Embarking on your guitar journey? Feeling lost in a sea of complex chords and daunting solos? You’re not alone! Many aspiring guitarists are eager to strum their favorite tunes right away. The good news is, you absolutely can! With the help of Easy Guitar Songs Tabs, you’ll be playing recognizable melodies and building essential skills in no time.
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Guitar tablature, affectionately known as TAB, is a fantastic shortcut for learning guitar. Forget struggling with traditional music notation – TAB provides a visual map of the fretboard, showing you exactly where to place your fingers. This system has roots stretching back centuries, evolving from lute music to the modern guitar tabs we use today.
Easy guitar tabs have democratized music learning. For generations, learning songs meant deciphering complex sheet music or relying on word-of-mouth. But TAB changed everything. It became standardized in the 1980s, fueled by guitar magazines and transcription books. Suddenly, learning your favorite songs was within reach, even without formal music training.
The internet era took this accessibility to another level. Remember OLGA (OnLine Guitar Archive)? This early internet resource was a game-changer, offering a vast collection of guitar tabs in simple ASCII format. OLGA, often considered the precursor to Ultimate Guitar, made countless songs available globally, essentially making physical songbooks a thing of the past. It’s like the Napster of guitar tabs, revolutionizing how we learn and share music.
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Having spent years as a transcriber and music book editor, I witnessed this digital revolution firsthand. While online tabs may have shifted the music publishing landscape, they’ve opened up incredible learning opportunities for guitarists worldwide. It’s a testament to the power of technology, even if it meant a career change for some of us!
Once you’ve mastered these easy guitar tabs, why not challenge yourself with 50 Easy Guitar Solos!
50 Must-Know Easy Guitar Tabs for Beginners & Instructors
This curated list of 50 songs focuses on making your guitar learning journey enjoyable and efficient. Each song was selected based on these criteria:
- Beginner-Friendly Fun: Songs that are engaging and motivating to play.
- Quick Learning Curve: Songs you can learn relatively fast, providing a sense of accomplishment.
- Reliable Tabs Available: High-quality tabs readily accessible online.
- Variety for Everyone: A diverse selection of genres and styles to cater to different tastes.
This list is designed to be a resource for both aspiring guitarists and instructors:
- For Guitar Students: Explore the songs and artists that resonate with you. Use the provided YouTube links as a reference and then dive into the tabs.
- For Guitar Teachers: Consider this a handy reference when you need supplementary material for your lessons.
Ready to play? Grab your guitar, plug in (or don’t!), and get ready to explore these easy guitar tabs!
Simple Guitar Tabs to Learn Now
Here are 50 easy guitar songs, with readily available tabs, perfect for beginners.
1. Seven Nation Army (The White Stripes)
This iconic White Stripes riff is instantly recognizable and incredibly easy to play. Tuned to Open A, the main riff utilizes single notes on the 5th string. The open tuning simplifies the one-finger chord riff in the chorus (often played with a slide). Even the solo is beginner-friendly. “Seven Nation Army” is an excellent introduction to slide guitar techniques.
Seven Nation Army (White Stripes) Tabs
Seven Nation Army (White Stripes) YouTube
2. Zombie (The Cranberries)
“Zombie” is built around a simple and powerful four-chord progression: Em–Cmaj7–G–D/F#. The verses use standard first-position chords, while the chorus amps things up with power chord versions of the same progression. The single-note melodic lines are relatively straightforward and great for developing legato technique.
Zombie (The Cranberries) YouTube
3. You Really Got Me (The Kinks)
This Kinks classic, also famously covered by Van Halen, is a power chord anthem. We’ll focus on the original Kinks version, though Van Halen’s rendition closely follows the original. “You Really Got Me” is perfect for solidifying your power chord skills and is a fantastic song to play with a band.
You Really Got Me (The Kinks) Tabs
You Really Got Me (The Kinks) YouTube
4. Clocks (Coldplay)
While originally a piano riff, “Clocks” translates beautifully to guitar and provides a great arpeggio exercise. Guitar tabs notate a simplified version that’s easy to play. The basic chord progression makes this a catchy and quickly learnable tune.
