Every guitar journey often begins with a spark – a song that ignites the desire to play. Many aspiring guitarists pick up the instrument hoping to recreate the magic of their favorite tunes. The initial excitement, however, can quickly turn to frustration when faced with finger exercises and complex chords. If you’ve felt the urge to play your favorite songs but are stuck in the beginner phase, this article is your guide.
Learning guitar is indeed a challenge, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding endeavor, opening doors to creativity and self-expression. The key for beginners lies in mastering the fundamentals: strumming chords rhythmically and transitioning smoothly between them. While practice is crucial, motivation is fueled by playing songs you love and that others recognize.
This curated list of Easy Popular Guitar Songs addresses the common desire of beginners to play music that is:
- Fun to play: Engaging and enjoyable practice material.
- Easy to learn: Simple chord progressions and structures accessible to beginners.
- Recognizable and enjoyable: Songs that resonate with listeners and create a sense of accomplishment.
Drawing from years of experience teaching beginner guitarists, this list compiles songs that are not only easy to play but also guaranteed crowd-pleasers. We’ve intentionally moved beyond typical blues and folk selections to offer a diverse range of genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
The following easy songs are presented in no particular order, each chosen based on requests from past students and proven to be effective learning tools. Get ready to strum your way through this fantastic collection!
1. Get Lucky (Daft Punk)
This infectious Daft Punk hit is built on a simple four-chord progression, making it an ideal choice for beginner guitarists. Its funky rhythm is perfect for practicing your strumming patterns, and the catchy melody will have everyone singing along, even if it’s just humming the iconic “duh duh duh” intro. “Get Lucky” is a fantastic confidence booster and a guaranteed party starter.
2. Englishman in New York (Sting)
Sting’s sophisticated soundscapes might seem complex, but “Englishman in New York” cleverly uses a simple three-chord structure for its verses and chorus (Em–A–Bm). This song demonstrates Sting’s songwriting genius – crafting intricate-sounding music with fundamental chord progressions. It’s excellent practice for smooth chord changes and introduces a slightly melancholic yet popular melody to your repertoire.
Englishman in New York Lyrics and Chords
Englishman in New York YouTube Video
3. Closing Time (Semisonic)
“Closing Time” by Semisonic is another gem based on a repeating four-chord progression (G–D–Am–C). The key to mastering this song as a beginner is to focus on a comfortable strumming pattern and singing along with the lyrics and melody, rather than trying to replicate the recording exactly. Its sing-along quality makes it a crowd favorite and a great song to perform for friends and family.
Closing Time Lyrics and Chords
4. I Ran (Flock of Seagulls)
This iconic 80s new wave hit, “I Ran” by Flock of Seagulls, is surprisingly simple in its construction. The song’s distinctive sound comes from its production, layering synths and using a cool delay effect on the guitar. Structurally, it follows a straightforward AB song form, with each section relying on just two chords. When searching for chord charts online, be aware that some incorrectly list the verse chords as A–G; the correct progression is Am–G.
5. Shout (Tears for Fears)
“Shout” by Tears for Fears, another 80s classic, also employs the AB song form and is built upon relatively simple chords. The verse progression is Gm–Ebmaj7–Cm, but beginners can simplify the Ebmaj7 to an Eb chord. For even easier playing, using a capo on the 3rd fret transposes the chords to Em–Cmaj7–Am, with Cmaj7 being easier to play than a standard open-C chord. This song offers a chance to explore minor chords and dynamic strumming.
6. Breezin’ (George Benson)
For those guitarists looking to impress their fretboard-shredding friends, “Breezin’” by George Benson is a surprisingly accessible instrumental tune for rhythm players. While soloists might explore complex improvisations over it, the underlying rhythm part is based on just four chords: D–Bm–Em–A, each played for two beats. Mastering this song will make you a favorite jam partner for guitar solo enthusiasts.
7. All About That Bass (Meghan Trainor)
“All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor might seem unexpected, but its simple chord structure makes it a fun and contemporary choice for beginner guitarists. This song, typically played with ukulele-like chords, can be easily adapted to guitar. Its catchy melody and simple progression make it a great song for practicing different strumming styles, as demonstrated by a student who successfully transformed it into a bossa nova arrangement for a vocal and guitar performance.
