Starting your guitar journey can be incredibly exciting, and what better way to stay motivated than by learning to play actual songs? For over 30 years, exploring new music has been my constant source of inspiration on the guitar. Recognizing that many beginners might feel overwhelmed or lose momentum in their first year, this curated list of 52 acoustic guitar songs for beginners is designed to be both fun and accessible, ensuring you remain engaged and progressing throughout your learning experience.
This selection of songs allows you to integrate song learning into your practice routine, aiming to master approximately one new song each week over a year. Don’t worry if some seem challenging initially; you can always revisit them as you build your skills with the easier ones.
The primary focus when choosing these songs was accessibility for beginners. Most of them rely on basic open chords, which are typically easier to grasp for new guitar players. Chord diagrams are provided for each song to simplify the learning process.
It’s important to dispel the myth that easy songs are boring songs. This list is packed with a diverse collection of rock and roll tunes, ranging from upbeat anthems to slower, more melodic pieces. You’ll find songs using simple three-chord progressions as well as those with seven or eight chords, proving that even beginner-friendly songs can be incredibly enjoyable for players of all levels.
For those looking to expand their guitar knowledge, these songs also offer a fantastic opportunity to experiment with the CAGED chord shapes and explore substituting triads in place of full chords, adding depth and versatility to your playing.
1. “Nutshell” – Alice in Chains
Key: Em
Chords: Em7 – G – D – Cadd9
We’ll kick off this list of Acoustic Guitar Songs Beginners love with “Nutshell,” a poignant track from Alice in Chains’ Jar of Flies EP. This song is built around a simple four-chord progression in the key of Em. What makes “Nutshell” particularly beginner-friendly is the efficient chord changes, where your ring finger acts as a pivot, smoothly transitioning between Em7, G, D, and Cadd9. This minimizes hand movement and allows you to focus on rhythm and strumming. It’s a fantastic starting point to get your fingers familiar with chord shapes and changes.
Listen: “Nutshell” – Alice In Chains
2. “Learning to Fly” – Tom Petty
Key: C
Chords: F – C – Am – G
“Learning to Fly,” a classic from Tom Petty’s Into the Great Wide Open, earns its place as one of the easiest acoustic guitar songs for beginners. Its repetitive F – C – Am – G chord progression forms the backbone of the entire song, with minimal variations. This consistent structure makes it exceptionally easy to memorize and play. For those just starting, this song is excellent practice for smooth chord transitions and maintaining a steady rhythm. The gentle tempo also makes it forgiving and enjoyable to learn.
Listen: “Learning to Fly” – Tom Petty
3. “Dead Flowers” – The Rolling Stones
Key: D
Chords: D – A – G
Simplicity at its finest – “Dead Flowers” by The Rolling Stones is built on a basic 3-chord progression (D – A – G), making it incredibly accessible for beginner guitarists. What’s remarkable about this song is how much musicality and structure The Stones achieve with just these three chords. You get distinct verse, pre-chorus, and chorus sections, all within this simple framework. “Dead Flowers” is a perfect example of how impactful beginner acoustic guitar songs can be, proving you don’t need complex chords to create compelling music.
Listen: “Dead Flowers” – The Rolling Stones
4. “Rockin’ In the Free World” – Neil Young
Key: Em
Chords: Em – D – C – G – A
Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World” brings a slightly harder rock edge to our list of easy acoustic guitar songs for beginners. Played in the key of Em, this song is built on a progression of Em – D – C – G – A chords. Despite its rock energy, the chords themselves are beginner-friendly open chords. It’s a fantastic song to learn early on as it introduces a bit more energy and strumming intensity while still being manageable for new players. Mastering this song will give beginners confidence and a taste of playing rock music on acoustic guitar.
