Starting your guitar journey is an exciting endeavor, and what better way to kick things off than by learning some of your favorite tunes? Diving into playing songs you know and love not only provides a familiar and enjoyable practice experience but also offers a fantastic sense of accomplishment as you progress. Imagine the fun of strumming along to a well-known hit when you’re with friends or family!
While aiming for complex solos or intricate riffs is a great long-term goal, remember that even guitar legends started somewhere. Building a solid foundation is key, and that begins with mastering the basics.
So, grab your acoustic guitar or electric guitar, and let’s explore 40 simple songs perfect for beginners. With the help of resources like Fender Play, mastering these songs will be easier than you think.
Ready to start learning? Fender Play offers a free trial for 3 months with unlimited access – no credit card required! This is an excellent opportunity to learn these songs and many more.
1. J Mascis: “Feel The Pain”
J Mascis, drawing inspiration from Black Sabbath and classic rock, created a unique sound that blends punk, rock, and indie alternative. “Feel The Pain” is a great starting point because of its straightforward chord progression and moderate tempo, making it accessible for beginners to learn rhythm and timing.
Learn how to play “Feel The Pain” here.
2. Oasis: “Wonderwall”
“Wonderwall,” from Oasis’s (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? album, became a global anthem and a defining song of British rock in the 90s. Its popularity isn’t just due to its catchy melody; “Wonderwall” is also remarkably easy to play on guitar, primarily using a simple chord progression that repeats throughout the song, making it a perfect choice for novice guitarists to practice chord transitions and strumming.
Learn how to play “Wonderwall” here.
3. The Bobby Fuller Four: “I Fought the Law”
Written by Sonny Curtis of the Crickets, “I Fought the Law” is a timeless rebel anthem, famously covered by The Clash. Despite the rebellious theme, the Bobby Fuller Four version is known for its easy-to-follow campfire strumming pattern. Matt Lake simplifies it further in Fender Play lessons, making it an excellent song for beginners to develop a steady strumming hand and learn basic chord changes.
Learn how to play “I Fought the Law” here.
4. Carrie Underwood: “Blown Away”
Often hailed as the “Queen of Country,” Carrie Underwood has a knack for crafting modern country hits rooted in classic songwriting. “Blown Away,” a chart-topping success, is surprisingly simple to play on guitar. With just one repeating chord progression, this Grammy-winning song allows beginners to focus on strumming and singing simultaneously, building confidence and coordination.
Learn how to play “Blown Away” here.
5. Lukas Graham: “7 Years”
Danish pop band Lukas Graham achieved international fame with “7 Years,” a hit song from 2015 that resonated globally and earned multiple Grammy nominations. Its appeal to beginner guitarists lies in its repetitive and straightforward chord structure. Learning “7 Years” helps new players practice consistent strumming and memorize common chord shapes in a popular and contemporary context.
Learn how to play “7 Years” here.
6. Brad Paisley: “He Didn’t Have to Be”
Brad Paisley, a master of the Telecaster and modern country sound, showcases his songwriting prowess in “He Didn’t Have to Be,” an easy-to-learn hit. This song, Paisley’s first No. 1, is beneficial for refining strumming technique because of its gentle tempo and clear chord changes. It’s a great song for practicing smooth transitions between chords and developing a feel for country rhythm guitar.
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, a blend of hard rock and country honk, topped charts worldwide. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, this classic rock anthem is based heavily on the G chord. Beginners will appreciate that the song primarily revolves around one chord shape, allowing them to focus on mastering the intro riff, verse, and chorus, and develop a solid understanding of rhythm and blues guitar basics.
Learn how to play “Honky Tonk Women” here.
8. Jimi Hendrix: “Purple Haze”
“Purple Haze,” a signature song by Jimi Hendrix, introduced many to his psychedelic rock style. While Hendrix is known for his virtuosity, a simplified version of “Purple Haze” can be tackled by beginners. The main riff and chord progression, when broken down, are manageable for new players, providing an exciting entry point into rock guitar and a taste of Hendrix’s iconic sound.
Learn how to play “Purple Haze” here.
