Learning guitar can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and contrary to popular belief, it’s also surprisingly accessible, especially when you start with the right approach. Many of the songs you already love and listen to are built upon a foundation of simple guitar chords. In fact, a vast number of popular songs utilize just a handful of easy-to-play chords. If your goal is to quickly learn some recognizable tunes on the guitar, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will introduce you to 12 fantastic songs, all based on the same fundamental guitar chords, played in the same sequence. Believe it or not, with just 4 chords and a capo, you can unlock all the songs in this list and begin your guitar playing journey today.
This sequence of chords is often called the “Don’t Stop Believing” progression because of its prominent use in that famous song. However, its versatility extends far beyond just one hit. This chord progression is the backbone of countless popular songs across various genres. The core progression is:
G Major – D Major – E minor – C Major
Below, you’ll find visual guides showing you how to form each of these essential chords on the guitar. These chord diagrams will help you place your fingers correctly to create these foundational sounds. Once you’ve grasped these shapes, you’ll be ready to tackle the song list. We’ve also included capo instructions for each song, as they aren’t all in the same key. By positioning your capo as indicated and playing the G-D-Em-C chord progression, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can start playing familiar songs and impressing your friends and family!
Visual Guide to Easy Guitar Chords
These images will show you the finger positions for each of the four chords. Practice transitioning between these chords smoothly to prepare for playing songs.
How to play the G major guitar chord, a fundamental chord in easy guitar music.
Visual representation of the E minor guitar chord, an essential component of many easy guitar songs.
Diagram showing how to play the D major guitar chord, a commonly used chord in easy music for guitar.
Instructional image illustrating the C major guitar chord, a basic chord for playing easy guitar music.
12 Hit Songs Using These Easy Guitar Chords
Here are 12 popular songs you can learn quickly using the G-D-Em-C chord progression and a capo. Follow the capo instructions for each song to play along in the original key.
1) “Don’t Stop Believin” – Journey
Capo 9th fret (E Major)
Chord chart, here.
2) “With or Without You” – U2
Capo 7th fret (D Major)
Chord chart, here.
3) “Soul Sister” – Train
Capo 9th fret (E Major)
Chord Chart, here.
Notes: The verse uses the standard chord progression, while the chorus has a slight variation. The chorus chords are: C D G G….C D G G
4) “Let it Be” – The Beatles
Capo 5th fret (C Major)
Chord Chart, here.
Notes: Similar to “Soul Sister,” the verse follows the main progression, but the chorus differs slightly. The chorus chords are: e- D C G….G D C G
5) “Already Gone” – Kelly Clarkson
Capo 2nd fret (A Major)
Chord Chart, here.
6) “I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz
Capo 4th fret (B Major)
Chord Chart, here.
Notes: Keep an ear out for an occasional A major chord that Jason Mraz adds in.
7) “Take Me Home Country Roads” – John Denver
Capo 2nd fret (A Major)
Chord Chart, here.
Notes: John Denver sometimes substitutes a D7 chord for the D major, adding a bit of flavor.
8) “Cruise” – Florida Georgia Line
Capo 3rd fret (Bb Major)
Chord Chart, here.
9) “Save Tonight” Eagle Eye Cherry
Capo 5th fret (C Major)
Chord Chart, here.
Notes: This song uses the same chords but starts at a different point in the progression. The progression in this song is: E minor – C Major – G Major – D Major
10) “Hey Oh (Snow)” – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Capo 4th fret (B Major)
Chord Chart, here.
Notes: Like “Save Tonight,” this song also uses the same four chords but begins in a different place in the sequence. The progression is: E minor – C Major – G Major – D Major
11) “Apologize” – OneRepublic Ft. Timbaland
Capo 8th fret (Eb Major)
Chord Chart, here.
Notes: Again, the same chord progression, just starting from a different chord within the sequence. The progression is: E minor – C Major – G Major – D Major
12) “Love the Way You Lie” – Eminem ft. Rihanna
Capo 3rd fret (Bb major)
Chord Chart, here.
Notes: You guessed it – same chords, different starting point in the progression! The progression is: E minor – C Major – G Major – D Major
With just these four Easy Guitar Music Chords, you now have a starting point to play dozens, if not hundreds, of songs. Learning guitar doesn’t have to be intimidating. By focusing on these fundamental chords and practicing these popular songs, you’ll be making music and enjoying your guitar in no time. So grab your guitar, put on a capo, and start playing!
