Learning guitar should be an exciting journey fueled by your passion for music. Many aspiring guitarists wonder which songs they should learn. Unlike subjects like math with a linear progression, music offers a more personalized learning path. The most effective way to improve is by tackling songs you genuinely love, even if they seem challenging initially. The excitement of learning a song you’re passionate about far outweighs the perceived ease of a less inspiring assigned piece.
To help inspire your musical journey, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of popular and effective songs for guitar learning. This list, curated with input from the vibrant Reddit community at /r/Guitar, spans various styles and difficulty levels. Recognizing that many guitarists focus on instrumental skills, this selection emphasizes songs recognizable primarily through their guitar parts. (For those interested in strum-and-sing songs, explore the Beginner’s Song Browser for more options.)
Click on any song title to listen on YouTube and get a feel for the music. If a song resonates with you, look for the “Lesson” link to access video tutorials guiding you through playing it. If you need personalized guidance, consider bringing your chosen song list to a guitar teacher. Want expert one-on-one help? Skype guitar lessons are available to provide tailored instruction for any song on this list, and beyond.
This list is continuously updated, so please feel free to suggest songs or report any broken links.
For a seamless listening experience, check out this Spotify playlist featuring all the songs mentioned.
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