Listen: “Rockin’ in the Free World” – Neil Young
5. “The Celestials” – The Smashing Pumpkins
Key: Em (F#m)
Chords: Em – G – D – Cadd9 – Am
“The Celestials” by The Smashing Pumpkins is an excellent choice from our list of acoustic guitar songs for beginners for practicing fundamental strumming patterns. While originally played with a capo on the 2nd fret, the chords presented here are in open forms, making them easier to handle for beginners. This song’s tempo and chord progression are perfect for developing a consistent strumming hand and experimenting with different rhythmic patterns. It’s a great tune to help solidify your basic strumming technique while learning a beautiful song.
Listen: “The Celestials” – The Smashing Pumpkins
6. “Used to Love Her” – Guns N’ Roses
Key: D
Chords: D – A – G
Another gem for beginners, “Used to Love Her” by Guns N’ Roses shares a striking similarity with “Dead Flowers” by The Rolling Stones. It also utilizes the same three open guitar chords: D, A, and G. The chord progression has a slight variation, but if you’ve learned one of these songs, picking up the other will be a breeze. These kinds of simple acoustic guitar songs for beginners are perfect for building a repertoire quickly and efficiently.
Listen: “Used to Love Her” – Guns N’ Roses
7. “One” – U2
Key: Am
Chords: Am – D – F – G – C
“One,” arguably U2’s most iconic song, is also surprisingly beginner-friendly. It’s a fantastic addition to any list of acoustic guitar songs for beginners. The chord progression (Am – D – F – G – C) is relatively straightforward and uses common open chords. Its moderate tempo and emotionally resonant melody make it a rewarding song to learn early on. “One” is not just easy, it’s also a powerful and recognizable song that will impress your friends and boost your confidence.
Listen: “One” – U2
8. “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Key: C
Chords: C – Am – G – F – C/B – Am/G
“Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” by Creedence Clearwater Revival introduces a slightly more advanced concept while still remaining accessible for beginners: slash chords. While the main chords (C – Am – G – F) are simple, the inclusion of C/B and Am/G adds a touch of sophistication. Slash chords, where a note other than the root is in the bass, might seem daunting, but this song provides a gentle introduction to this concept. It’s a valuable learning experience within a list of easy acoustic guitar songs for beginners, expanding your chord vocabulary gradually.
Listen: “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” – Creedence Clearwater Revival
9. “Ho Hey” – The Lumineers
Key: C
Chords: F – C – Am – G
The Lumineers are masters of simplicity, often crafting catchy tunes from a limited set of chords. “Ho Hey” is a prime example and a perfect fit for our collection of acoustic guitar songs for beginners. Utilizing the F – C – Am – G progression, this song is incredibly repetitive and easy to memorize. “Ho Hey” also offers an opportunity to experiment with different fingerings for the F and G chords. Try different ways of playing these chords to find what feels most comfortable and sounds best to you.
Listen: “Ho Hey” – The Lumineers
10. “And It Stoned Me” – Van Morrison
Key: G
Chords: G – C – D – Am – Em
From Van Morrison’s iconic Moondance album, “And It Stoned Me” is a five-chord song in the key of G major that’s ideal for beginners. Consisting entirely of open chords (G – C – D – Am – Em), it’s a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy acoustic guitar songs. The gentle, rolling rhythm and soulful melody make it a joy to play and sing along to. It’s a great song to practice smooth chord changes and develop a feel for playing in the key of G.
Listen: “And It Stoned Me” – Van Morrison
11. “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” – Green Day
Key: G
Chords: G – C – D – Cadd9 – Em
“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” from Green Day’s Nimrod album is a song that resonates with many. While the original recording features arpeggiated chords, for beginners, simply strumming the chords (G – C – D – Cadd9 – Em) works beautifully and makes it one of the most popular acoustic guitar songs for beginners. Its sentimental feel and easy-to-follow chord progression make it a favorite for learning and performing. This song is excellent for developing both strumming and potentially fingerpicking techniques as you progress.
