Guitar tabs are your secret weapon when you’re learning guitar. Whether you’re just picking up the instrument or you’ve been playing for a while, understanding how to read guitar tabs opens up a whole new world of songs and techniques to learn.
As a guitar teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how effective tabs are for students of all levels. And here’s a secret: while they might look confusing at first, guitar tabs are actually quite simple to master.
In this guide, we’ll quickly cover the basics of reading guitar tabs. Then, we’ll dive into 15 easy guitar tabs that are perfect for building your skills and expanding your song repertoire.
Want to jump straight to the songs? Click here!
This article was originally published on May 22, 2019, and updated on February 28, 2024, to ensure freshness and accuracy.
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Decoding Guitar Tabs: Your Musical Roadmap
Guitar tabs, short for tablature, are a simplified way to write down music specifically for guitarists. Think of them as a visual roadmap for your fingers on the fretboard.
Instead of traditional musical notation with notes and staffs, guitar tabs use a six-line grid that represents the six strings of your guitar. Each line corresponds to a string, from the thinnest (E string) at the top to the thickest (low E string) at the bottom. Numbers on these lines indicate which fret to press down. A “0” means you play the open string.
Some tabs are very basic, just showing you the fret numbers. More detailed tabs might also include rhythmic notation, using symbols borrowed from standard musical notation to help you understand the timing of the music.
While some musicians train their ear to learn songs, and others prefer traditional sheet music, guitar tabs are a uniquely accessible method for guitar players to learn written music. Their simplicity makes them incredibly popular. Many guitarists learn new songs by listening to the track while following along with the guitar tabs.
You can find tons of free acoustic guitar tabs for beginners online, and they are also included in many guitar method books.
Getting the Hang of Reading Guitar Tabs
Reading guitar tabs is straightforward. You read from left to right, just like reading a sentence. The speed at which you move across the tab corresponds to the tempo of the song.
As you move across the tab, you’ll encounter numbers. These numbers tell you which fret to play on the corresponding string. For example, if you see a “3” on the top line (E string), it means you should press down the 3rd fret on your high E string. If numbers are stacked vertically, it means you play those notes at the same time, like in a chord.
Beyond these basic fret numbers, you might also see tab symbols that indicate techniques like slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs, vibrato, and bends. These symbols are usually explained in a legend at the beginning of the tab, but many are quite standard across all guitar tabs.
15 Easy Guitar Tabs for Beginners
Now that you have a handle on what guitar tabs are and how to read them, let’s get to the fun part – playing some songs! Here are 15 easy guitar tabs perfect for beginners to learn.
1. Before You Go – Lewis Capaldi
Released in November 2019, “Before You Go” is a deeply personal song by Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi. The song, dealing with emotional turmoil after a loved one’s suicide, resonated deeply with listeners, topping charts in Ireland and the UK.
This song translates beautifully to acoustic guitar and introduces beginner guitarists to fingerpicking patterns and a few common guitar chords. It’s a great choice for developing both your chord changes and fingerstyle technique.
Find the guitar tab here.
2. Like a Stone – Audioslave
“Like a Stone,” released in January 2003, is Audioslave’s biggest hit in the US. The song’s lyrics tell a poignant story of an old man awaiting death and reunion with loved ones.
For beginner guitarists, “Like a Stone” offers a fantastic entry point with its instantly recognizable and catchy intro riff. You’ll start with this riff and then progress to playing chords in the chorus, making it a well-structured song for learning.
Explore the tab here.
3. Scar Tissue – Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Scar Tissue,” released by the Red Hot Chili Peppers in May 1999, is an iconic song that dominated the Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart for 16 weeks. Its enduring popularity comes from its emotional depth and the sheer joy of playing its signature intro riff.
“Scar Tissue” is an excellent choice for beginners because the main riff is both melodic and relatively simple to learn, allowing you to quickly play something recognizable and impressive.
Dive into the tab here.
4. Blackbird – The Beatles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swiC4YUyrOI
“Blackbird,” from the Beatles’ 1968 “White Album,” is a timeless classic. Inspired by a blackbird’s song during Paul McCartney’s time studying transcendental meditation in India, “Blackbird” is known for its beautiful and deceptively simple fingerpicking pattern.
Once you’ve learned the fingerpicking, try adding rhythm by tapping your foot, just like Paul McCartney does when performing this song. It’s a wonderful song for developing fingerstyle and rhythmic accuracy.
Learn the tab here.
5. Wonderwall – Oasis
“Wonderwall,” a massive hit for Oasis in 1995, is described by Noel Gallagher as being about “an imaginary friend who’s gonna come and save you from yourself.” The song achieved global chart-topping success and even became the first 1990s song to reach one billion streams on Spotify in 2020.
