Learning to play the guitar opens a world of creativity and self-expression for musicians of all ages. Starting with easy songs can give you the confidence to tackle more complex tunes down the road. Many popular songs use just a few basic chords, making them accessible to beginners who are eager to play their first song quickly. Let’s explore 10 easy guitar songs to play, all while helping you master popular chords.
1. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz
This laid-back, feel-good song is great for beginners and so much fun to play. With just four simple chords—G, D, Em, and C—you can quickly pick up the song’s vibe and practice adding rhythm to your strumming.
2. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
This Southern rock classic is a well-known classic that’s also fun to play. It uses just three chords—D, C, and G—with a catchy, repeating pattern. It’s a great tune for beginners to help you practice strumming and changing between chords.
3. “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King
“Stand by Me” is a timeless classic that uses just four easy chords: G, Em, C, and D. With its slower tempo, you can practice smooth transitions while also working on your timing and rhythm.
4. “Zombie” by The Cranberries
Are you looking for a rock anthem to add to their list? “Zombie” by The Cranberries is a great choice! The song rotates through four easy chords—Em, C, G, and D—so beginners can gain confidence while playing a powerful and catchy song.
5. “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan
With just four easy chords—G, D, Am, and C—you’ll be able to play this iconic song from the legendary Bob Dylan. The strumming pattern is slow and steady, which makes it ideal for new guitarists.
6. “Love Me Do” by The Beatles
This upbeat Beatles song is a great introduction to playing rhythm guitar. Using just two chords—G and C—it’s an excellent way to practice keeping time while strumming. Plus, it’s a fun, feel-good tune that everyone loves!
7. “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” is perfect for beginners with its simple reggae rhythm and repetitive chord sequence. This song uses three basic chords—A, D, and E—and gives beginners a chance to practice finger placement and transitions.
8. “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
CCR’s “Bad Moon Rising” is another three-chord wonder that will have you playing in no time. With D, A, and G, this song is an excellent practice tool for fast chord transitions and strumming.
9. “Riptide” by Vance Joy
This Vance Joy hit is perfect for beginners thanks to its simple chord progression that repeats throughout the song. With just three chords—Am, G, and C—it’s a great song for developing consistent strumming skills.
10. “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer
This 90s hit is a dreamy, romantic song that’s surprisingly easy to play on guitar. With a simple chord progression of G, C, Em, and D, beginners will love how quickly they can pick it up. Plus, this is the first song Taylor Swift learned to play on guitar!
Mastering These Beginner Songs
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or frustrated with learning the guitar, don’t worry—that’s completely normal! Every guitarist, no matter how experienced, started out as a beginner. Practicing consistently will help you build muscle memory so that you can gain confidence and skill. Playing these easy guitar songs over and over will help you become more comfortable with common chords and transitions.
Why Working with a Private Guitar Teacher Helps
While learning these songs on your own can be exciting, working with a private music teacher can also help you improve faster and make sure you’re using proper technique from the beginning. A professional guitar teacher will help you correct bad habits early on so you don’t have to unlearn them later. At Lessons In Your Home, our music teachers bring the guitar lessons to your home or virtually so that they fit your pace and interests. If you’ve already started learning on your own, private guitar lessons can help you focus on areas where you need improvement and learn new techniques to continue growth. Ready to take your guitar playing to the next level? Schedule your private guitar lessons today to unlock your full potential as a guitarist.