All About That Bass Lyrics and Chords
All About That Bass YouTube Video
8. Ain’t No Sunshine (Bill Withers)
Bill Withers’ soulful classic, “Ain’t No Sunshine,” is perfect for intimate settings like dinner parties or family gatherings. The song utilizes basic first-position chords that sound fantastic on an acoustic guitar. Its emotional depth and simple harmonic structure make it a great song for practicing dynamics and expressing feeling through your playing.
Ain’t No Sunshine Lyrics and Chords
Ain’t No Sunshine YouTube Video
9. Stir It Up (Bob Marley)
Dive into reggae rhythms with Bob Marley’s “Stir It Up,” a three-chord classic that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This song is not only fun to play and sing but also provides a great foundation for beginner soloists who want to experiment with improvising over a simple chord progression. Its laid-back groove and positive vibes make it a joy to learn and perform.
10. Groove Is In The Heart (Deee-Lite)
“Groove Is In The Heart” by Deee-Lite, another surprising but effective choice, demonstrates that even songs from genres like jazz can be simplified for beginner guitarists. This funky tune is built on just two chords: G#m–C#m, which can be transposed to Em–Am with a capo on the 4th fret. Its infectious groove translates surprisingly well to acoustic guitar, making it a fun and unexpected addition to your beginner repertoire, even suitable for a jazz ensemble setting or a backyard party.
Groove is in the Heart Lyrics and Chords
Groove is in the Heart YouTube Video
11. Guns of Brixton (The Clash)
“Guns of Brixton” by The Clash proves that even punk and ska-influenced songs can be accessible to beginners. This song, with its Bm–F#m–G chord progression, was successfully used to teach a group of 8-year-old beginners. Using a capo at the 2nd fret simplifies the chords to Am–Em–F, making it even easier to grasp. Its driving rhythm and simple structure make it a fun song to play and learn.
Guns of Brixton Lyrics and Chords
12. I Shot the Sheriff (Bob Marley)
Another Bob Marley classic, “I Shot the Sheriff,” is excellent for ensemble playing, even for beginners. This song can be arranged for multiple guitars, with one playing a simple bass line, another strumming reggae-style chords, and a third playing the melody (which conveniently fits within the minor pentatonic scale). It’s a great song to introduce basic ensemble arrangements and explore different guitar roles.
I Shot the Sheriff Lyrics and Chords
I Shot the Sheriff YouTube Video
13. Born to Be Wild (Steppenwolf)
Despite its hard rock reputation, Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild” translates surprisingly well to acoustic guitar and is based on simple chords. The iconic guitar riff can be played using an open-E chord with pinky finger variations to create the C# and D notes. This song proves that even heavy rock anthems can be broken down for beginner players and enjoyed in different settings, as demonstrated by a 12-string acoustic performance at a motorcycle rally where the crowd enthusiastically sang along.
Born to Be Wild Lyrics and Chords
14. Moves Like Jagger (Maroon 5)
Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger” is a modern crowd-pleaser built on just two chords: Bm–Em, or Am–Dm with a capo at the 2nd fret. Its simple harmonic structure and catchy melody make it incredibly accessible to beginner guitarists. This song is a great choice for practicing rhythmic strumming and playing along to a popular contemporary hit.
Moves Like Jagger Lyrics and Chords
Moves Like Jagger YouTube Video
15. Miss You (The Rolling Stones)
The Rolling Stones’ “Miss You,” a disco-infused track, shares the same two-chord structure as “Moves Like Jagger” (Am–Dm). This song is a testament to how simple chord progressions can create incredibly popular and danceable music. It’s a great song for practicing consistent strumming and exploring different rhythmic feels within a simple harmonic framework.
16. Stay With Me (Sam Smith)
Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me” gained attention for its melodic similarities to Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down,” highlighting the power of simple and memorable melodies. “Stay With Me” uses the chords Am–F–C, while Petty’s song uses Em–D–G. Despite the controversy, “Stay With Me” is a beautiful and emotionally resonant song that is easy to play on guitar, offering a chance to practice chord changes in a ballad context.