Listen: “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” – Green Day
12. “Sweet Jane” – The Velvet Underground
Key: D
Chords: D – A – G – Bm – C#m – G# – E – B
Don’t be intimidated by the number of chords listed for The Velvet Underground’s “Sweet Jane.” While it appears to have a longer chord list, the song is not overly complicated and is a fun choice for acoustic guitar songs beginners can tackle. It introduces a cool strumming pattern that’s rhythmically engaging. However, be aware that “Sweet Jane” does incorporate barre chords (Bm, C#m, G#, B), which can be challenging for absolute beginners initially and might cause some finger fatigue. It’s a good song to grow into as you build finger strength and barre chord technique.
Listen: “Sweet Jane” – The Velvet Underground
13. “I Remember You” – Skid Row
Key: G
Chords: G – Cadd9 – D – C – Em
“I Remember You,” Skid Row’s popular power ballad, might seem like an unlikely choice for acoustic guitar songs beginners, but the chord structure is surprisingly accessible. The song primarily uses strummed chords (G – Cadd9 – D – C – Em), making it rhythmically straightforward. “I Remember You” also offers opportunities to experiment with adding subtle embellishments between chord changes as you become more comfortable. This could involve hammer-ons, pull-offs, or simple lead fills to spice up your rendition.
Listen: “I Remember You” – Skid Row
14. “Mother” – Pink Floyd
Key: G
Chords: G – C – D – F
“Mother,” from Pink Floyd’s monumental album The Wall, features a simple chord progression in the key of G (G – C – D – F). While the chords themselves are beginner-friendly, the strumming pattern in “Mother” can be a bit intricate and require careful listening to master. This makes it a great song to include in a list of acoustic guitar songs for beginners who are looking to develop their rhythmic precision. Pay close attention to the timing and nuances of the strumming to truly capture the feel of this iconic song.
Listen: “Mother” – Pink Floyd
15. “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” – Bob Dylan
Key: G
Chords: G – C – D – Am
“Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” is a timeless classic and an absolute must-learn for anyone starting out on guitar. It’s a quintessential example of acoustic guitar songs for beginners. With just four chords (G – C – D – Am) in a repeating progression, it’s incredibly easy to memorize and play. The song’s beauty lies in its simplicity and emotional depth, making it rewarding to learn even as a beginner. Its slow tempo and clear chord changes make it perfect for practicing smooth transitions.
Listen: “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” – Bob Dylan
16. “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?” – R.E.M.
Key: A
Chords: D – A – G – Bm – E
This energetic four-chord song from R.E.M. (D – A – G – Bm – E) is not only fun to play but also surprisingly easy, making it a great addition to our list of acoustic guitar songs for beginners. “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?” has a driving rhythm and a catchy melody that will keep you engaged. While it introduces the Bm (B minor) chord, which can be a bit trickier for absolute beginners, the overall progression is manageable and rewarding to learn.
Listen: “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?” – R.E.M
17. “Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Key: D
Chords: G – C – D – F
“Sweet Home Alabama,” a Southern rock anthem from Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Second Helping album, is another excellent choice for acoustic guitar songs beginners will enjoy. For the majority of the song, it relies on a simple three-chord progression. The iconic opening riff does incorporate a Cadd9 chord (often simplified to a standard C for strumming along), but the core of the song remains very accessible. Its upbeat tempo and recognizable melody make it a crowd-pleaser and a fun song to learn early on.
Listen: “Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
18. “Wild Horses” – The Rolling Stones
Key: G
Chords: Am – G – C – D – Bm – F
“Wild Horses,” a beautiful ballad from The Rolling Stones’ Sticky Fingers album, is a classic song every guitarist should learn eventually. While it appears to have six chords (Am – G – C – D – Bm – F), making it seem slightly more complex than other acoustic guitar songs for beginners on this list, the chords are still relatively accessible. The inclusion of Bm and F barre chords adds a bit of a challenge, but the slower tempo and melodic nature of the song make it manageable for determined beginners. It’s a rewarding song to learn that will expand your chord vocabulary.
