Learning guitar can be an incredibly rewarding journey, and what better way to start than by playing songs you love? If you’re just picking up the guitar, diving into complex solos and intricate chords can be daunting. That’s why starting with easy guitar songs is the perfect approach to build your skills and confidence. This list of 27 easy guitar songs is designed for beginners, focusing on simple chords, straightforward strumming patterns, and instantly recognizable tunes. Get ready to impress yourself and your friends as you learn to play these fantastic songs!
1. “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath
Crank up the volume and unleash your inner rock star with “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath! This iconic metal anthem is surprisingly beginner-friendly. You’ll kick things off with a powerful E power chord on the 7th fret, instantly giving you that classic rock vibe. This strong opening is followed by a cool, simple hammer-on riff in the same position, and then transitions into E, A, and D power chords, played with steady downstrokes.
The key to nailing “Paranoid” is listening closely to the song to grasp the rhythm. Once you get the feel, you’ll be headbanging along to one of the most legendary tracks of the ’70s in no time. Power chords are your best friend here, making it easy to get a big, impactful sound even with minimal finger dexterity.
2. “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi
Capo on the 1st fret required.
Bring a touch of soulful emotion to your guitar playing with Lewis Capaldi’s hit, “Someone You Loved.” This beautiful ballad is fantastic for practicing strumming and singing simultaneously. It primarily uses four basic chords: C, G, Am, and F chords. These are foundational chords that every beginner guitarist should learn.
You can start by strumming the chords slowly and repeatedly to match the song’s melancholic mood. As you progress, you can explore fingerpicking the individual strings to add a more melodic and nuanced quality to your playing. While there are a couple of chord variations later in the song, like Am7 and Dm7 in the bridge, these are simple modifications of the standard open chords. Learning “Someone You Loved” is a great way to develop your chord transitions and explore different playing styles.
3. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Transport yourself to the American South with the instantly recognizable riff of “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. This classic rock anthem revolves around D, C, and G open chord shapes, making it accessible if you’ve already practiced these essential chords. The riff itself isn’t overly complex, and with practice, you’ll find yourself playing it faster and with more of that signature ‘twang’.
A helpful tip for playing the “Sweet Home Alabama” riff is to keep your pinky finger anchored on the 3rd fret of the B string. This position makes it easier for your other fingers to naturally fall into the C and G chord shapes. The key to perfecting this riff is playing along with the original song, carefully listening to and matching the beat and picking style of Lynyrd Skynyrd. And because the riff loops back to the beginning, it’s incredibly satisfying to play on repeat! You’ll be playing this iconic riff without even looking in no time.
4. “Free Fallin'” by Tom Petty
Capo on the 3rd fret required.
“Free Fallin'” by Tom Petty, famously covered by artists like John Mayer, is a timeless classic with a simple chord progression perfect for beginner guitarists. With a capo on the 3rd fret, you’ll be playing familiar open D, A, and E chords. There’s also a Dsus4 chord thrown in to add a little flavor, but don’t let the name intimidate you! Dsus4 is just a D chord with your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the high E string instead of the 2nd fret of the G string.
“Free Fallin'” works beautifully on both acoustic and electric guitars. Try adding a touch of overdrive on an electric guitar for a classic rock tone. This song is excellent for practicing smooth chord changes and singing while playing, making you feel like a true rock and roll performer.
5. “My Generation” by The Who
Get ready to rock out with “My Generation” by The Who – a song that’s as easy to play as it is to enjoy! This ’60s mega-hit is built around just two chords: G and F. To capture that powerful rock sound, play these chords as power chords. “My Generation” is also perfect for letting loose with your vocals during the song’s signature pauses.
While “My Generation” is famous for its iconic bass solo, Pete Townshend’s energetic guitar fills provide excellent cues for you to add your own improvisations. This song is a fantastic choice for developing your lead guitar skills and experimenting with simple solos, as the rhythm and chord structure are straightforward and leave plenty of room for creative exploration.
6. “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals
“House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals is a classic folk-rock ballad that’s perfect for practicing arpeggiated picking. This song revolves around a chord progression of Am, C, D, E, and F chords. Instead of strumming, you’ll pick each note of the chord individually, ascending and descending in pitch to create the song’s signature bluesy and somber tone.
