beginner’s repertoire.
Dona Nobis Pacem
“Dona Nobis Pacem” (“Give us peace”) is a beautiful Latin round, though not easy to master as a round. It can also be sung as a solo and is a classic piece for peace and reflection.
Down in the Valley
“Down in the Valley” is a super-easy first fingerpicking song using just two chords. Using “baby” C and “baby” G7 chords, beginners can focus on right-hand technique.
The Erie Canal song for guitar players – chords and tabs!
The Erie Canal Song
“The Erie Canal Song” is an old favorite with good energy that kids enjoy. This song is a fun way to learn about American history through music.
Found a Peanut
“Found a Peanut” uses just two chords and silly words, making it perfect for a first lesson. Use “baby” chords C & G7 to make it even easier for absolute beginners.
Goober Peas
“Goober Peas” may be unfamiliar at first, but kids often grow to love it. Despite easy chords, the quick chord changes provide valuable practice for beginners.
**Greensleeves, the beautiful old melody that also is the Christmas sheet music “What Child is This”**
“Greensleeves” is offered in three guitar versions: A minor, E minor, and E minor with a lowered seventh tone (lute rendition), all with tablature. Explore this beautiful old melody in various arrangements.
The Grenadier and the Lady, loveliest of sad songs
“The Grenadier and the Lady” is a beautiful minor song that tells a story. It offers good opportunities for fingerpicking and uses mostly easy guitar chords, perfect for expressive playing.
Happy Birthday
“Happy Birthday” is a must-know song, now with guitar tabs in both G and D. Lead sheets in multiple keys and piano versions are also available on the page.
Heigh Ho, Nobody Home
“Heigh Ho, Nobody Home” is an easy and satisfying round. This minor song is both fun and beautiful, great for ensemble practice.
Home on the Range free tabs & lyrics
“Home on the Range” has both a fancy arrangement with many chords and a simple 3-chord version for beginners. Choose the arrangement that suits your skill level and enjoy this classic tune.
Music for the song I Gave My Love a Cherry
I Gave My Love a Cherry – The Riddle Song
“I Gave My Love a Cherry” (The Riddle Song) is a lovely song with a lyrical mystery. Chords are provided, and a recording is available to listen to and learn from.
I Love the Mountains guitar chords & tabs
“I Love the Mountains” is used to teach beginners to switch between G, Em, C, and D7 chords. It’s invaluable for developing chord-changing skills with minimal hand movement, aiming to keep one finger grounded at all times.
I’ve Been Working On the Railroad guitar tabs and chords
“I’ve Been Working On the Railroad” is a fun song with words that evoke a sense of history. Guitar tabs and chords are provided to help you learn this energetic tune.
Kum Ba Yah guitar tabs
Kum Ba Yah
“Kum Ba Yah” is featured again as a folk song, described as a sweet old song, possibly from Africa. Its simple structure makes it perfect for beginner guitarists.
Loch Lomond sheet music for guitar, with chords and lyrics and tabs
Loch Lomond lyrics, chords and guitar tabs
“Loch Lomond” is a famous and favorite song from Scotland. Lyrics, chords, and guitar tabs are available for this classic tune, perfect for learning a piece of Scottish heritage.
Minstrel Boy free Irish sheet music
“Minstrel Boy” is a patriotic and beautiful Irish song. Lyrical and evocative, it’s a good song for teenage boys or young men, though girls can sing it as well.
O Susannah
“O Susannah” is a favorite old song of the American West. Arrangements include a guitar solo and a guitar duet, offering different ways to play this classic tune.
On Top of Old Smokey
“On Top of Old Smokey” is a fun kid’s song. Its melody is also used for “On Top of Spaghetti.” Good practice for the three main chords and for transposing to other keys.
Scarborough Fair with guitar tabs
Scarborough Fair
“Scarborough Fair” is a timeless and lovely piece, great for learning or refining fingerpicking technique. Several versions are available, including one showing how to walk bass with tab.
Shenandoah
“Shenandoah” is a beautiful song that feels distinctly American, perfect for fingerpicking. It’s a lovely piece to add to your fingerstyle repertoire.
Easy guitar tabs music
Shortnin’ Bread
“Shortnin’ Bread” is a cute and easy American song with just two chords and a repetitive melody, great for both guitar and fiddle.
Skye Boat Song
“Skye Boat Song” is a pretty song from Scotland, about Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape. Check out the newest arrangement with a fancy fingerpicking chord backup for a more advanced approach.
Sheet music and guitar tabs and chords for
Slumber, My Darling
“Slumber, My Darling” is a sweet and pretty lullaby by American composer Stephen Foster. This gentle piece is perfect for quiet practice and soothing melodies.
Spanish Ladies, a sea shanty with guitar chords & tabs & lyrics
Spanish Ladies
“Spanish Ladies” is a sea shanty that’s been a favorite with young boys. The rousing melody and minor chords make it great chord-changing practice. Several versions are available.
The Spanish Lady sheet music
The Spanish Lady
“The Spanish Lady” (not to be confused with “Spanish Ladies” above) is a cute and energetic song. This pretty song is full of energy and tells a charming story.