Listen: “Wild Horses” – The Rolling Stones
19. “No Rain” – Blind Melon
Key: E
Chords: E – A – G – D – E7
Blind Melon’s “No Rain,” a defining song of the early 90s alternative and grunge era, is primarily built on four chords (E – A – G – D). The addition of an E7 chord adds a touch of harmonic color and bluesy flavor. This song features a great groove and is incredibly fun to strum, making it an excellent choice for acoustic guitar songs beginners will enjoy. Its moderate tempo and straightforward strumming pattern make it ideal for practicing rhythm and chord changes.
Listen: “No Rain” – Blind Melon
20. “Summer of 69” – Bryan Adams
Key: D
Chords: D – A – G – Bm – F#m – B♭ – C
Time to plug in and crank up the gain! While “Summer of 69” by Bryan Adams is often played on electric guitar, it sounds fantastic on acoustic too and is surprisingly accessible for beginners. Although the chord list looks long (D – A – G – Bm – F#m – B♭ – C), many of these chords are used in specific sections and the core progression is quite manageable. It’s an energetic and iconic song that will motivate beginner guitarists and is a fun addition to any list of acoustic guitar songs beginners can learn.
Listen: “Summer of 69” – Bryan Adams
21. “Cover Me” – Candlebox
Key: Em
Chords: Em – G – D – Cadd9
From Candlebox’s strong debut album, “Cover Me” is a fantastic acoustic song, especially if you’re just starting your guitar journey. It’s perfectly suited for acoustic guitar songs beginners can master. The strumming pattern is quite basic, and the tempo is just right for practicing smooth and accurate chord changes. The four-chord progression (Em – G – D – Cadd9) is repetitive and easy to memorize, making it a great song for building foundational skills.
Listen: “Cover Me” – Candlebox
22. “Brown Eyed Girl” – Van Morrison
Key: G
Chords: G – C – D – Em – D7
The second Van Morrison entry on our list, “Brown Eyed Girl,” is another upbeat and joyful acoustic guitar song for beginners. It’s simply fun to strum! The chord progression (G – C – D – Em – D7) is made up of common open chords and introduces the D7, a slight variation on the D major chord that adds a bluesy touch. Its familiar melody and feel-good vibe make it a popular choice for beginners to learn and perform.
Listen: “Brown Eyed Girl” – Van Morrison
23. “Mr. Tambourine Man” – Bob Dylan
Key: G
Chords: G – A – D – Dsus2
Continuing with the classics, “Mr. Tambourine Man” is Bob Dylan’s second song featured here, and it’s another excellent addition to a list of acoustic guitar songs for beginners. This song is played with a capo on the 3rd fret, which effectively changes the key, but the chord shapes (G – A – D – Dsus2) remain based on open positions relative to the capo. It introduces the Dsus2 chord, a suspended chord that adds a gentle, shimmering quality. Its iconic harmonica melody and poetic lyrics make it a rewarding song to learn.
Listen: “Mr. Tambourine” – Bob Dylan
24. “Mr. Jones” – Counting Crows
Key: Am
Chords: Am – F – Dm – G – C
From Counting Crows’ breakthrough debut album August and Everything After, “Mr. Jones” was their signature song and is a fantastic choice for acoustic guitar songs beginners can learn. The chord progression (Am – F – Dm – G – C) is slightly more involved than some of the simpler three or four-chord songs on this list, but it’s still well within the grasp of beginner players. It introduces the Dm (D minor) chord, expanding your chord vocabulary further.
Listen: “Mr. Jones” – Counting Crows
25. “Tangerine” – Led Zeppelin
Key: Am
Chords: Am – G – C – D – Dsus2 – Dsus4 – Asus2 – Asus4
Led Zeppelin might not be the first band that comes to mind when thinking of acoustic guitar songs for beginners, but “Tangerine” is a beautiful exception. If you’re unfamiliar with it, it’s a perfect introduction to sus2/sus4 chords. While the chord list looks extensive (Am – G – C – D – Dsus2 – Dsus4 – Asus2 – Asus4), many of these are variations on basic chords, and the core progression is quite gentle and melodic. It’s a rewarding song to learn that showcases a different side of Led Zeppelin and introduces suspended chords in an accessible way.
