Learning guitar is an exciting journey, and what better way to kickstart it than by playing songs you love? Diving into your favorite tunes provides a fun and motivating approach for beginners to grasp fundamental guitar skills. Instead of just practicing scales and chords in isolation, learning songs gives you a practical context and a rewarding sense of accomplishment as you quickly play recognizable music for yourself, friends, and family.
While aiming for complex solos and intricate riffs is a fantastic long-term goal, remember that even guitar legends started with the basics. Mastering simple songs is the cornerstone of building a solid foundation. So, whether you’ve got an acoustic guitar, an electric guitar, or both, grab your instrument and explore these 40 easy songs perfect for beginners. With the help of resources like Fender Play (where you can even get a free trial), you’ll be strumming along in no time.
1. J Mascis: “Feel The Pain”
J Mascis, known for his work with Dinosaur Jr., blends punk energy with classic rock influences reminiscent of Black Sabbath. “Feel The Pain” offers a great entry point into alternative rock guitar.
Learn how to play “Feel The Pain” here.
2. Oasis: “Wonderwall”
“Wonderwall,” from Oasis’s iconic album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, became a global anthem in the 90s. This song is instantly recognizable and uses a simple chord progression that is fantastic for beginner guitarists. Its popularity makes it a crowd-pleaser to learn early on.
Learn how to play “Wonderwall” here.
Image alt text: Beginner guitarist learning Wonderwall chords on acoustic guitar, a popular easy song.
3. The Bobby Fuller Four: “I Fought the Law”
“I Fought the Law,” penned by Sonny Curtis of the Crickets, is a timeless rock and roll classic with a rebellious spirit. Famously covered by The Clash, the Bobby Fuller Four’s version is perfect for beginners. Its straightforward strumming pattern, as taught by Matt Lake on Fender Play, will help you develop rhythm and timing.
Learn how to play “I Fought the Law” here.
4. Carrie Underwood: “Blown Away”
Carrie Underwood is a leading figure in contemporary country music, and “Blown Away” showcases her powerful vocals and classic country storytelling. This Grammy-winning hit relies on a single chord progression, making it surprisingly accessible for beginner guitarists looking to explore country music.
Learn how to play “Blown Away” here.
5. Lukas Graham: “7 Years”
Danish band Lukas Graham achieved international fame with “7 Years,” a poignant and catchy pop song that resonated worldwide. This chart-topper is built around a simple structure, making it a great choice for beginners to practice chord transitions and basic strumming in a modern pop context.
Learn how to play “7 Years” here.
6. Brad Paisley: “He Didn’t Have to Be”
Brad Paisley is a master of the Telecaster and a defining voice in modern country. “He Didn’t Have to Be,” his first No. 1 hit, is a gentle and melodic song ideal for refining your strumming technique. Its easygoing tempo and clear chord changes make it a rewarding song for beginners 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 rock classic with a country twang. This song is built heavily around the G chord and features a memorable intro riff. Learning this song is a fun way for beginners to get comfortable with basic chords and start exploring simple riffs.
Learn how to play “Honky Tonk Women” here.
8. Jimi Hendrix: “Purple Haze”
“Purple Haze” is a signature song by guitar icon Jimi Hendrix, showcasing his psychedelic rock sound. While Hendrix is known for his virtuosity, the basic chord structure of “Purple Haze” is manageable for beginners. Learning this song provides an exciting introduction to rock and blues guitar.
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 strong environmental message. This song features a unique rhythmic strumming pattern and simple chords, making it a great choice for beginners to develop fingerpicking and rhythmic skills in a folk style.
Learn how to play “Big Yellow Taxi” here.
10. Buddy Holly: “Not Fade Away”
Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away,” made famous in 1957, is a rock and roll staple. This song, with its driving rhythm and three basic chords (E, A, and D major), is excellent for practicing downstrokes and developing a consistent strumming hand. Fender Play instructor Nikki Stevens guides beginners through both simple and more complex strumming patterns for this song.
Learn how to play “Not Fade Away.”
11. The National: “I Need My Girl”
“I Need My Girl” by The National offers a more contemporary indie rock option for beginners. Jen Trani’s simplified arrangement on Fender Play uses just four chords (A minor, C, F, and G) and a capo, making this beautiful song accessible to those just starting out.
Learn how to play “I Need My Girl” here.
Image alt text: Close up of guitar fretboard with fingers pressing chords, illustrating easy guitar songs for beginners.
12. Leonard Cohen: “Hallelujah”
Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is a deeply moving and iconic song, famously covered by Jeff Buckley. Despite its emotional depth, the chord progression is relatively straightforward. Learning “Hallelujah” offers beginners a chance to play a song with beautiful melody and practice fingerpicking or simple strumming.
Learn how to play “Hallelujah” here.