9. Joni Mitchell: “Big Yellow Taxi”
Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi,” released in 1970, is a classic with a strong environmental message. This song is excellent for beginners due to its simple, repetitive chord progression and distinctive strumming pattern. Learning “Big Yellow Taxi” introduces new guitarists to folk guitar techniques and helps develop rhythmic accuracy and fingerpicking basics.
Learn how to play “Big Yellow Taxi” here.
10. Buddy Holly: “Not Fade Away”
Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away,” originally recorded in 1957 with The Crickets, is a rock and roll classic. Fender Play instructor Nikki Stevens’ tutorial breaks down the song into three basic chords (E, A, and D major). Beginners can start with simple down strums and gradually progress to a more percussive alternate strum, making it a versatile song for developing both basic and intermediate strumming techniques.
Learn how to play “Not Fade Away.”
11. The National: “I Need My Girl”
“I Need My Girl” by The National, released in 2013, offers a simplified strumming version perfect for beginners. Jen Trani’s Fender Play lesson focuses on just four chords (A minor, C, F, and G). The use of a capo further simplifies the song, making it even more accessible for new players to practice chord changes in a contemporary indie rock context.
Learn how to play “I Need My Girl” here.
12. Leonard Cohen: “Hallelujah”
Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is a timeless anthem, famously covered by Jeff Buckley. Despite its emotional depth, “Hallelujah” is built upon a relatively simple chord progression that repeats throughout the song. This structure makes it an ideal song for beginners to practice fingerpicking patterns and arpeggios, while also learning a song with significant cultural impact and melodic beauty.
Learn how to play “Hallelujah” here.
13. The Animals: “It’s My Life”
“It’s My Life” by The Animals, originally released in 1965, is an anthem of individuality. Written by Brill Building songwriters Roger Atkins and Carl D’Errico, this song is beginner-friendly due to its clear, powerful chord progression and strong, rhythmic strumming. Learning “It’s My Life” helps beginners develop a solid sense of rhythm and power chords in a classic rock setting.
Learn how to play “It’s My Life” here.
14. Grace VanderWaal: “Clay”
Grace VanderWaal’s “Clay,” from her debut album Perfectly Imperfect, is a heartfelt ballad about bullying. Featuring only four easy open position chords (G, E minor, D, and C), “Clay” is exceptionally accessible for ukulele and guitar beginners alike. Its slow tempo and simple chord changes make it perfect for practicing smooth transitions and fingerstyle techniques at a comfortable pace.
Learn how to play “Clay” here.
15. Delta Spirit: “California”
Delta Spirit’s “California,” a breakout single from 2012, brought the indie rockers to a wider audience. This song is built around four chords (A minor, C, G, and D) and a cool alternate strum. Fender Play instructor Jen Trani guides beginners through these chords, making “California” a great song to learn alternate strumming patterns and practice minor chords in a catchy, contemporary indie rock style.
Learn how to play “California” here.
16. The Isley Brothers: “Shout”
“Shout” by The Isley Brothers, though it peaked at No. 47 on the Billboard Hot 100, became a gold-certified hit due to its enduring popularity. Famous for its call-and-response structure and energetic feel, “Shout” is surprisingly simple in its harmonic structure, often relying on basic chords and rhythmic patterns. This makes it a fun and engaging song for beginners to practice rhythm guitar and performance energy.
Learn how to play “Shout” here.
17. Creedence Clearwater Revival: “Bad Moon Rising”
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising” contrasts its upbeat tempo and cheerful sound with darker lyrical themes. This classic rock tune is built on basic strumming and a simple chord progression (D, A, and G), making it an excellent starting point for learning fundamental chords and chord switching. Its consistent rhythm helps beginners develop timing and strumming consistency.
Learn how to play “Bad Moon Rising” here.
18. Billie Eilish: “Ocean Eyes”
“Ocean Eyes,” Billie Eilish’s debut song from 2015, launched her path to global stardom. Written by her brother Finneas O’Connell, this hit song is beginner-friendly due to its arpeggiated chord progression and slow tempo. Learning “ocean eyes” introduces new guitarists to playing arpeggios and creating atmospheric textures with simple chord shapes.
Learn how to play “Ocean Eyes” here.
