Learning to play guitar is an incredibly rewarding journey, and one of the most exciting parts is playing your favorite songs. For beginners, the prospect of mastering complex solos and intricate riffs might seem distant. However, the good news is that there are tons of fantastic songs that are surprisingly easy to learn on guitar, providing a perfect starting point for your musical adventure. Playing easy songs not only builds confidence but also makes practicing fun and keeps you motivated as you develop your skills.
Whether you’ve just picked up an acoustic guitar or are eager to strum on an electric, this list of 40 Easy Songs On Guitar is designed to get you playing quickly. These songs span various genres and eras, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With the help of resources like Fender Play, mastering these tunes is more accessible than ever. So, grab your guitar and get ready to learn some easy guitar songs that will impress yourself and your friends!
1. J Mascis: “Feel The Pain”
J Mascis, known for his work with Dinosaur Jr., draws inspiration from rock legends like Black Sabbath. “Feel The Pain” showcases a unique blend of punk, rock, and alternative indie sounds. Its straightforward structure makes it a great entry point for beginner guitarists wanting to explore rock music.
Learn how to play “Feel The Pain” here.
2. Oasis: “Wonderwall”
“Wonderwall” is arguably one of Oasis’s most iconic songs, from their album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?. This globally recognized hit defined a generation of British rock and remains a popular choice for guitar learners due to its simple chord progression and strumming pattern. It’s a quintessential easy song on guitar for anyone starting out.
Learn how to play “Wonderwall” here.
Acoustic guitar lesson insert for easy songs
3. The Bobby Fuller Four: “I Fought the Law”
Written by Sonny Curtis of The Crickets, “I Fought the Law” is a classic rebel anthem. Famously covered by The Clash, the Bobby Fuller Four’s version is celebrated for its catchy melody and simple structure. Matt Lake’s campfire-style breakdown on Fender Play makes learning this song incredibly accessible, focusing on steady strumming – perfect for beginners learning easy songs on guitar.
Learn how to play “I Fought the Law” here.
4. Carrie Underwood: “Blown Away”
Carrie Underwood, a leading figure in contemporary country music, delivers powerful storytelling in “Blown Away.” This Grammy-winning track is surprisingly easy to play on guitar, featuring just one chord progression throughout. It’s an excellent choice for beginners looking for easy country songs on guitar to learn.
Learn how to play “Blown Away” here.
5. Lukas Graham: “7 Years”
Danish band Lukas Graham achieved international fame with “7 Years,” a soulful pop hit from 2015. This song’s chart-topping success and Grammy nominations are matched by its beginner-friendly guitar arrangement. Learning “7 Years” is a great way to explore modern pop music on guitar with easy chords.
Learn how to play “7 Years” here.
6. Brad Paisley: “He Didn’t Have to Be”
Brad Paisley, renowned for his Telecaster skills, is a defining voice in modern country. “He Didn’t Have to Be,” his first No. 1 hit, is an easygoing song that’s perfect for refining your strumming technique. This tune is a fantastic example of easy country songs on guitar that sound impressive but are simple to learn.
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 legendary track that blends hard rock energy with country vibes. Featuring a prominent G chord throughout, this song is ideal for beginners to practice chord changes and rhythm. Learning the intro riff, verse, and chorus makes it a rewarding experience for those seeking easy rock songs on guitar.
Learn how to play “Honky Tonk Women” here.
8. Jimi Hendrix: “Purple Haze”
“Purple Haze” is a signature song by Jimi Hendrix that introduced many to his revolutionary psychedelic rock sound. While Hendrix is known for his virtuosity, the basic structure of “Purple Haze” is accessible to beginners, particularly when focusing on rhythm guitar parts. It’s a great iconic song to try as you explore easy electric guitar songs.
Learn how to play “Purple Haze” here.
9. Joni Mitchell: “Big Yellow Taxi”
Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” is a classic folk-pop song with a strong environmental message. Written in Hawaii, it reflects on the contrast between natural beauty and urban development. Its simple chords and fingerpicking pattern make it an excellent choice for acoustic guitar beginners looking for easy folk songs on guitar.
Learn how to play “Big Yellow Taxi” here.