Listen: “Tangerine” – Led Zeppelin
26. “Bad Moon Rising” – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Key: D
Chords: D – A – G
Just three chords are needed to play “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival (D – A – G). Once again, CCR proves that you don’t need complex chord progressions to write a timeless and impactful song. This song is a prime example of acoustic guitar songs for beginners that are both easy and incredibly fun to play. Its driving rhythm and classic rock and roll feel make it a great choice for practice and performance.
Listen: “Bad Moon Rising” – Creedence Clearwater Revival
27. “Into the Mystic” – Van Morrison
Key: E♭
Chords: C – G – Em – F
Another classic from Van Morrison’s Moondance album, “Into the Mystic,” is a soulful and beautiful song that’s also beginner-friendly. A capo is used on the 3rd fret to achieve the recorded key, and the chords shown (C – G – Em – F) are open chord shapes relative to the capo. This song is a fantastic addition to any list of acoustic guitar songs for beginners due to its moderate tempo, manageable chord progression, and emotionally evocative melody.
Listen: “Into the Mystic” – Van Morrison
28. “Wish You Were Here” – Pink Floyd
Key: G
Chords: Em7 – A7sus4 – G – D – C – Am
With chord names like A7sus4, “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd might initially seem intimidating, but don’t let those names scare you away! In reality, it’s not a complicated song and is well-suited for acoustic guitar songs beginners can learn. Despite the slightly fancy chord names, the shapes are all quite easy to play, especially once you break them down. The iconic intro riff might take a little practice, but the main chord progression is very approachable, making it a rewarding song to master.
Listen: “Wish You Were Here” – Pink Floyd
29. “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” – Tom Petty
Key: Am
Chords: Am – G – D – Em7 – A
Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” is not only a catchy and recognizable song, but it also offers a great opportunity to explore dynamic strumming. The chord progression (Am – G – D – Em7 – A) is beginner-friendly, making it a solid choice for acoustic guitar songs beginners can enjoy. Experiment with varying your strumming intensity – play softer in the verses and build to a stronger strum in the choruses – to bring out the dynamic nuances of this song.
Listen: “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” – Tom Petty
30. “Wonderwall” – Oasis
Key: Em
Chords: Em – G – D – A – C
“Wonderwall,” from Oasis’s massively successful album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, is a 90s anthem and a popular choice for beginner guitarists. It definitely earns its place on a list of acoustic guitar songs for beginners. The chord progression (Em – G – D – A – C) is relatively simple, but “Wonderwall” offers a chance to delve into more nuanced strumming techniques. Listen closely to the original recording to capture the subtle rhythmic variations and strumming patterns that give the song its signature feel.
Listen: “Wonderwall” – Oasis
31. “The Times They are A-Changin’” – Bob Dylan
Key: G
Chords: Em – G – Am – D – C
You could easily create an entire list of easy acoustic guitar songs for beginners using just Bob Dylan’s catalog! “The Times They Are A-Changin’” is another timeless classic from one of the greatest songwriters of all time. The chord progression (Em – G – Am – D – C) is straightforward and the song’s slow tempo and deliberate pace make it ideal for beginners to practice chord changes and clear, articulate strumming.
Listen: “The Times They Are A Changin’” – Bob Dylan
32. “When I Come Around” – Green Day
Key: G
Chords: G – D – Em – C – Am
“When I Come Around,” one of Green Day’s biggest commercial hits from their Dookie album, translates surprisingly well to acoustic guitar and is very accessible for beginners. For acoustic guitar songs beginners can rock out to, this is a great choice. The chords (G – D – Em – C – Am) are presented here in open positions, making them easy to fret. While the original version is often played with power chords on electric guitar, the acoustic rendition is equally catchy and fun to play.
