Starting your guitar journey is an exciting endeavor, and one of the most rewarding ways to progress is by learning to play songs you love. Diving straight into complex solos might be tempting, but mastering simple songs first builds a strong foundation and keeps you motivated. Whether you’ve picked up an acoustic or electric guitar, this list of 40 easy songs, curated with beginners in mind, will provide a fantastic starting point. With the help of resources like Fender Play (and many others available online), these songs are attainable for anyone just starting out.
1. J Mascis: “Feel The Pain”
J Mascis, known for his work with Dinosaur Jr., blends punk, rock, and indie alternative influences, drawing inspiration from bands like Black Sabbath. “Feel The Pain” offers a taste of alternative rock that’s surprisingly accessible for beginners. Its straightforward structure and repetitive riffs make it an excellent choice for practicing power chords and basic strumming patterns.
Learn how to play “Feel The Pain” here.
2. Oasis: “Wonderwall”
“Wonderwall” by Oasis is a quintessential 90s anthem and a global hit from their album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?. This song’s enduring popularity stems partly from its simplicity. Built around a memorable chord progression and a moderate tempo, “Wonderwall” is perfect for mastering barre chords (or simplified versions) and developing a consistent strumming rhythm. It’s a song almost guaranteed to impress friends and family.
Learn how to play “Wonderwall” here.
3. The Bobby Fuller Four: “I Fought the Law”
“I Fought the Law,” penned by Sonny Curtis of The Crickets, is a classic rebel anthem that resonates across generations. Famously covered by The Clash, the Bobby Fuller Four’s version brings a catchy, upbeat energy to this tale of defiance. Its straightforward chord structure and campfire-friendly strumming patterns make it exceptionally beginner-friendly. Matt Lake’s simplified arrangement, as referenced in the original article, further emphasizes its accessibility for new guitarists wanting to practice steady strumming and basic chord changes.
Learn how to play “I Fought the Law” here.
4. Carrie Underwood: “Blown Away”
Carrie Underwood is a modern icon in country music, often hailed as the “Queen of Country.” “Blown Away,” a chart-topping hit for Underwood, showcases her storytelling prowess and country songwriting skills. Remarkably, this Grammy-winning song revolves around a single chord progression, making it surprisingly easy to learn on guitar. Beginners can focus on mastering this progression and practicing smooth chord transitions while playing a contemporary country hit.
Learn how to play “Blown Away” here.
5. Lukas Graham: “7 Years”
Danish pop band Lukas Graham achieved international fame with “7 Years,” a poignant and reflective song that resonated globally. This 2015 hit, nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, is characterized by its heartfelt lyrics and melodic structure. Guitarists will find “7 Years” approachable due to its simple chord progression and moderate tempo, allowing beginners to focus on timing and feel while playing a contemporary pop ballad.
Learn how to play “7 Years” here.
6. Brad Paisley: “He Didn’t Have to Be”
Brad Paisley, a celebrated Telecaster player, is a defining figure in modern country music. “He Didn’t Have to Be,” his first No. 1 hit, exemplifies his storytelling and musicality. This gentle and heartwarming song is excellent for beginner guitarists due to its easygoing chord progression and focus on strumming technique. Learning this song helps refine strumming hand control and smooth chord changes within a classic country framework.
Learn how to play “He Didn’t Have to Be” here.
7. The Rolling Stones: “Honky Tonk Women”
“Honky Tonk Women” by The Rolling Stones is a legendary track that blends hard rock energy with country and blues influences. This chart-topper, penned by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, is instantly recognizable for its infectious groove and iconic opening riff. Beginners will appreciate that the song heavily utilizes the G chord throughout, making it ideal for solidifying basic chords and learning a classic rock riff. The lesson focuses on the intro riff, verse, and chorus, providing manageable sections to learn.
Learn how to play “Honky Tonk Women” here.
