Learning guitar can feel like climbing a mountain, but what if I told you it’s more like strolling through a park? The truth is, playing your favorite songs on guitar is more accessible than you think, especially when you start with Basic Song Guitar Chords. You might be surprised to learn that countless popular tunes, the ones you hum along to every day, rely on just a handful of easy-to-master chords. If you’re eager to strum your first songs and impress yourself (and maybe a few friends), you’ve landed in the perfect spot. We’re diving into a list of 12 fantastic songs, all built upon the same fundamental guitar chords, arranged in the very same sequence! Get ready to discover how far four simple chords can take you on your guitar adventure.
This magical sequence, what I like to call the “Don’t Stop Believing” progression because of its iconic use in that Journey anthem, is your golden ticket. It’s a chord pattern that resonates through a massive catalog of hits, and it’s surprisingly easy to learn. The chord progression is:
G Major – D Major – E Minor – C Major
Below, you’ll find visual guides to playing these chords. Following that, I’ve compiled a list of 12 famous songs that use this exact chord progression. To make things even easier, many of these songs are played in different keys, but don’t worry! With the simple addition of a capo, you can play along perfectly with the original recordings using this same chord sequence. I’ll tell you exactly where to place your capo for each song. Get ready to unlock a world of music with just these four chords!
Visual Guide to Basic Guitar Chords
Before we jump into the song list, let’s take a moment to visualize these essential chords. These diagrams will show you exactly where to place your fingers to form each chord. Practice these shapes slowly at first, focusing on clean and clear sounds from each string. Once you can switch between them smoothly, you’ll be ready to tackle the songs!
G Major Guitar Chord Diagram
E minor Guitar Chord Shape
D Major Guitar Chord Diagram for beginners
C Major Guitar Chord Shape
12 Songs to Play Using These Basic Guitar Chords
Now for the exciting part – putting those chords into action! Below is a list of 12 well-known songs you can play using the G-D-Em-C chord progression. For each song, I’ve indicated the capo position, which is a small clamp you attach to your guitar neck to change the key. Don’t worry if you don’t have a capo yet; you can still practice the chord progression and get familiar with the songs. Click the “Chord chart” link for each song to get the full song structure and lyrics. Get ready to start playing some real music!
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.
Note: The verse uses our familiar chord progression. The chorus changes slightly, using C-D-G-G.
4) “Let it Be” – The Beatles
Capo 5th fret (C Major)
Chord Chart, here.
Note: Like “Soul Sister,” the verse sticks to the G-D-Em-C progression, while the chorus shifts to Em-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.
Note: Keep an ear out for an occasional A major chord that Jason throws in for a bit of variation.
7) “Take Me Home Country Roads” – John Denver
Capo 2nd fret (A Major)
Chord Chart, here.
Note: You’ll sometimes hear a D7 chord in place of the D major, adding a touch of country 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.
Note: This song uses the same four chords but starts the progression in a different place: Em-C-G-D.
10) “Hey Oh (Snow)” – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Capo 4th fret (B Major)
Chord Chart, here.
Note: Similar to “Save Tonight,” this song uses the same chords, starting the progression as Em-C-G-D.
11) “Apologize” – OneRepublic Ft. Timbaland
Capo 8th fret (Eb Major)
Chord Chart, here.
Note: This song also starts on a different chord in the sequence: Em-C-G-D.
12) “Love the Way You Lie” – Eminem ft. Rihanna
Capo 3rd fret (Bb major)
Chord Chart, here.
Note: You guessed it – same chords, different starting point: Em-C-G-D.
Start Your Musical Journey Today
Learning guitar doesn’t have to be daunting. By mastering these four basic guitar chords and practicing the “Don’t Stop Believing” progression, you unlock a vast library of songs. This list of 12 songs is just the beginning. As you become more comfortable, you’ll start to recognize this chord progression in countless other songs, expanding your repertoire without having to learn a mountain of new chords. So pick up your guitar, practice those chord shapes, and start strumming along to these familiar tunes. Happy playing!