Stay With Me Lyrics and Chords
17. Brown Eyed Girl (Van Morrison)
Van Morrison’s timeless classic, “Brown Eyed Girl,” is a must-know song for any aspiring guitarist. This song is a favorite among musicians of all levels and is often requested at gatherings and jam sessions. Learning “Brown Eyed Girl” is like gaining entry into a shared musical language, allowing you to play along with countless other guitarists.
Brown Eyed Girl Lyrics and Chords
18. Sweet Child O’ Mine (Guns N’ Roses)
While the iconic guitar solo of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses might seem daunting, the verse and chorus chord progressions are surprisingly accessible to beginners. Focus on the verse chords (D–C–G) and chorus chords (A–C–D), and set aside the solo for later. Even the famous arpeggiated intro, originally a warm-up exercise by Slash, can be simplified for beginner fingerpicking practice.
Sweet Child O’ Mine Lyrics and Chords
Sweet Child O’ Mine YouTube Video
19. Riders on the Storm (The Doors)
“Riders on the Storm” by The Doors, with its moody atmosphere, is based on a variation of the 12-bar blues in E minor. Ignoring the atmospheric intro for now, the verse progression is Em–Am–D–C. This song is excellent for jamming and experimenting with different musical styles within a simple blues framework.
Riders on the Storm Lyrics and Chords
Riders on the Storm YouTube Video
20. Creep (Radiohead)
Radiohead’s “Creep,” a fan favorite known for its emotional intensity, is built on a simple four-chord progression: G–B–C–Cm. This song is perfect for vocalists with expressive voices and guitarists looking to play a song that resonates with a wide audience. Its dynamic shifts and emotional depth make it a rewarding song to learn and perform.
21. Dear Mr. Fantasy (Traffic)
Traffic’s “Dear Mr. Fantasy” is another song often recommended by experienced guitarists to beginners. This classic tune evokes a sense of nostalgia and is a great song to learn to connect with the history of rock music. Its jam-friendly nature and memorable melody make it a worthwhile addition to any beginner’s repertoire.
Dear Mr. Fantasy Lyrics and Chords
Dear Mr. Fantasy YouTube Video
22. Get Back (The Beatles)
The Beatles’ “Get Back,” famously performed during their rooftop concert, utilizes only three chords: A–G–D. While the rhythm might be slightly challenging for absolute beginners, it’s an excellent song for practicing a “pulsing” strumming technique. Its iconic status and energetic feel make it a fun and recognizable song to learn.
23. Sympathy for the Devil (The Rolling Stones)
“Sympathy for the Devil” by The Rolling Stones is built upon a three-chord verse (E–D–A) and a two-chord chorus (B–E). This iconic song embodies the Rolling Stones’ raw energy and is surprisingly accessible to beginner guitarists. Its driving rhythm and recognizable melody make it a great song to learn and perform.
Sympathy for the Devil Lyrics and Chords
Sympathy for the Devil YouTube Video
24. Sweet Home Alabama (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
No backyard barbecue is complete without someone strumming the opening riff to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama.” This Southern rock anthem is based on a simple three-chord harmony (D–C–G). Its iconic status and sing-along chorus make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fun song to learn for social gatherings.
Sweet Home Alabama Lyrics and Chords
Sweet Home Alabama YouTube Video
25. Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen)
Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” while slightly more sophisticated than some beginner songs, has resonated with audiences of all ages. Its 6/8 time signature is perfect for practicing both arpeggiated chord playing and simple strumming. Experimenting with both techniques will reveal the different textures and emotional nuances you can create with this beautiful song.
26. Hey Joe (Jimi Hendrix)
“Hey Joe,” popularized by Jimi Hendrix, is a classic song often used to teach the CAGED system to beginner guitarists. While some beginners might be tempted to jump straight to the opening riff, it’s more beneficial to first understand the song’s structure and practice strumming the chords rhythmically. “Hey Joe” is a foundational song for learning blues and rock guitar.
27. House of the Rising Sun (Traditional)
“House of the Rising Sun,” a traditional folk song made famous by The Animals, is often considered the “most rocking folk song ever.” Its popularity with audiences makes it a great addition to a beginner’s repertoire. Like “Hallelujah,” it’s in 6/8 time and lends itself well to both arpeggios and chord strums, offering opportunities to explore different playing styles.