5. All the Small Things (Blink 182)
For beginners diving into rock guitar, “All the Small Things” is a perfect starting point for mastering power chords and palm muting. This Blink-182 hit is a fun and energetic way to learn essential rock rhythm guitar techniques.
All the Small Things (Blink 182) Tabs
All the Small Things (Blink 182) YouTube
6. Louie Louie (cover by Motorhead)
Originally a 50s garage rock tune by The Kingsmen, “Louie Louie” got a hard rock makeover by Motorhead. Both versions are based on three simple chords in the key of A, making it a versatile and fun addition to any beginner guitarist’s repertoire. The Motorhead version adds a cool rhythmic twist.
Louie Louie (cover by Motorhead) Tabs
Louie Louie (cover by Motorhead) YouTube
7. Closing Time (Semisonic)
“Closing Time” features an easy four-chord riff built on power chords and octave riffs. Tabs often include the main piano riff adapted for guitar, along with the piano solo. This Semisonic hit is a great example of creating varied textures with simple chord progressions.
Closing Time (Semisonic) YouTube
8. Summer of ‘69 (Bryan Adams)
This 80s anthem, “Summer of ’69,” uses syncopated eighth-note strumming with open chords and arpeggios. Easy guitar tabs often include the keyboard riff transcribed for guitar, as well as the lead guitar lines played during the outro.
Summer of ‘69 (Bryan Adams) Tabs
Summer of ‘69 (Bryan Adams) YouTube
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9. Mony Mony (Billy Idol)
Originally by Tommy James and the Shondells, “Mony Mony” was revitalized by Billy Idol. This high-energy track relies on steady eighth-note rhythms played with distortion and power chords. It’s a classic rocker perfect for building rhythm guitar skills.
Mony Mony (Billy Idol) YouTube
10. Landslide (Fleetwood Mac)
“Landslide,” by Fleetwood Mac, showcases the beautiful musical interplay between Stevie Nicks’ vocals and Lindsey Buckingham’s guitar work. The chords are open-position (C–G/B–Am and G–D/F#–Em) often played with a capo at the 3rd fret. The fingerpicking pattern might require some practice but is well worth the effort for its beauty and gentle complexity.
Landslide (Fleetwood Mac) Tabs
Landslide (Fleetwood Mac) YouTube
11. Sunshine of Your Love (Cream)
Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love” is a blues-rock staple. It combines two catchy pentatonic blues riffs with a simple three-chord progression. Sprinkle in some Eric Clapton-inspired flair, and you have a timeless classic, perfect for learning to use the pentatonic scale in a blues context.
Sunshine of Your Love (Cream) Tabs
Sunshine of Your Love (Cream) YouTube
12. TNT (AC DC) – Simple Beginner Tab
AC/DC is synonymous with rock guitar basics, and “TNT” is a prime example. Open-position power chords in ‘easy mode’ form the foundation. The syncopated eighth notes in the riff are where the rhythmic fun begins. If you want to learn rock rhythm guitar, AC/DC is your teacher.
13. Breaking the Law (Judas Priest)
Judas Priest’s “Breaking the Law” is driven by quarter notes and syncopated eighth notes in its main riff, based on the A natural minor scale. Power chords and sliding power chords add to the song’s punch. Get ready to rock out with this metal classic.
Breaking the Law (Judas Priest) Tabs
Breaking the Law (Judas Priest) YouTube
14. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (AC DC)
Another AC/DC gem, “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” features syncopated chord riffs using open-string and movable power chords. Angus Young’s solo is classic Angus: bluesy pentatonic licks with signature double pull-offs in the outro.
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (AC DC) Tabs
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (AC DC) YouTube
15. Come Together (The Beatles)
The Beatles’ “Come Together” is a songwriting masterclass and a staple for beginner guitarists. The main riff fits perfectly within the pentatonic box pattern. The verse uses power chords, including the iconic power 5 to power 6 move popularized by Chuck Berry. The solo is built on pentatonic licks with bluesy bends.
Come Together (The Beatles) Tabs
Come Together (The Beatles) YouTube
16. Paranoid (Black Sabbath)
Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” is a foundational metal riff. It’s built around three simple power chords and palm-muted eighth notes. “Paranoid” is often one of the first songs taught to aspiring rock and metal guitarists, and for good reason – it’s powerful and accessible.