13. The Animals: “It’s My Life”
“It’s My Life” by The Animals is a classic rock anthem with a powerful message of individuality. This song features a driving beat and a simple, repetitive chord structure, making it ideal for beginners to practice power chords and develop stamina in their strumming hand.
Learn how to play “It’s My Life” here.
14. Grace VanderWaal: “Clay”
Grace VanderWaal, known for her ukulele skills, wrote “Clay,” a heartfelt ballad about overcoming bullying. This song uses just four easy open position chords (G, E minor, D, and C), making it a gentle and meaningful song for beginners to learn, particularly on acoustic guitar.
Learn how to play “Clay” here.
15. Delta Spirit: “California”
Delta Spirit’s “California” is an indie rock track with roots-rock influences and a catchy alternate strumming pattern. With only four chords (A minor, C, G, and D), taught by Fender Play instructor Jen Trani, this song is a fun way for beginners to explore slightly more complex strumming patterns within a manageable chord structure.
Learn how to play “California” here.
16. The Isley Brothers: “Shout”
“Shout” by The Isley Brothers is an energetic soul classic, guaranteed to get people moving. While it might not have topped the charts initially, its enduring popularity at events and parties makes it a fun song to learn. The simple chord structure and emphasis on rhythm make it great for practicing basic chords and dynamic strumming.
Learn how to play “Shout” here.
17. Creedence Clearwater Revival: “Bad Moon Rising”
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising” is a timeless rock and roll song with a deceptively upbeat sound despite its ominous lyrics. Its steady, basic strumming and classic three-chord structure (D, A, and G) make it an excellent choice for beginners to practice 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” launched her into global stardom. Written by her brother Finneas O’Connell, this song’s haunting melody and simple chord progression make it surprisingly accessible for beginner guitarists wanting to learn contemporary pop.
Learn how to play “Ocean Eyes” here.
19. Andra Day: “Rise Up”
Andra Day’s “Rise Up” is an empowering and soulful anthem. This platinum-selling single has a beautiful melody and a simple chord structure that allows beginners to focus on dynamics and expression while practicing basic guitar chords.
Learn how to play “Rise Up” here.
20. Willie Dixon: “I Can’t Quit You Baby”
“I Can’t Quit You Baby,” written by blues legend Willie Dixon, is a blues classic. Made even more famous by Led Zeppelin, this song uses three basic chords (G, C, and D). Learning this song provides a solid introduction to blues chord progressions and basic blues rhythm for beginner guitarists.
Learn how to play “I Can’t Quit You Baby” here.
Image alt text: Acoustic guitar player practicing easy chords for beginners, focusing on pop songs.
21. Butch Walker: “Chrissie Hynde”
Butch Walker’s “Chrissie Hynde” is a folk-pop ballad with a country twinge. This introspective song offers a gentle tempo and a simple chord progression, making it suitable for beginners to practice smooth chord transitions and fingerstyle or gentle strumming.
Learn how to play “Chrissie Hynde here.
22. Frankie Ballard: “Helluva Life”
Frankie Ballard’s “Helluva Life” is an upbeat country song about gratitude. This popular and certified Gold track has a catchy melody and a straightforward chord structure, making it a fun and accessible song for beginners to learn in the country genre.
Learn how to play “Helluva Life” here.
23. Carl Perkins: “Matchbox”
Carl Perkins’ “Matchbox” is a rockabilly classic that only requires three chords (A, D, and E). This song is perfect for practicing alternate strumming and solidifying your rhythm playing. Its historical significance and catchy rhythm make it a rewarding choice for beginners.
Learn how to play “Matchbox”.
24. Elmore James: “It Hurts Me Too”
“It Hurts Me Too” is a blues standard popularized by Elmore James. This blues track uses variations of three chords (A5, A6, D5, D6, E5, and E6), offering a slightly more nuanced introduction to blues chords for beginners while remaining fundamentally accessible.
Learn how to play “It Hurts Me Too” here.
25. Bonnie Raitt: “Something to Talk About”
Bonnie Raitt, known for her bluesy slide guitar, is a Fender signature artist. “Something to Talk About” is a Grammy-winning hit with a catchy rhythm and blues-rock feel. Its accessible chord progression and moderate tempo make it a great song for beginners to explore blues-rock rhythms and chord changes.
Learn how to play “Something to Talk About” here.
26. Muddy Waters: “Mannish Boy”
Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy” is a quintessential blues song with a powerful and iconic riff. While the riff itself is slightly more advanced, the underlying chord structure is based on simple blues changes. Learning a simplified version of “Mannish Boy” can introduce beginners to blues riffs and rhythm in a foundational blues track.
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 that relies on a single chord progression using just three chords (E, A, and B7). This song is an excellent choice for beginners to master a standard blues chord progression and focus on timing and feel within a blues context.
