Learning guitar is an exciting journey, and one of the most rewarding parts is playing your favorite songs. For beginners, starting with simpler songs can be the key to staying motivated and building a solid foundation. While aiming for complex solos and riffs is a great long-term goal, mastering easy songs first will get you playing music quickly and enjoyably.
Whether you’ve picked up an acoustic or electric guitar, this list of 40 beginner-friendly songs, inspired by Fender Play’s curriculum, will provide a fantastic starting point. Learning these tunes will not only be fun but will also teach you essential chords, strumming patterns, and song structures that are fundamental to guitar playing.
Ready to start playing? Dive into these accessible songs and begin your musical journey today!
Simple Songs to Kickstart Your Guitar Journey
1. J Mascis: “Feel The Pain”
J Mascis, known for his work with Dinosaur Jr., blends punk energy with classic rock influences. “Feel The Pain” offers a great entry into rock guitar. Its straightforward structure and chord progression make it surprisingly accessible for beginners, despite its powerful sound. The song’s dynamic shifts also provide an opportunity to practice changes in strumming intensity.
Learn how to play “Feel The Pain” here.
2. Oasis: “Wonderwall”
“Wonderwall” from Oasis’s (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? is a global anthem. Its enduring popularity stems partly from its simplicity. The chord progression is repetitive and relatively easy to master, making it a staple for beginner guitarists. Learning “Wonderwall” will help you practice smooth chord transitions and basic strumming, all while playing a song practically everyone recognizes.
Learn how to play “Wonderwall” here.
3. The Bobby Fuller Four: “I Fought the Law”
“I Fought the Law,” penned by Sonny Curtis and popularized by The Bobby Fuller Four and The Clash, is a classic rebel tune. This song is perfect for beginners because of its campfire-strumming style and consistent rhythm. It’s a fantastic choice for developing a steady strumming hand and learning to keep time.
Learn how to play “I Fought the Law” here.
4. Carrie Underwood: “Blown Away”
Carrie Underwood, a modern country icon, delivers powerful storytelling in “Blown Away.” Beginners will appreciate its simple structure, built around a single chord progression. This Grammy-winning song allows you to focus on strumming and vocal timing without being overwhelmed by complex chord changes.
Learn how to play “Blown Away” here.
5. Lukas Graham: “7 Years”
Lukas Graham’s “7 Years” became a global hit with its catchy melody and relatable lyrics. For guitar learners, this song is excellent for practicing fingerpicking patterns on guitar. While the original has a prominent piano part, the guitar arrangement simplifies the harmony, making it accessible for novice players.
Learn how to play “7 Years” here.
6. Brad Paisley: “He Didn’t Have to Be”
Country guitarist Brad Paisley is known for his Telecaster mastery, but “He Didn’t Have to Be” showcases his songwriting and accessible guitar style. This song is ideal for refining your strumming technique. Its gentle tempo and straightforward chord progression allow you to focus on smooth, consistent rhythm and chord changes.
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 rock and roll staple with a country twang. This song is built around the G chord, simplifying the learning process. You’ll get to learn the iconic intro riff, verses, and chorus, solidifying your G chord and introducing you to basic rock rhythms.
Learn how to play “Honky Tonk Women” here.
8. Jimi Hendrix: “Purple Haze”
Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” is a psychedelic rock anthem. While Hendrix is known for his virtuosity, simplified versions of “Purple Haze” are achievable for beginners. Learning a basic chord arrangement introduces you to power chords and the energy of rock music, even in a simplified form.
Learn how to play “Purple Haze” here.
9. Joni Mitchell: “Big Yellow Taxi”
Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” is a folk-pop classic with an important environmental message. This song is great for practicing fingerpicking or a simple strumming pattern. Its straightforward chords and recognizable melody make it a rewarding song for beginners to learn and sing along to.
Learn how to play “Big Yellow Taxi” here.
10. Buddy Holly: “Not Fade Away”
Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away,” made famous again by The Rolling Stones, is a rock and roll gem. This song is based on three chords (E, A, and D major) and allows you to practice down strums or develop a more percussive alternate strum. It’s a fantastic song for rhythm practice and learning to switch between major chords.
Learn how to play “Not Fade Away.”
11. The National: “I Need My Girl”
The National’s “I Need My Girl” offers a more contemporary indie rock choice. This song uses just four chords (A minor, C, F, and G) and can be simplified further with a capo. It’s excellent for learning minor chords and practicing smooth chord changes in a slower, more melodic context.
Learn how to play “I Need My Girl” here.
12. Leonard Cohen: “Hallelujah”
Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is a timeless ballad, famously covered by Jeff Buckley. Its beauty lies in its melodic structure and relatively simple chord progression. Learning “Hallelujah” introduces you to arpeggiated strumming and playing with dynamics, making it a moving and musically enriching song for beginners.
Learn how to play “Hallelujah” here.