Star of the County Down guitar tabs and chords
“Star of the County Down” is a studio favorite for young guitar players. Its enduring appeal and engaging rhythm make it a song students don’t tire of easily.
A sad cowboy song for guitar, with tabs, chords, and lyrics: Streets of Laredo
Streets of Laredo
“Streets of Laredo” is a sad but pretty cowboy song about a dying young cowboy. This song is a poignant and beautiful piece of American folk music.
Sweet Betsy From Pike guitar chords & tabs sheet music
Sweet Betsy From Pike guitar chords & tabs
“Sweet Betsy From Pike” is a fun American ballad with four verses. Play it in G or the more singable key of C, and enjoy this classic American tale.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star for guitar tabs
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star music
“Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” is featured again, this time with sheet music for both guitar and violin, with tabs and chords. This universally recognized tune is a perfect starting point for young musicians.
Twinkle violin strings notes
This page discusses teaching “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” to a student who learns differently. It highlights alternative methods for teaching this simple piece, showing adaptability in music education.
Wabash Cannonball
“Wabash Cannonball” is an energetic song about a famous train journey. This song is lively and engaging, perfect for practicing rhythm and strumming.
Waltzing Matilda guitar tabs and chords sheet music
Waltzing Matilda
“Waltzing Matilda” is a beautiful and great favorite song from Australia. Learn this iconic Australian folk song with guitar tabs and chords.
The Water is Wide guitar music with tabs and chords
Water is Wide, easy guitar songs
“Water is Wide” is a very pretty song about love and betrayal. Its memorable melody and chords make it a worthwhile piece to learn, even for beginners.
Guitar tabs for Wellerman
The Wellerman sheet music
“The Wellerman” is a very fun sea shanty with opportunities for big, swingy chord playing and an easy melody to pick. Enjoy this popular and energetic sea shanty.
What Do You Do With a Drunken Sailor chords & melody for guitar & fiddle
“What Do You Do With a Drunken Sailor” is easy, energetic, and a lot of fun. Also check out the 3-page flatpicking duet arrangement for a more advanced challenge.
Melody and guitar tablature for
White, Orange and Green free Irish sheet music
“White, Orange and Green” is a memorable Irish patriotic song about a young girl with an Irish flag. This pretty and singable song has satisfying chords perfect for fingerpicking practice.
Lead Sheets: Melodies and Chords for Exploration
Lead Sheets – see this small collection below, then visit the much longer page linked here
Lead sheets provide melodies and chords, offering flexibility for interpretation and arrangement. They are great for developing your understanding of song structure and harmony.
Guitar tabs All the Pretty Little Horses
All the Pretty Little Horses
“All the Pretty Little Horses” is featured as a lead sheet, highlighting its repeating melody and confidence-building structure. The dotted quarter note in the third measure may present an initial challenge.
Guitar tabs for Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace
“Amazing Grace” lead sheet provides easy guitar tabs for this famous melody. If you’re unfamiliar with the tune, it may be a string-skipping challenge, but a rewarding one.
Boil
Boil’em Cabbage Down
“Boil’em Cabbage Down” lead sheet is perfect for introducing the “Down, Down-Up” flatpicking stroke. Despite having no lyrics, this song is fun and effective for practicing technique.
Go here to see all the lead sheets at Music-for-Music-Teachers!
Overcoming Beginner Guitar Challenges
Learning guitar comes with its unique set of challenges. Understanding these hurdles and having strategies to overcome them is crucial for beginner success.
One common challenge is the abstract nature of the fretboard compared to a piano keyboard. On a piano, the musical intervals are visually laid out. On the guitar, however, beginners must memorize the placement of notes and sharps/flats, as the frets offer no visual cues.
Another significant hurdle is physical discomfort. Pressing down strings firmly enough to avoid buzzing can cause finger pain, especially in the beginning. Beginners need encouragement to persevere through this initial discomfort, focusing on proper technique rather than just squeezing harder.
Despite these challenges, with the right approach and resources, beginners can thrive. Encouraging a focus on sound quality over perfection in the initial stages is key. Celebrating small victories and gradual progress builds confidence and maintains motivation. For young learners, breaking down learning into “baby steps” and incorporating repetition is essential.
While tablature is a helpful tool for starting out, it’s also important to encourage beginners to learn standard music notation. Combining tablature with standard notation in learning materials can help students gradually develop note-reading skills alongside practical guitar playing.
Start Your Guitar Journey Today!
Learning guitar is a rewarding endeavor, and having access to the right resources makes all the difference. At guitarplayers.net, we are dedicated to providing free guitar music sheets with chords for beginners to support you every step of the way.
Explore our extensive collection of worksheets, tabs, and sheet music, and discover the joy of making music on the guitar. Whether you’re learning on your own or teaching others, our resources are designed to make the learning process engaging, accessible, and fun.
Don’t let the initial challenges deter you. With patience, practice, and the right tools, you’ll be playing your favorite songs in no time. Dive into our free resources and begin your guitar adventure today!