Later in the song, you’ll encounter a C/E chord. This is a C chord with an E note as the bass note, but it’s simpler than it sounds. It’s just a slight variation from the usual open C chord structure. You’ll also find E7 and F7 chords, which introduce 7th notes from the scale, adding a touch of tension and bluesy flavor to certain lines. These are all manageable variations of open chords that add depth and emotion to this timeless song.
7. “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus
If you’re in the mood for some country fun and a bit of line dancing, “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus is the song for you. This country-style jam is built on just two chords: A and E. This simplicity provides a fantastic foundation for exploring country guitar techniques.
The straightforward chord structure of “Achy Breaky Heart” gives you plenty of space to experiment with country-style licks using the notes found in open A and E. You can explore scales in the key of A and even start improvising simple solos over the top. If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating chicken pickin’ techniques to add an authentic country twang to your playing.
8. “American Idiot” by Green Day
“American Idiot” by Green Day stormed the pop charts in 2003 and remains a high-energy and fun song to play on guitar. The main riff is based on three simple power chords in C#, G#, and F# positions. You’ll quickly switch between these three power chords, creating the song’s driving and rebellious energy.
At the end of the main riff, there’s a short, sharp, and energetic strum of the open strings that signals the start of the vocals. The guitar solo in “American Idiot” is also relatively simple to learn, featuring octave shapes played in quick succession, followed by an easy lick higher up the fretboard. This song is a great way to practice power chord transitions and add some punk rock energy to your repertoire.
9. “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
“Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause every little thing gonna be alright!” Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” is an uplifting and easy-to-learn reggae classic. It’s made up of just three chords – A, D, and E – played with a reggae-style rhythm.
The reggae strumming pattern can be a bit tricky for beginners to grasp initially. It involves emphasizing the off-beats, creating that signature laid-back reggae groove. Start by practicing with a regular strumming pattern to get comfortable with the chord changes, and then gradually incorporate the reggae rhythm as you become more confident. “Three Little Birds” is a perfect song for practicing rhythm and developing a feel for different musical styles.
10. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana is a rite of passage for any aspiring guitar player. This groundbreaking grunge anthem features just four power chords. These power chords are played in positions on the 1st fret of the E string, 1st fret of the A string, 4th fret of the E string, and 4th fret of the A string. The rhythm is simple and powerful, allowing you to play with plenty of grunge attitude.
To get the rhythm of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” just right, hit each power chord a couple of times and then fill the spaces between chords with muted strums of the strings. For the verses, you can simply hold down the 1st fret of the high E and B strings and pluck them. Learning “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a must for any beginner guitarist looking to explore rock music and learn iconic riffs.
11. “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
“Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison is an undeniably feel-good and singable classic. It’s hard not to be in a good mood when you’re playing this song, thanks to its cheerful G major key. It features easy-strumming open G, C, D, and Em chords, making it a fantastic song for practicing your vocals while playing guitar.
Once you’ve mastered the chords and strumming rhythm, challenge yourself to learn the fun and catchy intro riff of “Brown Eyed Girl.” This song is a crowd-pleaser and a great addition to any beginner guitarist’s repertoire, perfect for sing-alongs and building confidence.
12. “Wonderwall” by Oasis
Capo on the 2nd fret required.
“Wonderwall” by Oasis – yes, it’s a song that might elicit groans from some crowds, but it’s undeniably a seminal song that every guitarist should have in their back pocket. It’s constructed from basic G, C, D, and Em chords, but with a slight twist that gives it its signature sound. On all chords, hold down the 3rd fret of the B and high E strings. This creates the iconic “Wonderwall” treble-rich tone.
Later in the song, you’ll encounter a G transition chord. This is a clever chord change that smoothly connects the G chord to the Em chord. To play it, simply move your finger from the 3rd fret of the low E string down to the 2nd fret, while keeping the 3rd fret pressed on the B and high E strings and playing the rest of the strings open. This G transition chord is played just once and helps create a seamless transition into the Em chord. You’ll find this type of chord movement in many songs, so learning it early is beneficial.
13. “Zombie” by The Cranberries
“Zombie” by The Cranberries is a soulful, somber, and iconic song of the ’90s that’s surprisingly simple to learn on guitar. It uses just four chords: Em, Cmaj7, G, and D. Cmaj7 might sound complex, but it’s essentially the same as an open C chord, just without pressing down the 1st fret on the B string.
There’s a unique satisfaction in belting out “What’s in your heaaaad” while playing through the comfortable and emotive chord progression of “Zombie.” This song is excellent for practicing chord changes and expressing emotion through your guitar playing.