Paranoid (Black Sabbath) YouTube
17. Smoke on the Water (Deep Purple)
“Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple is arguably the quintessential beginner guitar riff. It introduces inverted power chords and arpeggiated rhythms. Learning this iconic riff is a rite of passage for any guitarist, and it’s surprisingly easy to pick up.
Smoke on the Water (Deep Purple) Tabs
Smoke on the Water (Deep Purple) YouTube
18. Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana)
Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” redefined rock in the 90s. Despite its impact, the song is built on simple elements: power chords, percussive strumming, and a two-note verse riff. The pentatonic scale solo is also beginner-friendly. This grunge anthem is easier to play than you might think!
Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana) Tabs
Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana) YouTube
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19. Come As You Are (Nirvana)
If AC/DC and The Beatles are Rock 101, Nirvana is Rock 102. “Come As You Are” continues the tradition of accessible riffs, but with a darker edge thanks to the whole-step down tuning. This tuning gives the main riff a moody feel that resonated with a generation.
Come As You Are (Nirvana) Tabs
Come As You Are (Nirvana) YouTube
20. Cocaine (Eric Clapton)
Eric Clapton’s “Cocaine” is a rock standard heard in jams and open mics everywhere. It features movable major-chord riffs that are essential for any guitarist’s toolkit. The solo provides a taste of more advanced lead guitar techniques, a stepping stone to “Rock 201.”
Cocaine (Eric Clapton) YouTube
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21. Basket Case (Green Day)
Green Day brought pop-punk to the mainstream in the 90s, and “Basket Case” is a prime example of their energetic style. Tuned down a half step, it uses driving, eighth-note power chord riffs. Think AC/DC meets the Sex Pistols with a Beatles-esque pop sensibility.
Basket Case (Green Day) YouTube
22. Everlong (The Foo Fighters)
Foo Fighters’ “Everlong” showcases Dave Grohl’s mastery of rhythm guitar. It incorporates power chords, inverted power chords, and interesting chord voicings. This 90s hit is essential for understanding modern rock rhythm guitar techniques.
Everlong (The Foo Fighters) Tabs
Everlong (The Foo Fighters) YouTube
23. Surrender (Cheap Trick)
Cheap Trick’s “Surrender” is a power pop classic built on power chords, movable chords, and slash chords (like C/G). Rick Nielsen’s guitar work is deceptively brilliant, and this song is a must-know for any guitarist exploring rock and pop.
Surrender (Cheap Trick) YouTube
24. Sweet Home Alabama (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
“Sweet Home Alabama” is Southern Rock distilled to its essence. It features harmonized D–C–G open chords spiced up with open-string pentatonic fills. This Lynyrd Skynyrd classic is instantly recognizable and fun to play.
Sweet Home Alabama (Lynyrd Skynyrd) Tabs
Sweet Home Alabama (Lynyrd Skynyrd) YouTube
25. Living After Midnight (Judas Priest)
Another Judas Priest anthem, “Living After Midnight,” uses movable major bar chords for its main riff. It’s a great exercise for mastering barre chords. The song also features syncopated eighth notes and a Pete Townshend-esque move in the bridge. The solo is a fantastic starting point for learning to shred.
Living After Midnight (Judas Priest) Tabs
Living After Midnight (Judas Priest) YouTube
26. Hey Joe (Jimi Hendrix)
“Hey Joe” is a blues-rock standard popularized by Jimi Hendrix. It utilizes CAGED chords, making it a popular teaching song. The chromatic bassline riff is also iconic. The intro and open-string double-stops are based on the open E minor pentatonic scale, essential for aspiring lead guitarists.
Hey Joe (Jimi Hendrix) YouTube
27. House of the Rising Sun (The Animals)
“House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals is known for its haunting melody and arpeggiated chords. The open-string chords are relatively easy, but the fingerpicking pattern can take some practice. The linked tab closely follows The Animals’ recording.
House of the Rising Sun (The Animals) Tabs
House of the Rising Sun (The Animals) YouTube
28. Wonderful (Everclear)
Despite its quirky intro, Everclear’s “Wonderful” is a straightforward and fun song to play. It’s based on a G–D–C–D progression, strummed and arpeggiated. And who can resist that “Na na na na na na na na” chorus?