8. Jimi Hendrix: “Purple Haze”
“Purple Haze” is a signature song by the legendary Jimi Hendrix, released in 1967. This track introduced many listeners to Hendrix’s groundbreaking psychedelic rock sound and innovative guitar playing. While Hendrix is known for his virtuosity, simplified versions of “Purple Haze” can be tackled by beginners, focusing on the main riff and basic chord structure. It’s a great way to dip your toes into iconic rock and start exploring power chords and blues-rock rhythms.
Learn how to play “Purple Haze” here.
9. Joni Mitchell: “Big Yellow Taxi”
Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi,” released in 1970, is a folk-pop classic with an important environmental message. Inspired by a view in Hawaii, the song contrasts natural beauty with urban development. Its appeal for beginners lies in its simple chord progression and distinctive strumming pattern. “Big Yellow Taxi” is excellent for practicing fingerpicking patterns and developing a feel for folk-style guitar playing, all while learning a song with a meaningful message.
Learn how to play “Big Yellow Taxi” here.
10. Buddy Holly: “Not Fade Away”
Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away,” recorded in 1957 with The Crickets, is a rock and roll staple. Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, this song is known for its driving rhythm and catchy melody. Nikki Stevens’ tutorial on Fender Play suggests using down strums initially and progressing to a more percussive alternate strumming pattern. Built around three major chords (E, A, and D), “Not Fade Away” is perfect for practicing strumming techniques and chord transitions in a classic rock and roll style.
Learn how to play “Not Fade Away.”
11. The National: “I Need My Girl”
“I Need My Girl” by The National offers a more contemporary indie rock option for beginners. Jen Trani’s simplified version focuses on four chords (Am, C, F, and G) and utilizes a capo to make the song easier to play in a comfortable key. This song is ideal for practicing barre chords (or capoed versions) and learning a softer, more melodic strumming style common in indie and alternative music.
Learn how to play “I Need My Girl” here.
12. Leonard Cohen: “Hallelujah”
Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is a deeply moving and iconic song, known for its poetic lyrics and powerful melody. While complex versions exist, beginner arrangements often simplify the chord progression, making it accessible for those new to guitar. Famously covered by Jeff Buckley, learning “Hallelujah” allows beginners to explore fingerpicking or gentle strumming patterns while playing a song celebrated for its emotional depth and beauty.
Learn how to play “Hallelujah” here.
13. The Animals: “It’s My Life”
“It’s My Life” by The Animals is a 1965 hit that embodies themes of individuality and self-expression. Written by Brill Building songwriters Roger Atkins and Carl D’Errico, this song became an anthem of personal freedom. Musically, “It’s My Life” is approachable for beginners due to its clear chord structure and moderate tempo. Learning this song provides practice in playing arpeggiated chords and developing a dynamic strumming hand.
Learn how to play “It’s My Life” here.
14. Grace VanderWaal: “Clay”
Grace VanderWaal, a ukulele prodigy, showcases her songwriting talent in “Clay,” a metaphorical song about overcoming bullying. Featured on her debut album Perfectly Imperfect, “Clay” is a heartfelt ballad that translates beautifully to guitar. With just four open position chords (G, Em, D, and C), it’s exceptionally beginner-friendly. This song allows learners to focus on smooth chord changes and expressing emotion through their playing.
Learn how to play “Clay” here.
15. Delta Spirit: “California”
“California” was a breakout single for indie rock band Delta Spirit, gaining them wider radio play in 2012. Its blend of indie pop with roots-rock elements and a distinct alternate strumming pattern makes it engaging to play. Using just four chords (Am, C, G, and D), as taught by Fender Play instructor Jen Trani, “California” is accessible for beginners while offering a chance to practice alternate strumming and explore a contemporary indie sound.
Learn how to play “California” here.