14. “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan/Guns N’ Roses
“Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door,” originally by the legendary Bob Dylan and famously covered by Guns N’ Roses, is a timeless classic that’s both fun to play and easy to sing along to. In the verses, the chord progression is G, D, Am/G, D, C, alternating between Am and C as the final chord of the phrase.
For the chorus of “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door,” the chord progression simplifies to just G, D, and C. Then, it returns to the verse progression once you move back into the next verse. The repetitive and straightforward nature of the chords makes this song perfect for building stamina and solidifying your basic chord changes.
15. “The Joker” by Steve Miller Band
“The Joker” by the Steve Miller Band is a real earworm – you might not immediately recognize the name, but you’ll definitely know the tune. And the good news is, it’s a breeze to play on guitar. “The Joker” is built around just three chords: G, Cadd9, and D. These are all very common and simple chords, played in a steady and rhythmic pattern.
As you become more confident playing the chords and smoothly transitioning between them, you can start exploring picking individual notes to mimic the song’s distinctive bass line. You can also begin adding in your own little guitar licks and fills to personalize your rendition of “The Joker.”
16. “Buck Rogers” by Feeder
“Buck Rogers” by Feeder is a 2000s rock anthem that still sounds fresh and energetic today. This song has a super simple arrangement, primarily using an open Em chord and power chords played at the 7th and 9th frets of the low E string. This forms the basic rhythmic foundation of the song.
In the chorus of “Buck Rogers,” an additional power chord is introduced at the 5th fret of the low E string. All of these chords are strummed with a steady beat that’s easy to pick up and play along with. “Buck Rogers” is a great song for practicing power chords and developing a solid, driving rhythm guitar style.
17. “All The Small Things” by Blink-182
“All The Small Things” by Blink-182 is pop punk at its finest, a smash hit crowd-pleaser guaranteed to get everyone singing along. The song revolves around a C power chord on the 3rd fret of the A string, a G power chord on the 3rd fret of the low E string, and a power chord in the F position. These power chords are easy to grasp and play, making the song very accessible for beginners.
The strumming pattern for “All The Small Things” is straightforward and quick to learn, mainly consisting of steady downstrokes. Listen carefully for the palm mutes (where you lightly rest the edge of your palm on the strings to dampen the sound) in the intro and other subtle pauses in the song. Paying attention to these details will help you nail the authentic pop punk sound of “All The Small Things.”
18. “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol
“Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol is a soulful and incredibly catchy song that’s also surprisingly easy to play on guitar. It features a cool, melodic riff that’s picked throughout much of the song, offering a refreshing change from chord-heavy songs. Instead of strumming, you’ll be picking the notes within power chord shapes.
There’s a slight stretch involved in the riff, requiring you to pick the 5th fret of the A string and then the 9th fret of the G string. This stretch is excellent for building hand strength and finger independence. Towards the end of “Chasing Cars,” the song transitions into a series of chords – A, E/G#, D, Dsus2, Dmaj7 – played in a steady, down-picked rhythm to match the vocals. These chords, while a bit more varied, are still manageable for beginners and add a beautiful, emotional depth to the song’s conclusion.
19. “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
“Stand By Me” by Ben E. King is packed with open chords, a fun and memorable intro, and timeless lyrics that everyone knows. This song is one of those classics that you simply can’t resist singing along to. And that’s perfect, because the C, Am, F, G chord progression makes it easy to focus on your vocals while you play.
The intro riff of “Stand By Me” is brought to life by its rhythmic timing. So, listen closely to the song to pick up the feel and nuances of the riff. When it comes to strumming patterns, you’ll want to maintain a steady rhythm that matches the tempo and soulful feel of the song. “Stand By Me” is a fantastic song for practicing your timing, chord changes, and singing simultaneously.
20. “Love Me Do” by The Beatles
“Love Me Do” by The Beatles is a super simple and super classic song that’s perfect for beginner guitarists. It consists of just G, C, G7, and D chords. “Love Me Do” is very quick to learn and easy to strum along with. The G7 chord is a slight variation of the G chord, simply moving your finger from the 3rd fret of the high E string to the 1st fret.
Even better, the strumming pattern in “Love Me Do” is steady and not too complex, making it ideal for beginners to practice their rhythm and chord transitions. This song is a fantastic introduction to The Beatles’ catalog and a confidence-boosting song to learn early on.