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29. Never Can Tell (Chuck Berry)
Chuck Berry’s “(You) Never Can Tell” (aka “Pulp Fiction” song) is pure rock and roll joy. It’s packed with double-stop licks, power chord riffs, and a fun narrative. This Chuck Berry classic is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Never Can Tell (Chuck Berry) Tabs
Never Can Tell (Chuck Berry) YouTube
30. Pyro (Kings of Leon)
Kings of Leon’s “Pyro” features a cool open-string main riff. The verse utilizes arpeggiated power chords that are easy once you grasp the picking pattern. It’s a relatively simple song structure, making it a quick addition to your setlist.
Pyro Lyrics (Kings of Leon) Tabs
Pyro YouTube (Kings of Leon) Video
31. Satisfaction (The Rolling Stones)
The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is a quintessential jam song. Start by learning the chords and strumming along. Then, add the iconic riffs, which are clearly laid out in guitar tabs.
Satisfaction (The Rolling Stones) Tabs
Satisfaction (The Rolling Stones) YouTube
32. Under My Thumb (The Rolling Stones)
Another Stones classic, “Under My Thumb,” is built on just five chords (barre and open-string shapes). Listen closely, and you’ll hear cool double-stop licks and bluesy riffs woven throughout. These are all beginner-friendly when you follow the tabs.
Under My Thumb (The Rolling Stones) Tabs
Under My Thumb (The Rolling Stones) YouTube
33. Start Me Up (The Rolling Stones)
Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones is famous for his open-G tuning. “Start Me Up” is a prime example of the instantly cool and simple riffs you can create in this tuning. Tune your guitar to open G and follow the Guitar 1 tab – you’ll be sounding like a Stone in minutes.
Start Me Up (The Rolling Stones) Tabs
Start Me Up (The Rolling Stones) YouTube
34. Stranglehold (Ted Nugent)
Don’t let Ted Nugent’s “Motor City Madman” persona intimidate you. “Stranglehold” is based on variations of the same riff: A5–C5–D5 and A5–G5. Power chords and open strings are combined with A minor pentatonic licks.
Stranglehold (Ted Nugent) Tabs
Stranglehold (Ted Nugent) YouTube
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35. Down on the Corner (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) is known for catchy, easy-to-play songs. “Down on the Corner” is no exception. While simple to play, the bass riff is funky and engaging, making it a fun song for beginners.
Down on the Corner (Creedence Clearwater Revival) Tabs
Down on the Corner (Creedence Clearwater Revival) YouTube
36. Simple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd) – Easy Mode
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” in ‘easy mode’ is perfect for beginners. Tune down a half step, and you’ll be playing C–G/B–Am open chords. The picking pattern is clearly notated in tabs. Power chords (C5–G5–A5) and A minor pentatonic licks at the 17th fret add a bit of a challenge as you progress.
Simple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd) Tabs
Simple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd) YouTube
37. The Joker (Steve Miller Band)
Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker” puts a fresh spin on the classic G–C–D chord progression. It’s a feel-good song with familiar chords that are comforting and easy to play for beginners.
The Joker (Steve Miller Band) Tabs
The Joker (Steve Miller Band) YouTube
38. Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love (Van Halen)
Van Halen’s “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” might sound complex, but it’s surprisingly accessible for beginners. The picking pattern in the main riff might take a little practice, but the power chords and guitar solo are relatively straightforward. This song is a great introduction to Van Halen’s energetic style.
Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love (Van Halen) Tabs
Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love (Van Halen) YouTube
39. Running with the Devil (Van Halen)
Another Van Halen classic, “Running with the Devil,” introduces double-stop chord inversions in its main riff. The arpeggiated guitar solo is also excellent beginner lead guitar material. It’s a step up from “Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love” but still very learnable.
Running with the Devil (Van Halen) Tabs
Running with the Devil (Van Halen) YouTube
40. Twist and Shout (The Beatles)
The Beatles’ “Twist and Shout” is three-chord rock and roll at its finest (D–G–A). Use open-string chords or barre chords – both work great. The harmonized guitar break can even be played on a single guitar with some practice. It’s a guaranteed party starter.
