Taylor Swift’s reign in the music world is undeniable. From chart-topping hits to sold-out stadium tours, her impact is immense. If you’re a budding guitarist and a Swiftie, learning to play her songs is a fantastic way to combine your passions! Her music often features approachable chord progressions, making it perfect for beginners eager to strum along to their favorite tunes.
Whether you’re just starting your guitar journey, looking to expand your song repertoire, or simply want to impress your friends with some Taylor Swift classics, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve curated a list of 10 easy Taylor Swift songs on guitar that are incredibly accessible for beginners. These songs span her diverse discography, offering a taste of each of her iconic “eras.”
To make your learning experience even smoother, remember that while learning on your own is rewarding, personalized guidance can accelerate your progress. Consider exploring resources like experienced guitar tutors who can provide tailored lessons to fit your learning style and budget.
This list is organized from her most recent albums to her earliest, allowing you to journey through Taylor’s musical evolution while developing your guitar skills. Let’s dive in and get you playing some Easy Taylor Swift Guitar Songs!
1. “Maroon” (Midnights, 2022)
“Maroon,” from the Midnights album, is a deeply emotional track that explores themes of intense love and heartbreaking loss. While not a regular feature on her Eras Tour setlist, its surprise appearances have made it a fan favorite. If you’re drawn to its poignant lyrics and melodic depth, you’ll be pleased to know it’s quite beginner-friendly on guitar. “Maroon” utilizes a straightforward chord progression and a simple strumming pattern, making it easy to pick up. You’ll only need four basic chords: C, G, Em, and D to play this captivating song.
“Maroon” Chords and Tutorial
2. “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve” (Midnights (3am Edition), 2022)
“Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve,” a powerful bonus track from the 3am Edition of Midnights, delves into themes of past regrets and flawed relationships. This soft rock ballad uses evocative imagery and a building instrumental arrangement featuring synthesizers, acoustic guitars, and distortion to create a sense of sorrow and reflection. Despite its emotional complexity, the guitar chords are manageable for beginners. You can play “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve” using five chords: G, D, Am, Em, and C. This song offers a chance to practice slightly more chord variations while still remaining accessible.
“Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve” Chords and Tutorial
3. “my tears ricochet” (Folklore, 2020)
“my tears ricochet,” from the Folklore album, is a slower-tempo song that’s perfect for beginners to hone their chord transitions and strumming technique at a comfortable pace. Lyrically, the song explores themes of betrayal and deep hurt, drawing from personal experiences of broken trust. The emotional weight of the song is contrasted by its relatively simple guitar arrangement, making it a great learning piece. The chords required for “my tears ricochet” are C, G, Em, F, Am, and Dm. While Taylor Swift’s vocal range is lower in this song, feel free to sing in a register that suits your voice as you play.
“my tears ricochet” Chords and Tutorial
4. “Getaway Car” (Reputation, 2017)
“Getaway Car,” from the Reputation album, is an upbeat and dynamic song characterized by its storytelling and metaphorical lyrics. While some tutorials may show a capo, it’s not essential for playing this song, making it even more beginner-friendly. “Getaway Car” tells a thrilling tale of escaping a stale relationship for a more exciting one. You’ll only need four common chords to play along: G, D, Am, and C. Its catchy rhythm and relatable theme make “Getaway Car” a fun and engaging song to learn on guitar.
“Getaway Car” Chords and Tutorial
Image alt text: Taylor Swift passionately plays an acoustic guitar during her Reputation Stadium Tour performance of “Getaway Car,” highlighting her engagement with the instrument.
5. “Shake It Off” (1989, 2014)
“Shake It Off,” the lead single from 1989, is an empowering and universally relatable anthem about self-acceptance and ignoring negativity. This song marked a significant pop direction in Taylor Swift’s music and has become a signature hit. Its upbeat tempo and positive message make it incredibly popular among Swifties, even inspiring viral trends like the “Dancing Trucker.” For beginner guitarists, “Shake It Off” is remarkably accessible. It primarily uses basic open chords Am, C, and G and features a consistent and easy-to-follow strumming pattern. Learning “Shake It Off” is a fantastic way to build confidence and rhythm on the guitar.
