Learning guitar can feel overwhelming at first. With so many chords, strumming patterns, and techniques to grasp, playing your favorite songs might seem like a distant dream. But it doesn’t have to be! This beginner-friendly guide focuses on making music accessible right away by exploring songs that require just two simple guitar chords. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can play recognizable tunes and build a solid foundation on the guitar. By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a repertoire of twelve fantastic songs under your fingers, boosting your confidence and inspiring you to continue your guitar journey.
Before diving into these two-chord wonders, make sure you’re comfortable with basic open chord shapes, smooth chord changes, and fundamental guitar strumming. If you need to brush up on these essential skills, check out our Beginner Guitar Quick-Start Series for a comprehensive introduction. While a couple of songs here use barre chords, don’t worry if you haven’t tackled those yet; feel free to skip them for now and come back later as your skills progress. Let’s get started and unlock your musical potential with these easy 2 Chord Guitar Songs!
1. Achy Breaky Heart – Billy Ray Cyrus
Chords: A Major & E Major
A Major Open Chord Diagram
E Major Open Chord Diagram
“Achy Breaky Heart,” the line dance anthem of the 90s, is incredibly simple to play with just A and E major chords. Its catchy melody and repetitive structure make it a perfect song for practicing chord changes and getting your strumming hand moving.
Strumming Pattern:
Achy Breaky Heart Simple Guitar Strumming Pattern
2. Jane Says – Jane’s Addiction
Chords: G Major & A Major
G Major Open Chord Shape
A Major Open Chord Diagram
Jane’s Addiction’s “Jane Says” offers a different vibe, showcasing how two chords can create a more alternative and mellow sound. Using G and A major chords, this song is great for developing a relaxed strumming style and exploring a slightly different genre.
Strumming Pattern:
Jane Says Relaxed Guitar Strumming Pattern
3. Dance The Night Away – Van Halen
Chords: E Major & B7
E Major Open Chord Diagram
B7 Guitar Chord Diagram
Want to rock out with just two chords? Van Halen’s “Dance The Night Away” uses E major and B7. The B7 chord might be new to some beginners, but it’s a valuable chord to learn and adds a bluesy, rock edge to your playing. This song is perfect for practicing faster chord changes within a rock context.
Strumming Pattern:
Dance The Night Away Rock Guitar Strumming Pattern
4. Fallin’ – Alicia Keys
Chords: E Minor & B Minor 7
E Minor Open Chord Shape
B Minor 7 Bar Chord Diagram
Alicia Keys’ soulful hit “Fallin'” introduces minor chords into our two-chord song list. Using E minor and B minor 7, this song has a more emotional and contemporary feel. The B minor 7 is a barre chord, so it might be a bit more challenging, but it’s a fantastic chord to aim for as you progress.
Strumming Pattern:
Fallin Guitar Strumming Pattern
5. Born In The USA – Bruce Springsteen
Chords: B Major & E Major
B Major Bar Chord Shape
E Major Open Chord Diagram
Bruce Springsteen’s anthemic “Born In The USA” is another powerful two-chord song using B major and E major. The B major is a barre chord, making this a good song to practice barre chord transitions. Its driving rhythm is excellent for developing a strong and consistent strumming hand.
Strumming Pattern:
Born In The USA Driving Guitar Strumming Pattern
6. Copperhead Road – Steve Earle
Chords: D Major & G Major
D Major Open Chord Diagram
G Major Open Chord Shape
Steve Earle’s “Copperhead Road” brings a country-rock flavor to our list, using the common and beginner-friendly chords D major and G major. This song is great for practicing a faster tempo and a more rhythmic strumming style, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of a faster pace.
Strumming Pattern:
Copperhead Road Fast Tempo Guitar Strumming Pattern
7. Jambalaya – Hank Williams
Chords: C Major & G Major
C Major Open Chord Shape
G Major Open Chord Shape
Hank Williams’ classic “Jambalaya” is a country and folk standard that’s incredibly easy to play with C major and G major chords. Its upbeat and cheerful melody makes it a fun song for practicing smooth transitions between these two fundamental chords.
Strumming Pattern:
Jambalaya Upbeat Guitar Strumming Pattern
8. Eleanor Rigby – The Beatles
Chords: E Minor & C Major
E Minor Open Chord Shape
C Major Open Chord Shape
Even The Beatles have two-chord songs perfect for beginners! “Eleanor Rigby” uses E minor and C major, creating a more melancholic and thoughtful sound. This song has a distinctive melodic structure and is excellent for practicing fingerpicking or a simple strumming pattern.
Strumming Pattern #1:
Eleanor Rigby Guitar Strumming Pattern Option One
Strumming Pattern #2:
Eleanor Rigby Guitar Strumming Pattern Option Two
9. Paperback Writer – The Beatles
Chords: G Major & C Major
G Major Open Chord Shape
C Major Open Chord Shape
Another Beatles gem, “Paperback Writer,” utilizes G major and C major chords. This song has a more upbeat and rock and roll feel compared to “Eleanor Rigby,” demonstrating the versatility of just two chords. It’s great for practicing a more energetic strumming style.
Strumming Pattern:
Paperback Writer Energetic Guitar Strumming Pattern
10. A Horse With No Name – America
Chords: E Minor & D6 Add9/F#
E Minor Open Chord Shape
D6 Add9 F Sharp Chord Diagram
America’s “A Horse With No Name” is known for its hypnotic and desert-rock vibe, built upon E minor and D6 add9/F#. While the second chord name looks complex, the shape is relatively straightforward, making this song a cool and slightly different addition to your two-chord repertoire.
Strumming Pattern:
A Horse With No Name Hypnotic Guitar Strumming Pattern
11. Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
Chords: F Major & G Major
F Major Bar Chord Shape
G Major Open Chord Shape
Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” brings a soft-rock and introspective mood to our list, using F major and G major. The F major chord is a barre chord, presenting another opportunity to practice this essential technique. This song is excellent for developing a gentle and flowing strumming style.
Strumming Pattern:
Dreams Gentle Guitar Strumming Pattern
12. Everyday People – Sly & The Family Stone
Chords: G Major & C Major
G Major Open Chord Shape
C Major Open Chord Shape
Sly & The Family Stone’s funky “Everyday People” closes out our list with G major and C major. This song is upbeat and groovy, perfect for practicing rhythm and syncopation in your strumming. It showcases how two simple chords can create a dynamic and energetic song.
Strumming Pattern #1:
Everyday People Funky Guitar Strumming Pattern Option One
Strumming Pattern #2:
Everyday People Funky Guitar Strumming Pattern Option Two
These twelve songs are just the beginning! Mastering 2 chord guitar songs is a fantastic way to start your musical journey, build confidence, and understand basic song structures. As you progress, you can explore more chords and complex songs, but always remember the fun and accessibility of these simple tunes. For even more lessons and resources to help you on your guitar path, be sure to sign up for our Free Guitar Toolbox. It’s packed with over 50 high-quality video lessons on essential guitar topics, and it’s completely free! Happy playing!