Twist and Shout (The Beatles) Tabs
Twist and Shout (The Beatles) YouTube
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41. Are You Gonna Be My Girl (Jet)
Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” is a modern rock anthem with a retro vibe. It’s built around power chords and catchy double-stop riffs in the key of A. This song is incredibly fun to play and quick to learn.
Are You Gonna Be My Girl (Jet) Tabs
Are You Gonna Be My Girl (Jet) YouTube
42. Batman Theme (The Ventures)
For a break from power chords, try The Ventures’ “Batman Theme.” This instrumental classic is played in octaves and follows a 12-bar blues structure in G. It’s a cool, surf-rock riff that’s great for developing octave playing technique.
Batman Theme (The Ventures) Tabs
Batman Theme (The Ventures) YouTube
43. I Wanna Be Sedated (The Ramones)
The Ramones are masters of simple, high-energy rock. “I Wanna Be Sedated” is classic Ramones: power chords and downstroke eighth-note rhythms. It’s incredibly catchy and surprisingly fun to play, even without guitar solos.
I Wanna Be Sedated (The Ramones) Tabs
I Wanna Be Sedated (The Ramones) YouTube
44. Blitzkrieg Bop (The Ramones)
“Blitzkrieg Bop” is the Ramones’ anthem. “Hey ho, let’s go!” Just like “I Wanna Be Sedated,” it’s all about power chords and eighth-note downstrokes. It’s simple, energetic, and guaranteed to get people moving.
Blitzkrieg Bop (The Ramones) Tabs
Blitzkrieg Bop (The Ramones) YouTube
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45. 18 and Life (Skid Row)
Skid Row’s “18 and Life” is a powerful ballad with strong storytelling. The arpeggiated main riff might be the most challenging part for beginners, but it’s a great “Rock 102” level exercise. The rest of the song is built on power chords and eighth-note rhythms. The guitar solo is more advanced, offering a goal for later on.
18 and Life (Skid Row) YouTube
46. Voodoo (Godsmack) – Simple Chord Riffs
Godsmack’s “Voodoo” uses a whole-step down tuning for a dark and heavy sound. The chord riffs are simple yet effective in conveying the song’s mood. The prominent double-stop lick is played with just one finger, making it surprisingly accessible.
47. Taking Care of Business (Bachman Turner Overdrive)
Bachman Turner Overdrive’s “Taking Care of Business” is a 70s rock classic with a catchy C–Bb–F chord progression played with Chuck Berry-style power chord riffs. It’s a great garage band jam and another song often learned by beginner guitarists.
Taking Care of Business (Bachman Turner Overdrive) Tabs
Taking Care of Business (Bachman Turner Overdrive) YouTube
48. Every Rose Has It’s Thorn (Poison)
Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” is an 80s power ballad that leans more towards ballad than power. Tuned down a half step, it uses open chords in the key of G. C.C. DeVille’s guitar solo, while melodic and tasteful, showcases the E minor pentatonic scale and is worth exploring as you progress.
Every Rose Has It’s Thorn (Poison) Tabs
Every Rose Has It’s Thorn (Poison) YouTube
49. Wild Thing (The Troggs)
“Wild Thing” by The Troggs is a garage rock staple based on a I–IV-–V progression in the key of A. No singalong is complete without a rendition of “Wild Thing.” It’s a must-know for open mic nights and impromptu jams. Tabs even often include the ocarina solo adapted for guitar!
Wild Thing (The Troggs) YouTube
50. Personal Jesus (Depeche Mode)
Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus” is a modern classic built on simple riffs and movable chord shapes. Johnny Cash’s cover version further cemented its iconic status. It’s a great song to round out this list and explore a slightly different style.
Personal Jesus (Depeche Mode) Tabs
Personal Jesus (Depeche Mode) YouTube
Final Thoughts
Thank you for joining me on this journey through 50 easy guitar tabs. I hope this list inspires you to keep playing and exploring the guitar. With vast resources like online tabs readily available, there’s never been a better time to be a guitarist and discover even more songs to learn. Keep strumming!
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Ed Lozano
Ed Lozano is a seasoned guitarist, guitar instructor, music producer, and published author. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Ed now resides in the inspiring Andes Mountains, continuing his passion for music.
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