19. Andra Day: “Rise Up”
Andra Day’s platinum-selling single “Rise Up” from her debut album Cheers to the Fall (2015) is an empowering anthem. Its simple chord progression and soulful melody make it accessible for beginner guitarists. “Rise Up” is great for practicing dynamics and emotional expression while working with basic chords and a gentle strumming pattern.
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,” first recorded by Otis Rush in 1956 and later covered by Led Zeppelin, is a blues standard based on three chords (G, C, and D). This song is an excellent introduction to 12-bar blues progressions and basic blues rhythm guitar. Learning “I Can’t Quit You Baby” provides a foundation for understanding blues structure and improvisation.
Learn how to play “I Can’t Quit You Baby” here.
21. Butch Walker: “Chrissie Hynde”
Butch Walker’s “Chrissie Hynde,” from his 2014 album Afraid of Ghosts, is a folk-pop ballad with country influences. This song is beginner-friendly due to its gentle tempo, straightforward chord progression, and emotional storytelling. “Chrissie Hynde” is ideal for practicing fingerpicking or gentle strumming while learning a song with lyrical depth and a personal touch.
Learn how to play “Chrissie Hynde here.
22. Frankie Ballard: “Helluva Life”
Frankie Ballard’s country hit “Helluva Life” (2013) is an upbeat song about gratitude. Certified Gold, it’s one of Ballard’s most popular tracks and is also accessible for guitar beginners. Its positive message and relatively simple chord structure make “Helluva Life” a feel-good song to learn while practicing basic country strumming patterns and chord transitions.
Learn how to play “Helluva Life” here.
23. Carl Perkins: “Matchbox”
Carl Perkins’ “Matchbox,” a rockabilly classic from 1956 (also covered by The Beatles), requires just three chords (A, D, and E). This song is perfect for practicing alternate strumming and solidifying rhythm playing. Its upbeat tempo and classic rock and roll feel make “Matchbox” an engaging song for beginners to improve their timing and strumming techniques.
Learn how to play “Matchbox”.
24. Elmore James: “It Hurts Me Too”
“It Hurts Me Too,” a blues standard first recorded in 1940 but popularized by Elmore James, uses only three chords (with variations like A5, A6, D5, D6, E5, and E6). This song is a fantastic entry point into blues guitar, teaching beginners about blues chord variations and the expressive nature of blues music. Learning “It Hurts Me Too” lays a foundation for exploring more complex blues techniques in the future.
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 vocals, is a Fender signature artist. “Something to Talk About,” a Grammy-winning hit from her Luck of the Draw album, remains popular today. This song is beginner-friendly because of its moderate tempo and clear chord progression. It’s a great choice for practicing rhythm guitar and singing simultaneously, in a blues-rock style.
Learn how to play “Something to Talk About” here.
26. Muddy Waters: “Mannish Boy”
Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy,” recorded in 1955, reached No. 5 on the Billboard R&B chart and features a signature blues riff that runs throughout the song. While the riff is iconic, simplified versions make “Mannish Boy” accessible to beginners. It’s a great song for learning blues riffs and developing a feel for blues rhythm and phrasing in a foundational blues track.
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” (1953) is built on a single chord progression using just three chords (E, A, and B7). This New Orleans blues hit topped the R&B charts and is excellent for beginners to learn a standard chord progression and practice consistent rhythm in a classic blues setting. The song’s structure is repetitive, making it easier to memorize and master chord changes.
Learn how to play “Things That I Used to Do” here.
28. The Smithereens: “Blood & Roses”
The Smithereens’ “Blood & Roses,” a hit from their debut album Especially For You, features five chords (E minor, G, C, D, and A minor). Fender Play instructor Barrett Wilson guides learners through this classic, focusing on pivot fingers and 8th note alternate strumming. This song is slightly more challenging but still manageable for beginners ready to expand their chord vocabulary and strumming techniques in a power-pop context.
Learn how to play “Blood & Roses” here.
29. Cracker: “Low”
Cracker’s 1993 hit “Low” needs only four chords (D, C, E, and G). Reaching No. 3 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, “Low” is excellent for practicing basic chord switching with a consistent strum pattern. Its moderate tempo and clear chord changes make it a good choice for beginners focusing on improving their transitions between chords and maintaining a steady rhythm.
Learn how to play “Low” here.