16. The Isley Brothers: “Shout”
“Shout” by The Isley Brothers is an iconic soul and R&B track known for its call-and-response structure and energetic performance. While it reached No. 47 on the Billboard Hot 100, its longevity and popularity have made it a staple at events and gatherings. Beginner guitarists can focus on learning the basic chord progression and practicing rhythmic strumming to capture the song’s lively feel. It’s a fun song to play and guaranteed to get people moving.
Learn how to play “Shout” here.
17. Creedence Clearwater Revival: “Bad Moon Rising”
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising” is a timeless rock classic with a deceptively upbeat melody that contrasts with its darker lyrical themes. Its steady, basic strumming and simple chord progression (D, A, and G) make it an excellent starting point for beginners. Learning “Bad Moon Rising” is perfect for mastering basic chords, practicing chord switching, and getting comfortable with a consistent strumming pattern in a classic rock context.
Learn how to play “Bad Moon Rising” here.
18. Billie Eilish: “Ocean Eyes”
“ocean eyes” was Billie Eilish’s debut song, initially released on Soundcloud in 2015. Written by her brother Finneas O’Connell, this song launched her career and led to Grammy-winning success. Its ethereal and atmospheric sound translates well to guitar. Beginners can find simplified chord arrangements that capture the song’s essence, allowing them to learn a modern pop hit while practicing basic chords and fingerpicking patterns.
Learn how to play “Ocean Eyes” here.
19. Andra Day: “Rise Up”
Andra Day’s “Rise Up” is a powerful and uplifting anthem of resilience and hope. This platinum-selling single from her debut album Cheers to the Fall (2015) has resonated with audiences worldwide. Guitar arrangements for “Rise Up” are often simplified for beginners, focusing on fundamental chords and strumming. Learning this song allows beginners to connect with a contemporary soul-inspired track and practice playing with dynamics and emotion.
Learn how to play “Rise Up” here.
20. Willie Dixon: “I Can’t Quit You Baby”
“I Can’t Quit You Baby,” written by blues legend Willie Dixon, is a blues classic first recorded by Otis Rush in 1956. Led Zeppelin famously covered it on their debut album in 1969, bringing it to a wider rock audience. This blues standard typically uses three basic chords (G, C, and D), making it a fantastic entry point to blues guitar. Beginners can learn essential blues chord progressions and start exploring blues rhythms with this iconic song.
Learn how to play “I Can’t Quit You Baby” here.
21. Butch Walker: “Chrissie Hynde”
Butch Walker’s “Chrissie Hynde” is a folk-pop ballad from his 2014 album Afraid of Ghosts. This introspective song expresses a desire to escape the world and find solace in music, specifically the music of The Pretenders, fronted by Chrissie Hynde. Its country-tinged melody and relatively simple chord structure make it a good choice for beginners looking for a more singer-songwriter style song to learn.
Learn how to play “Chrissie Hynde here.
22. Frankie Ballard: “Helluva Life”
Frankie Ballard’s “Helluva Life” is a country song released in 2013 with a positive message about gratitude and appreciating life’s blessings. One of Ballard’s most popular songs, certified Gold, “Helluva Life” is upbeat and catchy. Beginners will find it approachable due to its straightforward chord progression and strumming pattern, making it a fun and encouraging song to learn.
Learn how to play “Helluva Life” here.
23. Carl Perkins: “Matchbox”
“Matchbox” by Carl Perkins is a rockabilly classic from 1956. With only three chords (A, D, and E), it’s remarkably simple to play, making it ideal for beginners. “Matchbox” is excellent practice for alternate strumming and solidifying rhythm guitar skills. The fact that The Beatles also recorded a version attests to its enduring appeal and foundational rock and roll structure.
Learn how to play “Matchbox”.
24. Elmore James: “It Hurts Me Too”
“It Hurts Me Too” is a blues standard with roots in a 1940 recording by Tampa Red, but Elmore James’ version from the 1950s and early 60s cemented its popularity. This blues track, with its signature slide guitar (often simplified in beginner versions), uses three chords with variations (A5, A6, D5, D6, E5, and E6). This makes “It Hurts Me Too” a fantastic introduction to blues chord variations and the 12-bar blues structure, essential for any aspiring blues guitarist.