13. The Animals: “It’s My Life”
“It’s My Life” by The Animals is a classic rock anthem of individuality. This song, with its powerful message, is also beginner-friendly in terms of guitar. It typically uses straightforward rock chords and rhythms, making it a great choice for practicing power chords and energetic strumming.
Learn how to play “It’s My Life” here.
14. Grace VanderWaal: “Clay”
Grace VanderWaal’s “Clay” is a heartfelt ballad from the ukulele prodigy. On guitar, this song translates beautifully and uses four easy open position chords: G, E minor, D, and C. It’s a wonderful song for practicing fingerstyle or gentle strumming and learning to play with emotion.
Learn how to play “Clay” here.
15. Delta Spirit: “California”
Delta Spirit’s “California” is an indie rock track with roots-rock elements. This song is driven by a cool alternate strum and only requires four chords: A minor, C, G, and D. It’s a great song for developing alternate strumming technique and getting a feel for indie rock rhythms.
Learn how to play “California” here.
16. The Isley Brothers: “Shout”
“Shout” by The Isley Brothers is an iconic soul track known for its call-and-response structure and energetic vibe. While the full band arrangement is complex, a simplified guitar version is perfect for beginners. It’s great for practicing rhythmic strumming and learning to play with dynamic changes.
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 an upbeat feel despite its ominous lyrics. This song is fantastic for learning basic chords (D, A, and G) and practicing chord switching. Its steady strumming pattern makes it rhythmically accessible for new guitarists.
Learn how to play “Bad Moon Rising” here.
18. Billie Eilish: “Ocean Eyes”
Billie Eilish’s “ocean eyes” marked her debut and quickly became a hit. This song, written by her brother Finneas, translates beautifully to guitar. Its chord progression is simple and emotive, making it a great choice for beginners to practice fingerpicking or delicate strumming while playing a modern pop song.
Learn how to play “Ocean Eyes” here.
19. Andra Day: “Rise Up”
Andra Day’s “Rise Up” is an empowering and soulful anthem. This platinum-selling single has a chord structure that’s accessible for beginners. Learning “Rise Up” is great for practicing soulful strumming and playing with dynamics to match the song’s emotional intensity.
Learn how to play “Rise Up” here.
20. Willie Dixon: “I Can’t Quit You Baby”
Willie Dixon’s blues classic “I Can’t Quit You Baby” is a blues standard, also famously covered by Led Zeppelin. For beginners, focusing on the three basic chords (G, C, and D) provides a solid introduction to 12-bar blues progressions and basic blues rhythm guitar.
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 with country undertones. This song is excellent for practicing fingerpicking patterns and gentle strumming. Its lyrical storytelling and simple chord structure make it a great song for singer-songwriters to learn.
Learn how to play “Chrissie Hynde here.
22. Frankie Ballard: “Helluva Life”
Frankie Ballard’s country hit “Helluva Life” is an upbeat and grateful tune. This song’s positive message is matched by its accessible guitar arrangement. It’s ideal for practicing major chords and developing a cheerful, rhythmic strumming style.
Learn how to play “Helluva Life” here.
23. Carl Perkins: “Matchbox”
Carl Perkins’ rockabilly classic “Matchbox” is a fantastic song for rhythm guitar practice. Using only three chords (A, D, and E), it’s perfect for mastering alternate strumming and solidifying your rhythm skills in a lively rock and roll context.
Learn how to play “Matchbox”.
24. Elmore James: “It Hurts Me Too”
Elmore James’ “It Hurts Me Too” is a blues standard with roots in Tampa Red’s original version. This blues track uses variations on three chords (A5, A6, D5, D6, E5, and E6), providing a slightly more advanced but still beginner-friendly entry into blues guitar and chord voicings.
Learn how to play “It Hurts Me Too” here.
25. Bonnie Raitt: “Something to Talk About”
Bonnie Raitt’s “Something to Talk About” is a blues-rock hit with a catchy riff and smooth vocals. While Bonnie is known for slide guitar, the rhythm guitar part of this song is very approachable for beginners. It’s great for practicing blues-rock strumming and learning to play with a groove.
Learn how to play “Something to Talk About” here.
26. Muddy Waters: “Mannish Boy”
Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy” is a quintessential blues track with a powerful, repetitive riff. This song is excellent for learning blues riffs and rhythmic playing. The main riff is relatively simple but incredibly effective, making it a rewarding piece for beginner blues guitarists.
Learn how to play “Mannish Boy” here.
27. Guitar Slim: “Things That I Used to Do”
Guitar Slim’s “Things That I Used to Do” is a New Orleans blues classic built on a single chord progression. Using just three chords (E, A, and B7), this song is ideal for learning a standard blues progression and practicing chord transitions within a 12-bar blues structure.
Learn how to play “Things That I Used to Do” here.