“Shake It Off” Chords and Tutorial
6. “All Too Well” (Red, 2012)
“All Too Well,” from the Red album, is considered by many fans and critics to be one of Taylor Swift’s songwriting masterpieces. Originally released in 2012 and later expanded into a 10-minute version for Red (Taylor’s Version), the song is a deeply detailed narrative of a relationship’s rise and fall and the lingering pain of heartbreak. Despite its epic scope and emotional depth, the guitar chords for “All Too Well” are surprisingly beginner-friendly. You’ll need C, G, Am, and F chords to play this iconic song. Learning “All Too Well” allows you to play a song with significant emotional resonance while practicing essential guitar chords.
“All Too Well” Chords and Tutorial
Image alt text: Close-up of Taylor Swift immersed in emotion while singing and playing guitar during her Red era, emphasizing the raw feeling of “All Too Well”.
7. “You Belong With Me” (Fearless, 2008)
“You Belong With Me,” from the Fearless album, is another classic easy Taylor Swift guitar song that resonates with anyone who has experienced unrequited love. Released as a single in 2008 and re-recorded as Taylor’s Version, it blends country and pop elements, showcasing Taylor’s genre versatility early in her career. The lyrics tell a relatable story of longing for a friend who is with someone else. “You Belong With Me” is known for its catchy melody, heartfelt vocals, and relatable lyrics, making it a joy to play and sing along to on guitar. It’s particularly beginner-friendly, utilizing basic open chords D, A, Em, and G, and a repetitive strumming pattern.
“You Belong With Me” Chords and Tutorial
8. “Love Story” (Fearless, 2008)
“Love Story,” also from Fearless, is one of Taylor Swift’s most recognizable and beloved songs. This fairytale-inspired track retells Romeo and Juliet with a happy ending, capturing the excitement and idealism of young love. Its timeless appeal and catchy melody have made it a staple for Swifties of all ages. “Love Story” is fantastic for beginner guitarists because it uses a simple chord progression and a straightforward strumming pattern. The primary chords you’ll need are D, G, Em, and C. Learning “Love Story” is a rewarding experience, allowing you to play a song that is both iconic and easy to master.
“Love Story” Chords and Tutorial
Image alt text: Taylor Swift, dressed in a shimmering gold gown, strums an acoustic guitar while performing “Love Story” on her Fearless tour, capturing the romantic essence of the song.
9. “Our Song” (Taylor Swift, 2006)
“Our Song,” from her self-titled debut album Taylor Swift, is a charming and infectious tune that perfectly captures the innocence and sweetness of young love. This early hit established Taylor as a rising star and remains a timeless classic. “Our Song” narrates everyday moments that become special when shared with someone you love, like sneaking out late at night. Its simplicity makes it an excellent choice for beginner guitarists, primarily using D, Em, G, and A chords. The strumming pattern is also relatively simple, making it easy to get into the rhythm and enjoy playing along.
“Our Song” Chords and Tutorial
10. “Teardrops on My Guitar” (Taylor Swift, 2006)
“Teardrops on My Guitar,” also from her debut album, is a heartfelt ballad that showcases Taylor Swift’s early songwriting talent and emotional depth. This song poignantly portrays the pain of unrequited love and watching someone you admire be with someone else. Its vulnerability and relatable lyrics have resonated with listeners since its release. While using a capo on the third fret is often recommended to match the original key, “Teardrops on My Guitar” can also be played without one, making it accessible to beginners. The song features a simple chord progression, mainly using G, D, Em, and C chords. Learning “Teardrops on My Guitar” is a great way to play a song that is both emotionally rich and technically achievable for beginner guitarists.
“Teardrops on My Guitar” Chords and Tutorial
The Big Picture: Your Guitarist Era Starts Now
Taylor Swift’s enduring popularity is a testament to her incredible songwriting and artistry. Her songs offer a fantastic entry point into learning guitar, thanks to their often-accessible chord structures and relatable themes. By diving into these easy Taylor Swift guitar songs, you’re not just learning chords; you’re connecting with music that has touched millions worldwide.
So, embrace your “Guitarist Era”! Start with these songs, practice regularly, and enjoy the journey of learning to play your favorite Taylor Swift hits. For more structured learning and personalized guidance, explore online guitar tutors who can provide affordable and effective lessons. And if you’re still deciding between instruments, consider exploring resources that compare the ukulele and guitar to find the best fit for your musical aspirations. Happy playing!