The iconic strumming pattern in “Wonderwall” is instantly recognizable and satisfying to play on acoustic guitar. Composed of just five chords, it’s incredibly accessible for beginners and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get the full tab here.
6. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” released in 1973, is a classic renowned for its poignant lyrics and simple yet powerful melody. Dylan’s songwriting explores themes of mortality and redemption, resonating with listeners across generations.
Its enduring appeal is evident in its widespread use in films, TV, and its status as a cultural touchstone. The song’s simple chord progression makes it very approachable for beginner guitarists.
Find the full tab here.
7. Horse With No Name – America
“Horse with No Name” by America, released in 1971, is a folk-rock classic known for its atmospheric sound and enigmatic lyrics. The song’s dreamy quality evokes feelings of wanderlust and introspection, inviting listeners on a journey of self-discovery.
Its haunting melody and evocative storytelling have solidified its place as a beloved song. The repetitive chord structure makes it easy to learn and get lost in playing.
Read the full tab here.
8. Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here,” released in 1975, is a hauntingly beautiful ballad about longing and loss. The song’s introspective lyrics and mesmerizing guitar work strike a deeply emotional chord with listeners, making it a timeless anthem for anyone who has experienced absence or longing.
The iconic intro riff and chord progression are staples for acoustic guitarists, and while the full song has more complex parts, beginner tabs often focus on the most accessible sections.
Explore the full tab here.
9. Let It Be – The Beatles
“Let It Be” by The Beatles, released in 1970, is an uplifting and comforting ballad offering solace in times of trouble. The song’s message of acceptance and resilience, combined with its iconic melody and harmonies, has made it a favorite across generations.
“Let It Be” is a fantastic song for beginners to learn chords and practice smooth transitions. Its simple structure and positive message make it a rewarding song to master early on.
Read the full tab here.
10. Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” released in 1967, is a joyful celebration of youth and nostalgia. The song’s infectious rhythm and catchy melody evoke carefree memories of summer romance and youthful days.
“Brown Eyed Girl” is an energetic and fun song to learn. The chord progression is relatively simple, and the upbeat tempo will help you develop your strumming skills.
Read the full tab here.
11. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) – Green Day
“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day, released in 1997, is a bittersweet anthem about endings and new beginnings. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and acoustic arrangement create a reflective and introspective mood, making it a poignant soundtrack for significant life moments.
This song is a great choice for practicing arpeggiated fingerpicking and gentle strumming. Its emotional resonance and relatively simple structure make it a rewarding song for beginners.
Read the full tab here.
12. Blowing in the Wind – Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan’s “Blowing in the Wind,” released in 1963, is a powerful protest song with a message of social justice and equality that remains relevant today. Its timeless lyrics, haunting melody, and poetic verses have made it an enduring anthem for peace and change.
“Blowing in the Wind” is excellent for beginners due to its simple chords and repetitive structure. It’s a great song to practice your strumming and singing simultaneously.
Read the full tab here.
13. You’re Beautiful – James Blunt
James Blunt’s “You’re Beautiful,” released in 2005, is a romantic ballad capturing the intense feeling of love at first sight. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and soaring vocals evoke euphoria and longing, making it a popular choice for romantic occasions.
“You’re Beautiful” is a good song for practicing slower chord changes and developing a feel for ballad-style playing. The emotional depth of the song makes it engaging to learn.
Read the full tab here.
14. I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours,” released in 2008, is an upbeat and infectious pop anthem full of positivity. The song’s cheerful melody and catchy hooks, along with its uplifting message about embracing the moment, have made it a feel-good favorite for listeners of all ages.
“I’m Yours” is a fun song to learn for beginners. It uses simple chords and a catchy strumming pattern that will get you playing along quickly and feeling accomplished.
Read the full tab here.
15. Hey, Soul Sister – Train
Train’s “Hey, Soul Sister,” released in 2009, is a catchy and upbeat pop-rock song celebrating friendship and connection. The song’s infectious groove and melody, playful lyrics, and soulful vocals make it perfect for road trips, parties, and sing-alongs.
“Hey, Soul Sister” is a high-energy song that is still manageable for beginners. It’s great for practicing barre chords and developing a stronger strumming hand.
Read the full tab here.
Want to discover even more great songs to play on acoustic guitar? Check out these 5 easy songs to play on guitar or these 10 easy guitar riffs.
Expanding Your Horizons with Easy Guitar Tabs
These 15 songs are a fantastic starting point, giving you a collection of easy songs to learn and impress your friends. But if you’re serious about taking your guitar playing further, I invite you to join my online guitar workshop, Tony’s Acoustic Challenge.
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Ready to take the next step? Watch this FREE guitar class to discover three secrets to learning guitar faster in just 10 minutes a day.