Learn how to play “It Hurts Me Too” here.
25. Bonnie Raitt: “Something to Talk About”
Bonnie Raitt, known for her bluesy slide guitar and soulful vocals, is a respected figure in blues and roots music. “Something to Talk About,” a hit single from her Grammy-winning albums of the early 90s, showcases her accessible songwriting. Beginner guitarists can learn simplified arrangements of this song, focusing on basic chords and strumming patterns while exploring a song by a renowned guitarist and vocalist.
Learn how to play “Something to Talk About” here.
26. Muddy Waters: “Mannish Boy”
Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy,” recorded in 1955, is a defining blues track. Reaching No. 5 on the Billboard R&B chart, its iconic bluesy riff is instantly recognizable. Beginners can learn simplified versions focusing on the main riff and basic blues chords. “Mannish Boy” provides an excellent opportunity to explore blues riffs and rhythms while learning a foundational song from a blues legend.
Learn how to play “Mannish Boy” here.
27. Guitar Slim: “Things That I Used to Do”
“Things That I Used to Do” by Guitar Slim is a New Orleans blues classic that became a bestseller in 1953, topping the R&B charts for six weeks. Remarkably, the entire song uses a single chord progression with just three chords (E, A, and B7). This makes it an excellent choice for beginners to master a fundamental chord progression and practice playing an entire song with a limited number of chords.
Learn how to play “Things That I Used to Do” here.
28. The Smithereens: “Blood & Roses”
“Blood & Roses” by The Smithereens was a hit single from their debut album Especially For You. Fender Play instructor Barrett Wilson breaks down this classic, which uses five chords (Em, G, C, D, and Am). The lesson focuses on pivot fingers and 8th note alternate strumming. “Blood & Roses” offers a slightly more complex but still manageable chord progression for beginners ready to expand their chord vocabulary and strumming techniques within a classic power-pop song.
Learn how to play “Blood & Roses” here.
29. Cracker: “Low”
Cracker’s “Low,” a 1993 hit, reached No. 3 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart. Using only four chords (D, C, E, and G), “Low” is surprisingly simple to play. The lesson focuses on basic chord switching and maintaining a consistent strumming pattern. Learning “Low” is a great way to practice chord transitions and rhythmic accuracy within a popular 90s alternative rock song.
Learn how to play “Low” here.
30. ZZ Top: “Tush”
“Tush” by ZZ Top is a blues-rock anthem, named by VH1 as one of the greatest hard rock songs of all time. This 12-bar blues rocker, simplified by Fender Play instructor Scott Goldbaum into a campfire version, uses a three-chord (D, G, C) rhythm progression. Learning “Tush” provides a fun and energetic way to explore 12-bar blues, power chords, and a classic hard rock feel.
Learn how to play “Tush” here.
31. Hank Williams: “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)”
Hank Williams, a pioneer of country guitar, helped define country guitar playing with his single-note picking technique. “Jambalaya (On the Bayou),” a No. 1 Billboard Hot Country single, demonstrates his songwriting and song structure skills. With a simple chord progression and catchy melody, using only two chords, “Jambalaya” is a country favorite and exceptionally beginner-friendly, ideal for practicing basic chord changes in a classic country style.
Learn how to play “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” here.
32. The Beatles: “Here Comes the Sun”
“Here Comes the Sun,” written by George Harrison, is a beloved song from The Beatles’ Abbey Road album (1969). Alongside “Something” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” it’s one of Harrison’s most famous compositions from the Beatles era. Simplified guitar arrangements of “Here Comes the Sun” often focus on fingerpicking patterns and basic chords, making it attainable for beginners to learn a classic and uplifting Beatles song.
Learn how to play “Here Comes The Sun” here.
