Learning guitar can be an incredibly rewarding journey, and diving into your favorite tunes is a fantastic way to kickstart your musical adventure. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of strumming along to a well-known song, especially when sharing that moment with friends or family. While mastering complex guitar solos and intricate riffs is a long-term aspiration, remember that even the most skilled guitarists started with the basics.
So, whether you’ve picked up an acoustic guitar or an electric guitar, here’s a list of 40 easy songs that are perfect for beginners to learn. With the help of resources like Fender Play, mastering these songs will be within your reach in no time.
1. J Mascis: “Feel The Pain”
Drawing inspiration from Black Sabbath and classic rock icons, J Mascis and his band crafted a distinctive sound that blends punk, rock, and indie alternative. “Feel The Pain” is a great starting point for beginners interested in alternative rock.
Learn how to play “Feel The Pain” here.
2. Oasis: “Wonderwall”
“Wonderwall,” from Oasis’s iconic 1996 album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, became a global anthem, defining a new wave of British rock. Its simple chord progression makes it an excellent choice for guitar beginners.
Learn how to play “Wonderwall” here.
Image alt text: Beginner guitarist learning to play Wonderwall on acoustic guitar with Fender Play tutorial.
3. The Bobby Fuller Four: “I Fought the Law”
Written by Sonny Curtis of the Crickets, “I Fought the Law” is a timeless rebel anthem, famously covered by The Clash. Despite the rebellious theme, the Bobby Fuller Four’s version is surprisingly easy to learn on guitar, featuring simple chords and a steady strumming pattern that’s perfect for campfire singalongs.
Learn how to play “I Fought the Law” here.
4. Carrie Underwood: “Blown Away”
Carrie Underwood is often hailed as the modern “Queen of Country,” and “Blown Away” exemplifies her mastery of contemporary country songwriting. This Grammy-winning hit, with its straightforward chord progression, is surprisingly accessible for beginner guitarists looking to explore country music.
Learn how to play “Blown Away” here.
5. Lukas Graham: “7 Years”
Danish pop band Lukas Graham achieved international fame with “7 Years” in 2015. This chart-topping hit, nominated for three Grammy Awards, translates beautifully to the guitar and is a great way for beginners to learn a modern pop song.
Learn how to play “7 Years” here.
6. Brad Paisley: “He Didn’t Have to Be”
Brad Paisley, a Telecaster virtuoso, is a leading figure in contemporary country music. “He Didn’t Have to Be,” his first No. 1 hit, is an easy-to-learn song that will help beginners refine their strumming technique while enjoying a popular country tune.
Learn how to play “He Didn’t Have to Be” here.
7. The Rolling Stones: “Honky Tonk Women”
“Honky Tonk Women,” a classic from The Rolling Stones, blends hard rock energy with country twang. This hit song, penned by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, revolves around the G chord, making it an excellent choice for beginners to practice chord changes and learn a foundational rock riff.
Learn how to play “Honky Tonk Women” here.
8. Jimi Hendrix: “Purple Haze”
“Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix is synonymous with psychedelic rock. Released in 1967, this iconic song, despite its legendary status, has simplified versions that beginners can tackle to get a taste of classic rock guitar.
Learn how to play “Purple Haze” here.
9. Joni Mitchell: “Big Yellow Taxi”
Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi,” released in 1970, is a folk-pop classic with an environmental message. Inspired by a view of nature versus urban sprawl, this song is melodically engaging and uses chords that are friendly for beginner guitarists.
Learn how to play “Big Yellow Taxi” here.
10. Buddy Holly: “Not Fade Away”
Buddy Holly’s 1957 hit “Not Fade Away” is a rock and roll staple. This song, inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, features just three major chords (E, A, and D), making it ideal for beginners to practice strumming and rhythm.
Learn how to play “Not Fade Away.”
11. The National: “I Need My Girl”
“I Need My Girl” by The National offers a simplified strumming version that’s perfect for beginners. With just four chords (A minor, C, F, and G) and the option to use a capo, this indie rock song becomes surprisingly easy to play.
Learn how to play “I Need My Girl” here.
Image alt text: Two beginner guitarists learning easy songs together on acoustic guitars, using online lessons.
12. Leonard Cohen: “Hallelujah”
Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is a timeless anthem, famously covered by Jeff Buckley. This song, known for its emotional depth and beautiful melody, has a chord progression that is manageable for beginner guitarists, allowing them to learn a truly iconic song early in their guitar journey.
Learn how to play “Hallelujah” here.