30. ZZ Top: “Tush”
ZZ Top’s “Tush,” from their album of the same name, was named one of VH1’s 100 greatest hard rock songs. This 12-bar blues rocker, influenced by John Lee Hooker’s rhythm, is broken down by Fender Play instructor Scott Goldbaum into a campfire version using three chords (D, G, C). “Tush” is a fun way for beginners to explore blues-rock rhythm guitar and practice power chords in a simplified format.
Learn how to play “Tush” here.
31. Hank Williams: “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)”
Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” showcases his single-note picking and songwriting skills. This No. 1 Billboard Hot Country single uses a simple progression with just two chords, making it incredibly accessible for beginners. Its catchy melody and straightforward structure make “Jambalaya” a classic country song to learn early on, focusing on rhythm and basic chord shapes.
Learn how to play “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” here.
32. The Beatles: “Here Comes the Sun”
George Harrison’s “Here Comes the Sun,” from The Beatles’ Abbey Road, is a universally loved song. While the full version has more complex sections, simplified versions focus on the main chords, making it achievable for beginners. Learning “Here Comes the Sun” introduces new players to fingerpicking patterns and beautiful chord progressions in one of the most iconic songs of all time.
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, offer “Stoplight Kisses.” This upbeat song, playable with four chords (E, A, B7, and E7), is perfect for parties and practice sessions. “Stoplight Kisses” is great for beginners to work on upbeat strumming, chord changes, and playing in a major key with a retro vibe.
Learn how to play “Stoplight Kisses” here.
34. Traditional: “I Shall Not Be Moved”
“I Shall Not Be Moved,” in the version by bluesman Mississippi John Hurt, is a folk and blues classic. Covered by Johnny Cash, Son House, and Elvis Presley, this song uses three basic chords and syncopated rhythms. It’s a valuable song for beginners to learn folk, blues, and country styles, while practicing syncopated strumming and basic chord progressions in a historically significant song.
Learn how to play “I Shall Not Be Moved” here.
35. Paolo Nutini: “Candy”
Paolo Nutini’s “Candy,” a worldwide hit from 2009, has a neo-soul feel. Instructor Scott Goldbaum’s Fender Play lesson gives it a folky spin, unlocking this Sunny Side Up single with alternate and syncopated strumming. “Candy” is a good choice for beginners to explore soul and folk styles, and to practice more complex strumming patterns while playing a contemporary hit.
Learn how to play “Candy” here.
36. Blue Öyster Cult: “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper”
Blue Öyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” a hit from 1976, is known for its haunting melody and lyrics. Despite its eerie theme, the song is built on a relatively simple chord progression, making it accessible for beginner guitarists. Learning “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” introduces new players to minor chords and arpeggios in a classic rock context, while also learning a song with a memorable and iconic melody.
Learn how to play “Don’t Fear the Reaper” here.
37. Traditional: “Amazing Grace”
“Amazing Grace,” over 200 years old, remains deeply moving. This simplified version focuses on fingerpicking in 3/4 time using chords A, A7, D, and E7. “Amazing Grace” is an excellent song for beginners to practice fingerpicking techniques, playing in 3/4 time, and learning a timeless and spiritually significant melody.
Learn how to play “Amazing Grace” here.
38. Santana: “Oye Como Va”
“Oye Como Va,” written by Tito Puente in 1963 and popularized by Santana, is a Latin jazz and mambo classic. While Santana’s version is known for its instrumental complexity, simplified guitar versions focus on the main groove and chord progression, making it accessible for beginners to learn Latin rhythms and basic chord shapes in a vibrant and energetic musical style.
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: E minor, C, G, and D, with A minor added in the pre-chorus and chorus. “All of Me” is a contemporary hit that’s easy for beginners to play, focusing on open chords, fingerpicking patterns, and playing a popular song with emotional depth.
Learn how to play “All of Me” here.
40. Kris Kristofferson: “Me and Bobby McGee”
“Me and Bobby McGee,” written by Kris Kristofferson and popularized by Janis Joplin, topped charts in 1971. Joplin recorded her version shortly before her death, adding to its legacy. This timeless classic is built on a relatively simple chord progression, making it a rewarding song for beginners to learn while connecting with a significant piece of music history.
Learn how to play “Me and Bobby McGee” here.
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