House of the Rising Sun Lyrics and Chords
House of the Rising Sun YouTube Video
28. Knocking on Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan)
No list of easy guitar songs is complete without Bob Dylan’s “Knocking on Heaven’s Door.” This timeless classic is a staple at jam sessions and music venues worldwide. Its simple chord progression and universal appeal make it a must-learn song for any guitarist, regardless of genre preference.
Knocking on Heaven’s Door Lyrics and Chords
Knocking on Heaven’s Door YouTube Video
29. London Calling (The Clash)
“London Calling” by The Clash is another student favorite that works well in both acoustic guitar ensembles and student rock bands. Its energetic rhythm and simple chords make it both fun to play and engaging for audiences. This song is a great choice for beginners looking to explore punk and rock music.
London Calling Lyrics and Chords
30. Pyro (Kings of Leon)
The main riff of “Pyro” by Kings of Leon is based on just three chords and translates effectively to acoustic guitar. The chords are C#m–A–E, or Am–F–C with a capo at the 4th fret (similar to Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me”). Its anthemic feel and simple structure make it a great song for practicing chord transitions and dynamic strumming on acoustic guitar.
31. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (The Rolling Stones)
“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is one of the most iconic songs by The Rolling Stones. Its key of E is guitar-friendly, and it primarily uses open chords, with the exception of the B chord. This song is a cornerstone of rock and roll and a must-learn for any guitarist looking to play classic riffs and recognizable tunes.
Satisfaction Lyrics and Chords
32. Stand By Me (Ben E. King)
Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” is a four-chord classic loved by audiences of all ages. Its timeless appeal and simple chord progression make it a favorite among singer-guitarists and a reliable crowd-pleaser. It’s a great song for practicing smooth chord changes and singing while playing.
33. Mockingbird (James Taylor)
James Taylor’s “Mockingbird,” brought to attention by an adult beginner student, is a hidden gem on this list. It’s a fun song to sing, works well as a duet, and can be adapted for various settings, from campfire strumming to full rock band arrangements. Its chord progression is a variation of the 16-bar blues, offering a slightly more complex but still accessible harmonic structure for beginners to explore.
34. For Your Love (The Yardbirds)
“For Your Love” by The Yardbirds is a song that’s both enjoyable to play and historically significant in rock and roll. Its four-chord structure makes it accessible to beginners, and it serves as a great introduction to the British Invasion era of music. Learning this song provides a connection to the roots of rock guitar.
For Your Love Lyrics and Chords
35. Spooky (Dusty Springfield)
Dusty Springfield’s “Spooky” has a cool, jazzy vibe and is based on a simple three-chord progression. Its relaxed groove makes it popular among female singers and beginner soloists who want to explore pentatonic scales. “Spooky” is a fun song for jam sessions and practicing improvisational guitar.
36. Landslide (Fleetwood Mac)
Lindsay Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac is known for his unique fingerstyle guitar playing. “Landslide” is included in this list because of its distinctive C–G/B–Am chord movement (using a capo at the 3rd fret), a progression that also appears in songs like Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” and Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.” “Landslide” is a beautiful song and a gentle introduction to fingerpicking techniques.
37. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) (Green Day)
Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day surprised many with “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life),” a song that pays homage to the Americana folk tradition. This acoustic ballad is fun to strum in the key of G and offers a change of pace from Green Day’s typical punk rock anthems.
Good Riddance Lyrics and Chords
38. I Can’t Explain (The Who)
“I Can’t Explain” by The Who is a perfect introduction to Pete Townshend’s percussive guitar playing style. The song’s driving rhythm and simple chords make it an excellent choice for beginning rock bands to learn and perform.
I Can’t Explain Lyrics and Chords
39. Squeeze Box (The Who)
Another classic from The Who, “Squeeze Box” incorporates blues elements and features a G–C chord movement in its main riff that’s essential for acoustic guitar players to learn. A helpful tip for playing this song is to use your 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingers to fret the G chord, which can facilitate smoother chord changes.
40. Die Young (Ke$ha)
The flanged-guitar chords that open Ke$ha’s “Die Young” sound surprisingly great on acoustic guitar. This song is a popular choice with Millennial audiences, especially girls, making it a strategic song to learn if you want to attract attention with your guitar playing.