Listen: “When I Come Around” – Green Days
33. “Buddy Holly” – Weezer
Key: F#m
Chords: G# – A – D – Dm – F#m – E – C#m
“Buddy Holly,” the song that launched Weezer into mainstream success from their 1994 debut album Weezer, might appear a bit more complex at first glance due to the key of F#m and some less common chords. However, when adapted to simpler open chord voicings and strummed acoustically, “Buddy Holly” becomes manageable and a fun challenge for acoustic guitar songs beginners can aspire to learn. The driving rhythm and catchy melody make it a rewarding song to work towards.
Listen: “Buddy Holly” – Weezer
34. “What’s Up?” – 4 Non Blondes
Key: A
Chords: A – Bm – D
Another excellent three-chord song for beginners! “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes was a massive hit from their 1992 debut album Bigger, Better, Faster, More!. Using just A, Bm, and D chords, it’s incredibly simple in structure, making it a perfect choice for acoustic guitar songs beginners can quickly pick up. The song’s powerful vocals and singalong chorus make it a satisfying and impressive song to learn early in your guitar journey.
Listen: “What’s Up?” – 4 Non Blondes
35. “I Won’t Back Down” – Tom Petty
Key: G
Chords: Em – D – G – C
Released in 1989, Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” has become an enduring American anthem. Like Bob Dylan, Tom Petty was a master songwriter who could craft timeless music from simple chord progressions. “I Won’t Back Down” is no exception, using just four chords (Em – D – G – C) in a straightforward and memorable way. It’s a powerful and inspiring addition to a list of acoustic guitar songs for beginners, perfect for practicing consistent strumming and chord changes.
Listen: “I Won’t Back Down” – Tom Petty
36. “Small Town” – John Mellencamp
Key: G
Chords: G – D – C – Am
“Small Town,” an upbeat classic from John Mellencamp, is a long-time favorite for many and a great song for beginner guitarists. Its driving rhythm and catchy melody make it a fun and engaging song to learn. With a chord progression of G – D – C – Am, it falls squarely into the category of acoustic guitar songs for beginners. It’s excellent practice for developing a strong and consistent strumming hand and smoothly transitioning between chords at a faster tempo.
Listen: “Small Town” – John Mellencamp
37. “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” – Poison
Key: G
Chords: G – Cadd9 – D – C – Em
“Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” Poison’s signature 80s power ballad, is surprisingly beginner-friendly on acoustic guitar. It’s a perfect example of acoustic guitar songs beginners can use to learn power ballads. It features a straightforward strumming pattern and utilizes basic open chords (G – Cadd9 – D – C – Em). It truly doesn’t get much easier than this in terms of chord complexity, making it a great confidence-boosting song for new players.
Listen: “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” – Poison
38. “About a Girl” – Nirvana
Key: Em
Chords: Em – G – C – C#/G# – F# – A – C
Nirvana’s “About A Girl,” from their debut album Bleach, is a slightly less well-known track compared to their later hits, but it’s a fantastic song for acoustic guitar and accessible to beginners. While the chord list might look a bit lengthy (Em – G – C – C#/G# – F# – A – C), the song is not overly complicated. It’s a great example of acoustic guitar songs beginners can use to explore Nirvana’s discography beyond their biggest hits. The chord progression is manageable and the song has a catchy, upbeat feel that’s fun to play.
Listen: “About A Girl” – Nirvana
39. “Disarm” – The Smashing Pumpkins
Key: Em
Chords: Em7 – Cadd9 – G – Dsus4/F# – D – Em
“Disarm,” from The Smashing Pumpkins’ Siamese Dream album, is a beautiful and melancholic song that translates well to acoustic guitar. For acoustic guitar songs beginners can learn that have a bit more emotional depth, “Disarm” is a great choice. The chords (Em7 – Cadd9 – G – Dsus4/F# – D – Em) are mostly straightforward, although the Dsus4/F# chord might require a little practice. The chord progression can be slightly tricky at first to memorize, but the song’s slower tempo and melodic nature make it manageable and rewarding to learn.