33. The Cactus Blossoms: “Stoplight Kisses”
The Cactus Blossoms, a modern band with a vintage rockabilly sound, exemplify their style in “Stoplight Kisses.” Its upbeat and jangly feel is perfect for parties, and it’s playable with only four chords (E, A, B7, and E7). “Stoplight Kisses” is a fun and energetic song for beginners to practice basic chords and explore a rockabilly rhythm and style.
Learn how to play “Stoplight Kisses” here.
34. Traditional: “I Shall Not Be Moved”
“I Shall Not Be Moved,” a traditional song popularized by bluesman Mississippi John Hurt, offers a lesson in songwriting and utilizing countrified chords. Covered by Johnny Cash, Son House, and Elvis Presley, this song bridges folk, blues, and country genres. With three basic chords and syncopated rhythms, “I Shall Not Be Moved” is a great way for beginners to explore different genres and rhythmic styles while learning a classic song.
Learn how to play “I Shall Not Be Moved” here.
35. Paolo Nutini: “Candy”
Paolo Nutini’s “Candy,” a worldwide hit in 2009, has a neo-soul feel that was distinct at the time. Possibly his most recognized song, “Candy” is given a folky spin in Scott Goldbaum’s lesson, unlocking the Sunny Side Up single with alternate and syncopated strumming. Beginners can learn a simplified folk-inspired arrangement of this contemporary hit, practicing alternate and syncopated strumming patterns.
Learn how to play “Candy” here.
36. Blue Öyster Cult: “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper”
“(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” by Blue Öyster Cult, released in 1976, was the band’s highest-charting single. Its haunting vibe and lyrics about mortality gave it a unique feel, and Rolling Stone named it Song of the Year upon release. While known for its iconic guitar riff, simplified versions for beginners focus on the underlying chord progression, making it accessible to learn a classic rock song with a distinctive atmosphere.
Learn how to play “Don’t Fear the Reaper” here.
37. Traditional: “Amazing Grace”
“Amazing Grace,” a hymn over 200 years old, remains deeply moving. Simplified guitar versions often focus on fingerpicking in 3/4 time, using chords A, A7, D, and E7. “Amazing Grace” provides an opportunity for beginners to explore fingerpicking techniques, learn 3/4 time signatures, and play a timeless and emotionally resonant melody.
Learn how to play “Amazing Grace” here.
38. Santana: “Oye Como Va”
“Oye Como Va” was written by Latin jazz and mambo musician Tito Puente in 1963, and Santana’s rendition popularized it further. This Latin rock classic is known for its infectious rhythm and groove. Simplified guitar versions for beginners often focus on the main chord progression and rhythmic strumming patterns, allowing learners to explore Latin-influenced rhythms and play a high-energy and recognizable song.
Learn how to play “Oye Como Va” here.
39. John Legend: “All of Me”
John Legend’s “All of Me,” originally piano-driven, translates beautifully to guitar. The intro and verse use open chords Em, C, G, and D, with Am added in the pre-chorus and chorus. “All of Me” is a modern ballad that allows beginners to practice beautiful open chords and learn a contemporary pop song with emotional depth, suitable for both strumming and fingerpicking.
Learn how to play “All of Me” here.
40. Kris Kristofferson: “Me and Bobby McGee”
“Me and Bobby McGee,” written by Kris Kristofferson, was first released by Roger Miller in 1969. Janis Joplin’s version, released shortly after her death and reaching the top of the US charts in 1971, made it a timeless classic. Simplified guitar arrangements for beginners typically focus on basic chords and strumming patterns, allowing learners to play a legendary song with a rich history and powerful emotional resonance.
Learn how to play “Me and Bobby McGee” here.
To explore even more songs and guitar skills, consider checking out resources like Fender Play for structured lessons and a wider song library. Learning these beginner-friendly songs will not only build your guitar skills but also provide a rewarding and enjoyable musical journey.