10. Buddy Holly: “Not Fade Away”
Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away,” recorded in 1957 with The Crickets, is a rock and roll staple. This song, inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, uses just three major chords (E, A, and D). Fender Play instructor Nikki Stevens guides you through down strums and percussive alternate strumming, making it perfect for practicing rhythm and chord transitions on guitar.
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 for beginner guitarists. Jen Trani simplifies the strumming version of this 2013 single, using just four chords (A minor, C, F, and G). The use of a capo further simplifies the song, making it an accessible and emotionally resonant piece to learn as one of your first easy songs on guitar.
Learn how to play “I Need My Girl” here.
Another acoustic guitar lesson image for beginner songs
12. Leonard Cohen: “Hallelujah”
Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is a deeply moving and widely covered anthem. Its powerful melody and chord progression have resonated with audiences for decades. While harmonically rich, simplified versions are readily available for beginner guitarists. Learning “Hallelujah” is a rewarding experience, offering a chance to play a song with significant emotional depth even at an early stage.
Learn how to play “Hallelujah” here.
13. The Animals: “It’s My Life”
“It’s My Life” by The Animals is a 1965 hit with a strong message of individuality. Part of a wave of socially conscious rock songs from the era, “It’s My Life” is not only culturally significant but also musically accessible. Its straightforward rock structure makes it a good choice for beginners wanting to play classic rock songs on guitar.
Learn how to play “It’s My Life” here.
14. Grace VanderWaal: “Clay”
Grace VanderWaal, known for her ukulele skills and unique voice, wrote “Clay” as a metaphorical song about bullying. Featured on her debut album, this heartfelt ballad uses just four easy open position chords: G, E minor, D, and C. It’s a gentle and meaningful song that’s easy to learn on guitar, especially for young beginners.
Learn how to play “Clay” here.
15. Delta Spirit: “California”
Delta Spirit’s “California” is an indie rock track that gained them significant radio airplay in 2012. Its catchy pop sensibility mixed with roots-rock elements and a cool alternate strumming pattern makes it engaging to play. Using just four chords (A minor, C, G, and D), as taught by Fender Play instructor Jen Trani, it’s an accessible indie rock song for guitar beginners.
Learn how to play “California” here.
16. The Isley Brothers: “Shout”
“Shout” by The Isley Brothers is an energetic soul classic that, despite not topping the charts initially, became a gold single due to its enduring popularity. Known for its call-and-response structure and dynamic shifts, “Shout” is a fun song to play and sing along to, and simplified guitar versions are great for beginners looking for upbeat easy songs on guitar.
Learn how to play “Shout” here.
17. Creedence Clearwater Revival: “Bad Moon Rising”
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising” is a timeless rock anthem known for its upbeat tempo despite its ominous lyrics. Its basic, steady strumming pattern and simple chord progression (D, A, and G) make it an excellent starting point for learning basic chords and chord switching on guitar. It’s a foundational easy rock song on guitar to master.
Learn how to play “Bad Moon Rising” here.
18. Billie Eilish: “Ocean Eyes”
“Ocean Eyes” was Billie Eilish’s debut song, initially released on SoundCloud in 2015. Written by her brother Finneas O’Connell, this song launched her career, leading to Grammy success. Its ethereal and melancholic vibe is supported by a relatively simple harmonic structure, making it an interesting and modern choice for beginners seeking easy pop songs on guitar.
Learn how to play “Ocean Eyes” here.
19. Andra Day: “Rise Up”
Andra Day’s “Rise Up” is a powerful and uplifting platinum-selling single from her debut album. This song’s message of resilience and hope is matched by its accessible musical arrangement. Beginners can find simplified guitar versions that focus on core chords and rhythms, making it an inspiring and easy song on guitar to learn.
Learn how to play “Rise Up” here.
20. Willie Dixon: “I Can’t Quit You Baby”
Willie Dixon wrote the blues classic “I Can’t Quit You Baby,” first recorded by Otis Rush in 1956. Led Zeppelin famously covered it on their debut album, bringing it to a wider rock audience. Using just three basic chords (G, C, and D), this blues standard is a fantastic introduction to blues guitar and easy blues songs on guitar.
Learn how to play “I Can’t Quit You Baby” here.