Learn how to play “Things That I Used to Do” here.
28. The Smithereens: “Blood & Roses”
“Blood & Roses” by The Smithereens is a power-pop hit from the 80s. Fender Play instructor Barrett Wilson guides you through this song, which uses five chords (E minor, G, C, D, and A minor). Learning “Blood & Roses” is a good step for beginners looking to expand their chord vocabulary and practice 8th note alternate strumming.
Learn how to play “Blood & Roses” here.
Image alt text: Guitar chord chart for beginners, showcasing basic shapes for easy guitar songs.
29. Cracker: “Low”
Cracker’s “Low” is a 90s rock hit that is built around just four chords (D, C, E, and G). This song reached No. 3 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, proving its popularity. Learning “Low” is a great way for beginners to practice chord switching with a consistent strum pattern in a well-known rock song.
Learn how to play “Low” here.
30. ZZ Top: “Tush”
ZZ Top’s “Tush” is a blues-rock classic, named by VH1 as one of the best hard rock songs. This 12-bar blues rocker, broken down to a campfire version by Fender Play instructor Scott Goldbaum, uses a three-chord (D, G, C) rhythm progression. “Tush” is a fun and energetic song for beginners to explore blues-rock rhythms and power chords.
Learn how to play “Tush” here.
31. Hank Williams: “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)”
Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” is a country classic that showcases his single-note picking technique. This No. 1 hit uses a simple chord progression with only two chords, making it incredibly accessible for beginners to learn a foundational country song.
Learn how to play “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” here.
32. The Beatles: “Here Comes the Sun”
“Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles, written by George Harrison, is an uplifting and iconic song from the Abbey Road album. While the full song has some more complex sections, simplified beginner versions focus on the main chords and strumming patterns, making this a rewarding song to learn early on due to its familiarity and positive vibe.
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 uses four chords (E, A, B7, and E7) and is perfect for beginners looking to play something fun and danceable with a retro feel.
Learn how to play “Stoplight Kisses” here.
34. Traditional: “I Shall Not Be Moved”
“I Shall Not Be Moved” is a traditional folk and blues song, with a notable version by Mississippi John Hurt. Covered by artists like Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley, this song blends folk, blues, and country elements. Its three basic chords and syncopated rhythms offer beginners a chance to explore different genres and rhythmic feels.
Learn how to play “I Shall Not Be Moved” here.
35. Paolo Nutini: “Candy”
Paolo Nutini’s “Candy” is a neo-soul hit from 2009. Scott Goldbaum’s Fender Play lesson gives it a folky spin, unlocking this popular song with alternate and syncopated strumming patterns suitable for beginners ready for a slight rhythmic challenge.
Learn how to play “Candy” here.
36. Blue Öyster Cult: “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper”
“(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” by Blue Öyster Cult is a classic rock song with a haunting and memorable melody. Despite its eerie vibe, the chord progression is beginner-friendly. Learning this song allows beginners to play a well-known rock ballad and practice smooth chord transitions.
Learn how to play “Don’t Fear the Reaper” here.
37. Traditional: “Amazing Grace”
“Amazing Grace” is a timeless hymn that resonates across cultures. This simplified version focuses on fingerpicking in 3/4 time using chords A, A7, D, and E7. Learning “Amazing Grace” provides beginners with an opportunity to explore fingerpicking techniques and play a beautiful and recognizable melody.
Learn how to play “Amazing Grace” here.
38. Santana: “Oye Como Va”
“Oye Como Va” is a Latin rock classic popularized by Santana, originally written by Tito Puente. This song introduces beginners to Latin rhythms and a slightly different chord feel. Learning “Oye Como Va” expands a beginner’s musical horizons and rhythm vocabulary.
Learn how to play “Oye Como Va” here.
39. John Legend: “All of Me”
John Legend’s “All of Me,” originally a piano ballad, translates beautifully to guitar. The intro and verse use open chords (E minor, C, G, and D), with A minor added in the pre-chorus and chorus. “All of Me” is a contemporary pop ballad that allows beginners to practice fingerpicking or strumming in a slow and expressive context.
Learn how to play “All of Me” here.
40. Kris Kristofferson: “Me and Bobby McGee”
“Me and Bobby McGee,” written by Kris Kristofferson and famously sung by Janis Joplin, is a country-folk classic. This song has a storytelling quality and a relatively simple chord structure. Learning “Me and Bobby McGee” offers beginners a chance to play a song with depth and emotion while practicing basic chords and strumming.
Learn how to play “Me and Bobby McGee” here.
Ready to explore even more songs and develop your guitar skills further? Fender Play offers a vast library of songs and lessons for all levels. Click here for a free trial and unlock your musical potential!
For more easy song recommendations by genre, check out these articles: 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