28. The Smithereens: “Blood & Roses”
The Smithereens’ “Blood & Roses” is a power-pop gem from the 80s. With five chords (E minor, G, C, D, and A minor), this song introduces slightly more chord variety while remaining accessible. It’s great for practicing pivot fingers in chord changes and developing 8th-note alternate strumming.
Learn how to play “Blood & Roses” here.
29. Cracker: “Low”
Cracker’s “Low” is a 90s alternative rock hit with a distinctive sound. This song is built on four chords (D, C, E, and G) and is excellent for practicing basic chord switching with a consistent strum pattern. It’s a fun song to learn and play while developing essential chord transition skills.
Learn how to play “Low” here.
30. ZZ Top: “Tush”
ZZ Top’s “Tush” is a hard rock boogie classic. This song, while rocking, can be simplified to a campfire version using three chords (D, G, C). Learning “Tush” introduces you to 12-bar blues in a hard rock context and helps develop rhythm and blues-based strumming.
Learn how to play “Tush” here.
31. Hank Williams: “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)”
Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” is a country standard with a catchy melody. Using just two chords, this song is incredibly accessible for absolute beginners. It’s perfect for practicing basic strumming and getting comfortable with chord changes in a country style.
Learn how to play “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” here.
32. The Beatles: “Here Comes the Sun”
The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun,” written by George Harrison, is a universally loved classic. While the original has some barre chords, simplified versions are readily available for beginners. Learning a simplified “Here Comes the Sun” introduces you to fingerpicking and beautiful chord melodies in a gentle, iconic song.
Learn how to play “Here Comes The Sun” here.
33. The Cactus Blossoms: “Stoplight Kisses”
The Cactus Blossoms’ “Stoplight Kisses” is a modern rockabilly tune with a vintage vibe. This upbeat song uses four chords (E, A, B7, and E7) and is great for practicing major and dominant 7th chords and developing a lively, rhythmic strumming style.
Learn how to play “Stoplight Kisses” here.
34. Traditional: “I Shall Not Be Moved”
“I Shall Not Be Moved,” in the style of Mississippi John Hurt, is a folk and blues classic. This song, also covered by Johnny Cash and Elvis, features three basic chords and syncopated rhythms. It’s excellent for learning fingerpicking patterns and exploring folk and blues guitar styles.
Learn how to play “I Shall Not Be Moved” here.
35. Paolo Nutini: “Candy”
Paolo Nutini’s “Candy” is a neo-soul hit with a folky guitar arrangement. This song is great for practicing alternate and syncopated strumming patterns. Its soulful feel and accessible chords make it a rewarding song to learn while developing rhythmic complexity.
Learn how to play “Candy” here.
36. Blue Öyster Cult: “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper”
Blue Öyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” is a classic rock song with a haunting melody. Despite its iconic status, simplified guitar versions are beginner-friendly. Learning this song introduces you to minor chords and playing in a slightly darker, more atmospheric rock style.
Learn how to play “Don’t Fear the Reaper” here.
37. Traditional: “Amazing Grace”
“Amazing Grace” is a timeless hymn with deep emotional resonance. This simplified guitar arrangement focuses on fingerpicking in 3/4 time, using chords A, A7, D, and E7. It’s a beautiful song for practicing fingerstyle guitar and learning to play in 3/4 time signature.
Learn how to play “Amazing Grace” here.
38. Santana: “Oye Como Va”
Santana’s “Oye Como Va,” originally by Tito Puente, is a Latin rock classic. While the full band arrangement is complex, simplified guitar versions are accessible for beginners. Learning “Oye Como Va” introduces you to Latin rhythms and playing with a Latin groove on the guitar.
Learn how to play “Oye Como Va” here.
39. John Legend: “All of Me”
John Legend’s “All of Me,” while piano-driven, sounds beautiful on guitar. The intro and verse use open chords E minor, C, G, and D, with A minor in the pre-chorus and chorus. This song is excellent for practicing open chords and playing a modern ballad with emotional depth.
Learn how to play “All of Me” here.
40. Kris Kristofferson: “Me and Bobby McGee”
Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee,” famously performed by Janis Joplin, is a country-folk classic. This song is great for practicing strumming and singing simultaneously. Its straightforward chord progression and storytelling lyrics make it a captivating song for beginners to learn and perform.
Learn how to play “Me and Bobby McGee” here.
Keep Learning and Playing
This list provides a solid starting point for beginner guitarists. Remember that consistent practice and patience are key to improving. Explore the Fender Play platform for lessons and resources to further your guitar journey. With dedication, you’ll be playing your favorite songs and expanding your musical horizons in no time.
For even more song choices and to continue developing your guitar skills, explore more easy songs in different genres: Easy Pop Songs l Easy Folk Songs l Easy Rock Songs l Easy Blues Songs l Easy Country Songs l Easy Songs for Electric Guitar l Easy Songs for Acoustic Guitar l Easy Ukulele Songs l Easy Bass Songs.