Pop song lesson image for beginner guitarists
21. Butch Walker: “Chrissie Hynde”
Butch Walker’s “Chrissie Hynde” is a folk-pop ballad from his album Afraid of Ghosts. This introspective song, with country undertones, speaks to the desire to escape the world and immerse oneself in music. Its gentle tempo and chord progression make it suitable for beginners looking for easy acoustic songs on guitar with a storytelling element.
Learn how to play “Chrissie Hynde here.
22. Frankie Ballard: “Helluva Life”
Frankie Ballard’s country hit “Helluva Life” is an upbeat anthem about gratitude. Certified Gold, this popular track encourages listeners to appreciate life’s blessings. Musically, it’s built on a foundation of easy-to-learn guitar chords, making it a joyful and accessible song for beginners exploring easy country songs on guitar.
Learn how to play “Helluva Life” here.
23. Carl Perkins: “Matchbox”
Carl Perkins’ rockabilly classic “Matchbox” is built on just three chords (A, D, and E). This song is excellent for practicing alternate strumming and solidifying rhythm guitar skills. Its historical significance, including a cover by The Beatles, adds to its appeal for beginners wanting to learn foundational rock and roll on guitar.
Learn how to play “Matchbox”.
24. Elmore James: “It Hurts Me Too”
“It Hurts Me Too” is a blues standard, initially recorded in 1940, but Elmore James’ version from the 1960s is the most well-known. This blues track uses only three chords, with variations (A5, A6, D5, D6, E5, and E6) offering a gentle introduction to blues chord voicings. It’s a perfect entry point into learning easy blues songs on guitar and understanding blues structure.
Learn how to play “It Hurts Me Too” here.
25. Bonnie Raitt: “Something to Talk About”
Bonnie Raitt, celebrated for her blues guitar and vocals, is a Fender signature artist. “Something to Talk About,” from her Grammy-winning albums, is a catchy and enduring hit. While Raitt is known for slide guitar, simplified versions of this song are beginner-friendly, allowing learners to focus on rhythm and basic chord progressions in an easy song on guitar.
Learn how to play “Something to Talk About” here.
26. Muddy Waters: “Mannish Boy”
Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy” is a defining blues track from 1955, known for its iconic blues riff. Reaching No. 5 on the Billboard R&B chart, this song’s repetitive structure and emphasis on rhythm make it surprisingly accessible for beginners wanting to delve into classic blues guitar. It’s a foundational easy blues song on guitar to explore.
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 from 1953. Built around a single chord progression and just three chords (E, A, and B7), this song topped the R&B charts for six weeks. It’s an excellent lesson in mastering a standard chord progression and playing foundational easy blues songs on guitar.
Learn how to play “Things That I Used to Do” here.
28. The Smithereens: “Blood & Roses”
The Smithereens’ “Blood & Roses” was their debut single and a hit from the album Especially For You. Fender Play instructor Barrett Wilson breaks down this classic, which uses five chords (E minor, G, C, D, and A minor). The lesson focuses on pivot fingers and 8th note alternate strumming, making it a valuable learning experience for beginners ready to expand their chord vocabulary and strumming techniques within easy rock songs on guitar.
Learn how to play “Blood & Roses” here.
Chord lesson image relevant to learning easy guitar songs
29. Cracker: “Low”
Cracker’s “Low,” a 1993 hit, uses only four chords (D, C, E, and G). Reaching No. 3 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, this song is known for its catchy melody and straightforward structure. The Fender Play lesson focuses on basic chord switching with a consistent strum pattern, making it perfect for practicing essential guitar skills with easy rock songs on guitar.
Learn how to play “Low” here.
30. ZZ Top: “Tush”
ZZ Top’s “Tush,” from their fourth album, is a blues-rock anthem. VH1 ranked it among the top hard rock songs of all time. Instructor Scott Goldbaum’s campfire version simplifies this 12-bar blues rocker to a three-chord (D, G, C) rhythm progression. It’s a fun and energetic choice for beginners wanting to explore easy rock songs on guitar with a blues influence.
Learn how to play “Tush” here.
31. Hank Williams: “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)”
Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” is a country classic showcasing his single-note picking technique. This No. 1 Billboard Hot Country single is built on a simple chord progression with just two chords, making it incredibly accessible. Its catchy melody and straightforward structure make it a quintessential easy country song on guitar for beginners.
