Learning guitar can be incredibly rewarding, and one of the best ways to start your musical journey is by learning to play songs you love. Diving into complex solos and riffs might be tempting, but mastering simple songs first is the key to building a solid foundation and staying motivated. Fortunately, there are tons of fantastic songs that are perfect for beginners, allowing you to quickly strum along and enjoy making music.
Whether you’ve got an acoustic guitar or electric guitar in hand, this list of 40 easy songs will get you playing in no time. With the help of resources like Fender Play, mastering these tunes is easier than you think.
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 introduction to alternative rock guitar.
Learn how to play “Feel The Pain” here.
2. Oasis: “Wonderwall”
“Wonderwall” is an iconic 90s anthem from Oasis’ album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?. This song became a global hit and is instantly recognizable, making it a satisfying early win for beginner guitarists.
Learn how to play “Wonderwall” here.
Image alt text: Close-up of acoustic guitar player’s hands on fretboard, learning easy beginner guitar songs.
3. The Bobby Fuller Four: “I Fought the Law”
“I Fought the Law,” penned by Sonny Curtis of the Crickets, is a classic rebel song covered by many, including The Clash. The Bobby Fuller Four’s version is particularly accessible for beginners, with a straightforward strumming pattern.
Learn how to play “I Fought the Law” here.
4. Carrie Underwood: “Blown Away”
Carrie Underwood is a leading figure in modern country music. “Blown Away,” a chart-topping hit, features a simple chord progression that’s perfect for beginner guitarists venturing into country songs.
Learn how to play “Blown Away” here.
5. Lukas Graham: “7 Years”
Danish band Lukas Graham achieved international fame with “7 Years.” This pop hit from 2015 is known for its catchy melody and relatively simple chord structure, making it a good choice for practicing basic chords.
Learn how to play “7 Years” here.
6. Brad Paisley: “He Didn’t Have to Be”
Brad Paisley, a renowned Telecaster player, is a prominent name in contemporary country. “He Didn’t Have to Be,” his first No. 1 hit, is an easygoing song that helps beginners develop their strumming technique.
Learn how to play “He Didn’t Have to Be” here.
7. The Rolling Stones: “Honky Tonk Women”
The Rolling Stones’ “Honky Tonk Women” blends rock and country influences and is a timeless classic. Built around the G chord, this song is excellent for learning basic chord transitions and the iconic intro riff.
Learn how to play “Honky Tonk Women” here.
8. Jimi Hendrix: “Purple Haze”
“Purple Haze” is a signature song by guitar legend Jimi Hendrix, showcasing his psychedelic rock style. While known for its iconic guitar work, simplified versions are available for beginners to grasp the song’s essence.
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 a memorable melody and important environmental message. Its straightforward chord progression makes it a great song for acoustic guitar beginners.
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 staple. Using just three chords (E, A, and D major), it’s perfect for practicing strumming patterns and rhythm.
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 option. Using a capo and four simple chords (A minor, C, F, and G), this song is surprisingly easy to play for beginners.
Learn how to play “I Need My Girl” here.
Image alt text: Beginner guitarist practicing chords for easy songs on acoustic guitar at home.
12. Leonard Cohen: “Hallelujah”
Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is a deeply moving and widely covered song. Despite its emotional depth, the basic chord structure is accessible to beginners, allowing them to play this beautiful ballad.
Learn how to play “Hallelujah” here.
13. The Animals: “It’s My Life”
“It’s My Life” by The Animals is a 60s rock classic with a theme of individuality. This song is driven by a strong, simple chord progression and rhythm, making it ideal for beginner practice.
Learn how to play “It’s My Life” here.
14. Grace VanderWaal: “Clay”
Grace VanderWaal, known for her ukulele skills, wrote “Clay,” a heartfelt song about bullying. Featuring just four open position chords (G, E minor, D, and C), it’s perfect for beginners looking for contemporary easy songs.
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’s catchy melody and four-chord structure (A minor, C, G, and D) make it a fun and achievable song for new guitarists.
Learn how to play “California” here.
16. The Isley Brothers: “Shout”
The Isley Brothers’ “Shout” is a high-energy song that’s a staple at events and parties. Its simple, repetitive structure and call-and-response sections make it incredibly easy and fun to play on guitar.
Learn how to play “Shout” here.
17. Creedence Clearwater Revival: “Bad Moon Rising”
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising” is a classic rock tune known for its upbeat feel and simple strumming. Using basic chords (D, A, and G), it’s excellent for practicing chord changes and consistent rhythm.
Learn how to play “Bad Moon Rising” here.
18. Billie Eilish: “Ocean Eyes”
Billie Eilish’s debut song, “ocean eyes,” is a modern pop hit with a unique sound. Its atmospheric and melodic nature translates well to guitar, and simplified versions are great for beginners to learn.
Learn how to play “Ocean Eyes” here.
19. Andra Day: “Rise Up”
Andra Day’s powerful anthem “Rise Up” is a platinum-selling single with an inspiring message. This song can be played with relatively simple chords, making its uplifting melody accessible to beginner guitarists.
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” has been covered by artists like Led Zeppelin. Using just three basic chords (G, C, and D), this song is a fantastic introduction to blues guitar and chord progressions.