21. “A Horse With No Name” by America
“A Horse With No Name” by America stands out because, while it doesn’t feature difficult chords, the strumming pattern is a little different and adds to its unique sound. The chord progression consists of Em, D6/9, Em9, and Dmaj9. Despite the slightly more complex chord names, they are all very easy to play.
D6/9 is just a one-finger chord, Em9 involves holding the 2nd fret of the high E string instead of the A string, and Dmaj9 is a simple variation of the regular D chord. “A Horse With No Name” is a great song for exploring slightly different chord voicings and practicing a less common strumming pattern, adding variety to your beginner guitar song repertoire.
22. “Blitzkrieg Bop” by The Ramones
“Blitzkrieg Bop” by The Ramones is a quintessential punk rock anthem and a super simple song made up of just three power chords. These power chords are positioned on the 5th fret of the low E string, the 5th fret of the A string, and the 7th fret of the A string. It’s a straightforward progression that’s easy to learn and memorize.
The key to “Blitzkrieg Bop” is to play it fast and play it loud! This song is all about energy and attitude. It’s perfect for practicing quick power chord changes and developing a fast, aggressive strumming style. “Blitzkrieg Bop” is a fun and energetic song that’s sure to get you rocking out.
23. “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes
“What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes is a ’90s classic known for its powerful vocals and singable melody. For guitarists, it’s great news because it only requires three chords: G, Am, and C. The simple chord progression makes it very accessible for beginners.
The strumming pattern in “What’s Up?” transitions from slow to fast within each bar. This rhythmic dynamic is quick to internalize and get into the groove of the song. “What’s Up?” is a fantastic song for practicing dynamic strumming and singing along to a powerful and recognizable tune.
24. “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day
“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day offers a mellow and catchy acoustic alternative to their usual punk rock sound. This song is a great choice for acoustic guitar lovers and those looking for a softer, more melodic song to learn. It uses G, Cadd9, D, Em, and C chords, forming a simple and pleasing progression that’s quick to pick up.
The intro of “Good Riddance” features a distinct fingerpicking pattern. Instead of full strums, you’ll play the lower strings while sequentially picking the high E and B strings. Shortly after the intro, the song transitions to standard strumming. “Good Riddance” is an excellent song for practicing both fingerpicking and strumming techniques, as well as developing a softer, acoustic guitar style.
25. “Circles” by Post Malone
“Circles” by Post Malone is a modern pop hit that’s really fun to strum and sing along with on guitar. The strumming pattern is very straightforward, and the chords, while they might look a bit complex at first glance, are manageable for beginners. The chords used in “Circles” are: Cmaj7, Fmaj7, Fm, C, F, C/B, and Cmaj7/B.
While some of these chord names like Cmaj7/B might seem intimidating, they are actually just slight variations on common open chords. If you find the F chord (barre chord) challenging, you can simplify it by playing it as either a power chord or an open F chord. “Circles” is a great song for bridging the gap between beginner chords and slightly more advanced chord variations, all within a popular and enjoyable song.
26. “Otherside” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Otherside” by Red Hot Chili Peppers is known for its catchy and distinctive guitar riff. While the verses in “Otherside” typically don’t feature strummed chords in the original recording, they work just as well if you want to strum along. The song uses Am, F, C, G, Em, and A chords. These are all fundamental open chords, making the song relatively simple to get started with.
As you progress with “Otherside,” you can challenge yourself to learn the iconic riff and the song’s main melody. Playing these over a backing track can be a great way to improve your lead guitar skills and explore the song’s more intricate guitar parts.
27. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
Capo on the 2nd fret required.
“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran is a beautiful and slow ballad with an accessible selection of chords, perfect for beginner guitarists. You’ll need to learn C, C/E, F, G, Dm, and Am chords to play the entire song. The key to mastering “Thinking Out Loud” lies in listening closely to the song to accurately capture the timing and rhythm of the chord changes.
One section that might require a bit of extra practice is the line “maybe we found love right where we are.” In this phrase, there’s a chord change for each word, which can feel fast at first. But with a little patience and practice, you’ll soon have it smoothly mastered! “Thinking Out Loud” is a great song for developing your timing, smooth chord transitions, and playing along with more lyrical and rhythmically nuanced songs.
These 27 songs provide a fantastic starting point for your guitar journey. By learning these easy guitar songs, you’ll not only build essential skills but also have a blast playing music you love. So grab your guitar, start with your favorite song from this list, and enjoy the rewarding experience of learning to play!