Learn how to play “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” here.
32. The Beatles: “Here Comes the Sun”
“Here Comes the Sun,” written by George Harrison, is a beloved Beatles track from the Abbey Road album. Alongside “Something” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” it’s one of Harrison’s most famous compositions. While the original version has some chord complexities, simplified versions focusing on basic chords are readily available for beginners to enjoy this iconic song as one of their first easy songs on guitar.
Learn how to play “Here Comes The Sun” here.
33. The Cactus Blossoms: “Stoplight Kisses”
The Cactus Blossoms are a modern band with a vintage rockabilly sound, exemplified by “Stoplight Kisses.” This upbeat and jangly song is perfect for parties and get-togethers. Using only four chords (E, A, B7, and E7), it’s a fun and rhythmically engaging song for beginners to learn as an easy song on guitar with a retro vibe.
Learn how to play “Stoplight Kisses” here.
34. Traditional: “I Shall Not Be Moved”
Mississippi John Hurt’s version of the traditional song “I Shall Not Be Moved” is a masterclass in blues and country songwriting. Covered by Johnny Cash, Son House, and Elvis Presley, this song blends folk, blues, and country elements. Featuring three basic chords and syncopated rhythms, it’s a rich and historically significant song that is also accessible as an easy song on guitar for learners.
Learn how to play “I Shall Not Be Moved” here.
35. Paolo Nutini: “Candy”
Paolo Nutini’s “Candy” was a global hit in 2009 with a fresh neo-soul sound. Potentially his most recognized song, “Candy” translates well to guitar. Instructor Scott Goldbaum’s folky rendition unlocks this Sunny Side Up single with alternate and syncopated strumming patterns, making it a stylish and relatively easy song on guitar for beginners interested in soul-influenced pop.
Learn how to play “Candy” here.
36. Blue Öyster Cult: “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper”
Blue Öyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” from 1976 is their highest-charting single. Known for its haunting melody and lyrics about mortality, this song was named Song of the Year by Rolling Stone. Despite its eerie atmosphere, simplified guitar arrangements make it surprisingly approachable for beginners wanting to learn classic rock songs on guitar with a unique flavor.
Learn how to play “Don’t Fear the Reaper” here.
37. Traditional: “Amazing Grace”
“Amazing Grace,” over 200 years old, remains a deeply moving hymn. This simplified guitar version focuses on fingerpicking in 3/4 time using chords A, A7, D, and E7. It’s a beautiful and spiritually resonant song that is also technically accessible as an easy song on guitar for beginners interested in fingerstyle playing and traditional melodies.
Learn how to play “Amazing Grace” here.
38. Santana: “Oye Como Va”
“Oye Como Va” was written by Latin jazz and mambo musician Tito Puente in 1963, and Santana’s rendition popularized it globally. Known for its infectious Latin rhythms and iconic guitar riffs, simplified versions are available for beginners to explore Latin-influenced rock on guitar. While the full arrangement is complex, focusing on basic chords and rhythms makes it an achievable and exciting song to learn as an easy song on guitar with a different cultural flavor.
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 feature open chords E minor, C, G, and D, with A minor added in the pre-chorus and chorus. Its emotional depth and simple, repeating chord structure make it a contemporary ballad that is also beginner-friendly and a great choice for easy songs on guitar.
Learn how to play “All of Me” here.
40. Kris Kristofferson: “Me and Bobby McGee”
“Me and Bobby McGee,” written by Kris Kristofferson, was first released by Roger Miller in 1969. Janis Joplin’s version, released shortly after her death, topped the U.S. charts in 1971, making it a timeless classic. Its storytelling lyrics and relatively simple chord structure make it a rewarding and historically significant song for beginners to learn as one of their first easy songs on guitar.
Learn how to play “Me and Bobby McGee” here.
Starting your guitar journey with easy songs is the best way to build a solid foundation and keep your practice sessions enjoyable. This list of 40 songs offers a diverse range of genres and styles, ensuring there’s something to inspire every beginner guitarist. To unlock even more songs and develop your guitar skills further, consider exploring resources like Fender Play for structured lessons and guidance. Happy playing!