Listen: “Disarm” – The Smashing Pumpkins
40. “Two Steps Behind” – Def Leppard
Key: A
Chords: A – D – G – E – F#m
“Two Steps Behind” is a softer, acoustic side of Def Leppard, and it’s perfect for beginners. It’s a classic power ballad stripped down to its acoustic core, making it ideal for acoustic guitar songs beginners can easily learn. The chord progression (A – D – G – E – F#m) is straightforward and nothing too fancy, just a solid and easy-to-play structure. Its popularity and recognizable melody make it a great song to add to your beginner repertoire.
Listen: “Two Steps Behind – Def Leppard
41. “Run-Around” – Blues Traveler
Key: G
Chords: G – C – Am – D
“Run-Around,” from Blues Traveler’s album Four, is an upbeat and catchy song that’s excellent for practicing chord changes. It’s a fantastic addition to a list of acoustic guitar songs for beginners due to its tempo and clear chord structure. The chord progression (G – C – Am – D) is repetitive and easy to memorize, and the faster tempo will help you improve your speed and accuracy in switching between chords.
Listen: “Run-Around” – Blues Traveler
42. “Free Fallin’” – Tom Petty
Key: F (capo on 3rd fret)
Chords: D – A – Dsus4 – E
“Free Fallin’,” one of Tom Petty’s all-time greatest songs from his Full Moon Fever album, is another masterclass in simple songwriting. Like many of Petty’s songs, there’s no unnecessary complexity, just a beautiful melody built on a simple chord progression (D – A – Dsus4 – E). With a capo on the 3rd fret to match the original key, it’s incredibly beginner-friendly and a must-learn for acoustic guitar songs beginners.
Listen: “Free Fallin’” – Tom Petty
43. “Comfortably Numb” – Pink Floyd
Key: Bm
Chords: Bm – A – G – Em – D – A – C
The second Pink Floyd song on this list, “Comfortably Numb,” also comes from The Wall. Putting aside the iconic guitar solos, the underlying chord progression is surprisingly accessible for beginners. Despite being in Bm and having a few more chords (Bm – A – G – Em – D – A – C), the slow tempo and heavy use of open chords make “Comfortably Numb” a very manageable song for acoustic guitar songs beginners to learn. It’s a great way to learn a legendary song without needing advanced guitar skills.
Listen: “Comfortably Numb” – Pink Floyd
44. “Love Me Do” – The Beatles
Key: G
Chords: G – C – D
For absolute beginner guitar players, it truly doesn’t get much easier than “Love Me Do” by The Beatles. This early Beatles hit is built on a simple three-chord progression (G – C – D), making it one of the most fundamental acoustic guitar songs for beginners. Its historical significance and catchy melody make it a perfect starting point and a song that every guitarist should know.
Listen: “Love Me Do” – The Beatles
45. “Seven Turns” – The Allman Brothers Band
Key: G
Chords: C – G – Em – D – C/B
While The Allman Brothers Band are known for their complex jams and guitar work, “Seven Turns” is a surprising exception and well within reach for beginners. There are many Allman Brothers songs that would be far too challenging for a list of easy acoustic guitar songs for beginners, but “Seven Turns” is a great entry point into their music. The chord progression (C – G – Em – D – C/B) is manageable, and it introduces the C/B slash chord, adding a touch of sophistication without being overly difficult.
Listen: “Seven Turns” – The Allman Brother Band
46. “Rain King” – Counting Crows
Key: D
Chords: D – A – Bm – G – E
“Rain King,” another fantastic song from Counting Crows’ August and Everything After, is an upbeat and energetic track that’s great for practicing chord changes. It’s a wonderful addition to our list of acoustic guitar songs for beginners who want to work on their speed and fluidity. The chord progression (D – A – Bm – G – E) is slightly more complex than some of the simpler songs, but the tempo and rhythmic drive make it a fun and engaging practice piece.