41. Get It On (Bang a Gong) (T. Rex)
While T. Rex’s “Get It On (Bang a Gong)” is fun to play on acoustic guitar, it truly shines on electric guitar. This glam rock anthem is another easy song for your first rock band to tackle and is guaranteed to get people moving.
42. Can’t You See (The Marshall Tucker Band)
“Can’t You See” by The Marshall Tucker Band is just one example of many popular songs built on the D–C–G chord progression, similar to “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” This song highlights the versatility of this chord progression and its prevalence in popular music.
Can’t You See Lyrics and Chords
43. Sunday Bloody Sunday (U2)
U2’s “Sunday Bloody Sunday” is not only a great and powerful song but also a valuable tool for teaching beginner guitarists chord-switching techniques. It’s particularly useful for introducing the common-finger and pivot-finger techniques, which are essential for smoothly playing the song’s opening arpeggios.
Sunday Bloody Sunday Lyrics and Chords
Sunday Bloody Sunday YouTube Video
44. With or Without You (U2)
Another U2 classic, “With or Without You,” is based on a four-chord progression and is great for playing, singing, and even experimenting with solos. This song is often used to teach target-note soloing using pentatonic scales, a technique that can be applied to many of the four-chord songs on this list.
With or Without You Lyrics and Chords
With or Without You YouTube Video
45. I Remember You (Skid Row)
Skid Row’s “I Remember You,” in the guitar-friendly key of G, is a fun rock ballad that works well in both acoustic “campfire” settings and with a full rock band. Its emotional melody and simple chords make it a popular choice for guitarists looking to play a recognizable rock song.
I Remember You Lyrics and Chords
46. Hey Soul Sister (Train)
Train’s “Hey Soul Sister” was part of the ukulele craze of the 2010s, but it translates perfectly to guitar. This four-chord tune is universally loved for its catchy melody and upbeat rhythm, often prompting listeners to tap their feet and sing along to its infectious “Hey, ay. Hey, ay, ay, ay, ay!” chorus.
Hey Soul Sister Lyrics and Chords
47. I’m Yours (Jason Mraz)
Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” is another four-chord hit from the 2000s. Many songs from this era are in keys that suit high male voices or female voices, and “I’m Yours” is no exception. Originally in B, it can be easily played in G with a capo at the 4th fret. Adjusting the capo allows you to find a comfortable vocal range while using familiar open chords in G.
48. Our Time Is Here (Demi Lovato)
Demi Lovato’s “Our Time Is Here” is a popular song, especially among female listeners. Learning songs like this can broaden your appeal as a guitarist. Its four chords in the key of C (even though it starts on an F chord) are easy to play, making it a great choice for attracting sing-alongs and connecting with a wider audience.
Our Time Is Here Lyrics and Chords
Our Time Is Here YouTube Video
49. Dynamite (Taio Cruz)
Similar to “Our Time Is Here,” Taio Cruz’s “Dynamite” is another song that is highly popular with female audiences. Its catchy beat and simple four-chord structure (Am–G–C–F with a capo at the 4th fret) make it a fun and energetic song to play and perform, guaranteed to get people dancing and singing along.
50. Valerie (Amy Winehouse)
Amy Winehouse left a significant mark on music with her unique style and creative songwriting. “Valerie” showcases her distinctive chord progressions, often incorporating major 7th chords. To simplify playing “Valerie” for beginners, use a capo and transpose the chords to C major: Verse: Cmaj7–Dm7, Chorus: Fmaj7–Em7–G. This transposition makes the song more accessible while still capturing its unique harmonic flavor.
Closing Thoughts
The essence of a great song lies in its melody and chord structure, which can be appreciated on any instrument. The best songs are often those that can be stripped down to a single instrument and voice and still resonate powerfully.
To expand your guitar playing capabilities, learn to use a capo to explore different keys and broaden your chord vocabulary. Most importantly, continuously build your song repertoire. The more songs you know, the more enjoyment you’ll derive from playing, and the more you’ll connect with others through music. This list of easy popular guitar songs is just a starting point – may it inspire you to delve deeper into the vast world of guitar music.
Happy strumming, and thank you for exploring this article. Best of luck on your guitar journey!
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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