Learn how to play “I Can’t Quit You Baby” here.
Image alt text: Electric guitar player learning easy pop songs for beginners on Fender Play.
21. Butch Walker: “Chrissie Hynde”
Butch Walker’s “Chrissie Hynde” is a folk-pop ballad with country undertones. This introspective song is easy to play, allowing beginners to focus on strumming and feel.
Learn how to play “Chrissie Hynde here.
22. Frankie Ballard: “Helluva Life”
Frankie Ballard’s country hit “Helluva Life” is an upbeat and positive song about gratitude. Its simple chord structure and catchy melody make it a fun and easy song for beginner guitarists to learn.
Learn how to play “Helluva Life” here.
23. Carl Perkins: “Matchbox”
Carl Perkins’ rockabilly song “Matchbox” is a classic that uses only three chords (A, D, and E). It’s a great choice for practicing alternate strumming and developing rhythmic guitar playing.
Learn how to play “Matchbox”.
24. Elmore James: “It Hurts Me Too”
“It Hurts Me Too” by Elmore James is a blues standard with roots in earlier recordings. Its simple three-chord structure (variations of A, D, and E chords) offers a solid entry point into blues guitar.
Learn how to play “It Hurts Me Too” here.
25. Bonnie Raitt: “Something to Talk About”
Bonnie Raitt, known for her blues and slide guitar, had a hit with “Something to Talk About.” This enduring song is accessible to beginners and introduces them to her soulful style.
Learn how to play “Something to Talk About” here.
26. Muddy Waters: “Mannish Boy”
Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy” is a blues classic with a distinctive riff and groove. While iconic for its blues guitar, simplified versions focusing on the main chords are great for beginners to explore blues rhythm.
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 hit from the 1950s. Using a single chord progression with just three chords (E, A, and B7), it’s excellent for learning basic blues progressions.
Learn how to play “Things That I Used to Do” here.
28. The Smithereens: “Blood & Roses”
The Smithereens’ “Blood & Roses” is a power-pop song with a catchy hook. With five chords (E minor, G, C, D, and A minor), it provides a slightly more complex but still manageable challenge for beginners.
Learn how to play “Blood & Roses” here.
Image alt text: Beginner learning basic guitar chords for easy songs on acoustic guitar.
29. Cracker: “Low”
Cracker’s “Low” is a 90s rock hit with a distinctive sound. Using just four chords (D, C, E, and G), it’s a great song for practicing chord switching and consistent strumming patterns.
Learn how to play “Low” here.
30. ZZ Top: “Tush”
ZZ Top’s “Tush” is a hard rock classic with blues roots. Simplified for beginners, this 12-bar blues rocker can be played with three chords (D, G, C), focusing on rhythm and feel.
Learn how to play “Tush” here.
31. Hank Williams: “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)”
Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” is a country classic with a cheerful melody. Using just two chords, this song is incredibly simple and perfect for absolute beginners to start playing country guitar.
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 an uplifting and universally loved song. While the original has some barre chords, simplified beginner versions focus on easier chord shapes.
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 retro vibe. Its upbeat tempo and four-chord structure (E, A, B7, and E7) make it a fun song to learn and play.
Learn how to play “Stoplight Kisses” here.
34. Traditional: “I Shall Not Be Moved”
“I Shall Not Be Moved” is a traditional song with folk, blues, and country roots, famously covered by Mississippi John Hurt. With three basic chords and syncopated rhythms, it’s a great song for exploring different 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 catchy melody. Simplified for guitar, this song offers a chance to practice alternate and syncopated strumming patterns with a folky feel.
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 atmosphere. Despite its iconic status, beginner versions focus on the essential chords and strumming, making it surprisingly accessible.
Learn how to play “Don’t Fear the Reaper” here.
37. Traditional: “Amazing Grace”
“Amazing Grace” is a timeless hymn that is over 200 years old. Simplified guitar arrangements using chords like A, A7, D, and E7 in 3/4 time are perfect for practicing fingerpicking and gentle strumming.
Learn how to play “Amazing Grace” here.
38. Santana: “Oye Como Va”
Santana’s “Oye Como Va” is a Latin rock classic originally written by Tito Puente. This song’s rhythmic groove and recognizable melody are engaging for beginners and introduce them to Latin rhythms on guitar.
Learn how to play “Oye Como Va” here.
39. John Legend: “All of Me”
John Legend’s “All of Me” is a piano ballad that translates beautifully to guitar. Using open chords like E minor, C, G, and D, it’s a great song for practicing smooth chord transitions and fingerstyle arrangements.
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, is a country-folk classic. Its simple chord progression and storytelling lyrics make it a rewarding song for beginners to learn and sing along to.
Learn how to play “Me and Bobby McGee” here.
Ready to learn even more songs and guitar skills? Start your free trial with Fender Play today and unlock a world of musical possibilities!
Explore more easy song recommendations: Easy Pop Songs | Easy Folk Songs | Easy Rock Songs | Easy Blues Songs | Easy Country Songs | Easy Songs for Electric Guitar | Easy Songs for Acoustic Guitar | Easy Ukulele Songs | Easy Bass Songs