Listen: “Rain King” – Counting Crows
47. “Heart of Gold” – Neil Young
Key: Em
Chords: Em7 – D – Em – G – C
Neil Young, like Bob Dylan and Tom Petty, had a gift for creating timeless music with seemingly simple chord progressions. “Heart of Gold” is a perfect example of this and a must-learn for any beginner guitarist. It’s a quintessential example of acoustic guitar songs beginners love to learn. The chord progression (Em7 – D – Em – G – C) is gentle and repetitive, allowing you to focus on strumming rhythm and singing along.
Listen: “Heart of Gold” – Neil Young
48. “Polly” – Nirvana
Key: Em
Chords: Em – G – C – D – B♭
“Polly,” a more subdued and acoustic track from Nirvana’s Nevermind album, offers a different flavor from their heavier hits and is very accessible for beginners. It’s a straightforward acoustic song that fits perfectly into a list of acoustic guitar songs for beginners. The chord progression (Em – G – C – D – B♭) is relatively simple and the song’s slower tempo and intimate feel make it a great song for practicing dynamics and quieter strumming techniques.
Listen: “Polly” – Nirvana
49. “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” – The Proclaimers
Key: E
Chords: E – A – B – C#m – F#m
“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers is an upbeat and instantly recognizable song that provides a fun opportunity to practice a staccato-style strumming pattern. It’s a slightly more energetic choice for acoustic guitar songs beginners who want to work on rhythmic strumming. The chord progression (E – A – B – C#m – F#m) introduces a few more chords than some of the simpler songs, but the song’s driving rhythm and singalong quality make it a motivating and enjoyable challenge.
Listen: “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” – The Proclaimers
50. “3am” – Matchbox Twenty
Key: G
Chords: G – Cadd9 – D – Em
From Matchbox Twenty’s debut album Yourself or Someone Like You, “3am” is a catchy and emotionally resonant song that uses easy-to-play open chords. It’s a solid choice for acoustic guitar songs beginners can learn to add a more contemporary feel to their repertoire. The chord progression (G – Cadd9 – D – Em) is straightforward and memorable, and the song’s moderate tempo and lyrical content make it a popular choice for acoustic guitarists.
Listen: “3AM” – Matchbox Twenty
51. “Simple Man” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Key: C
Chords: C – G – Am
“Simple Man,” another three-chord masterpiece from Lynyrd Skynyrd, is a poignant and emotionally powerful song that’s incredibly easy to play on guitar. It’s the epitome of acoustic guitar songs for beginners – beautiful, impactful, and simple. While the recorded version features arpeggiated chords (fingerpicking), you can easily strum the chords (C – G – Am) and it still sounds fantastic. Its heartfelt lyrics and timeless melody make it a truly rewarding song to learn.
Listen: “Simple Man” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
52. “Wild Thing” – The Troggs
Key: A
Chords: A – D – E – G
What list of easy acoustic guitar songs for beginners would be complete without “Wild Thing” by The Troggs? This garage rock classic is incredibly simple and instantly recognizable. For the most part, it’s built on a basic 1-4-5 chord progression (A – D – E) in the key of A, with a G chord added for a bit of variation. Its raw energy and iconic riff make it a fun and exhilarating song to learn, even with its simplicity.
Listen: “Wild Thing” – The Troggs
Wrap up
When you’re first starting out with the guitar, learning songs right away is absolutely key. After all, that’s why most of us pick up the instrument in the first place – to play music we love! This list of 52 acoustic guitar songs for beginners provides a wide variety of genres and styles to keep your learning process engaging and, most importantly, maintain your motivation to play.
As you progress and feel ready to tackle more advanced techniques, consider exploring guitar solos. My Easy Guitar Solos lesson offers a collection of solos that are perfectly tailored for beginner players, providing a stepping stone into lead guitar playing.
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