13. The Animals: “It’s My Life”
“It’s My Life” by The Animals, released in 1965, is a rock classic with a theme of personal independence. This song, part of a wave of socially conscious rock music, is built upon a chord structure that’s accessible to beginner guitar players.
Learn how to play “It’s My Life” here.
14. Grace VanderWaal: “Clay”
“Clay” by ukulele prodigy Grace VanderWaal is a heartfelt ballad about bullying. Featuring just four easy open position chords (G, E minor, D, and C), this song is excellent for beginners wanting to play a contemporary pop ballad on guitar.
Learn how to play “Clay” here.
15. Delta Spirit: “California”
“California” served as Delta Spirit’s breakthrough single in 2012. This indie rock track, with hints of roots-rock, is driven by a cool alternate strumming pattern. Using just four chords (A minor, C, G, and D), beginners can quickly learn this catchy song.
Learn how to play “California” here.
16. The Isley Brothers: “Shout”
“Shout” by The Isley Brothers is an enduring classic, famous for its call-and-response structure. While not a huge chart hit initially, “Shout” became a gold single due to its lasting popularity at events and parties. Its simple structure makes it adaptable for beginner guitarists.
Learn how to play “Shout” here.
17. Creedence Clearwater Revival: “Bad Moon Rising”
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising” is a classic rock anthem with a happy, upbeat sound despite its ominous lyrics. Its steady, basic strumming and simple chords (D, A, and G) make it a fantastic starting point for learning chord switching and classic rock guitar.
Learn how to play “Bad Moon Rising” here.
18. Billie Eilish: “Ocean Eyes”
“Ocean Eyes,” Billie Eilish’s debut song released in 2015, marked the beginning of her meteoric rise. Written by her brother Finneas O’Connell, this hit song is well-suited for beginner guitarists looking to play contemporary pop music.
Learn how to play “Ocean Eyes” here.
19. Andra Day: “Rise Up”
“Rise Up” is Andra Day’s platinum-selling single from her debut album Cheers to the Fall. This empowering and soulful song translates beautifully to guitar and is accessible for beginners to learn and play.
Learn how to play “Rise Up” here.
20. Willie Dixon: “I Can’t Quit You Baby”
Willie Dixon’s blues classic “I Can’t Quit You Baby” was first recorded by Otis Rush in 1956 and later famously covered by Led Zeppelin. With just three basic chords (G, C, and D), this blues standard is a great introduction to blues guitar for beginners.
Learn how to play “I Can’t Quit You Baby” here.
Image alt text: Young woman happily learning easy pop songs on electric guitar using online guitar lessons.
21. Butch Walker: “Chrissie Hynde”
Butch Walker’s “Chrissie Hynde” is a folk-pop ballad from his album Afraid of Ghosts. This introspective, country-tinged song is melodically beautiful and uses chords that are within reach for beginner guitarists.
Learn how to play “Chrissie Hynde here.
22. Frankie Ballard: “Helluva Life”
Frankie Ballard’s country hit “Helluva Life” is about appreciating life’s blessings. This popular and uplifting song is certified Gold and utilizes a chord progression that is easy for beginners to grasp on the guitar.
Learn how to play “Helluva Life” here.
23. Carl Perkins: “Matchbox”
Carl Perkins’ rockabilly tune “Matchbox” requires only three chords (A, D, and E). This song is perfect for practicing alternate strumming and developing a solid sense of rhythm as a beginner guitarist.
Learn how to play “Matchbox”.
24. Elmore James: “It Hurts Me Too”
“It Hurts Me Too” is a blues standard, initially recorded by Tampa Red but popularized by Elmore James. Elmore James’ version, with just three chords (A5, A6, D5, D6, E5, and E6 variations), provides an accessible entry point into blues guitar playing.
Learn how to play “It Hurts Me Too” here.
25. Bonnie Raitt: “Something to Talk About”
Bonnie Raitt, known for her blues slide guitar and soulful vocals, achieved international success with “Something to Talk About.” This enduring hit showcases her signature style and is also beginner-friendly on the guitar, making it a great song to learn.
Learn how to play “Something to Talk About” here.
26. Muddy Waters: “Mannish Boy”
Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy,” released in 1955, is a blues classic known for its iconic bluesy riff. This song, which reached No. 5 on the Billboard R&B chart, is built around a riff and chord structure that are manageable for beginner guitarists to learn.
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 built on a single chord progression using just three chords (E, A, and B7). This New Orleans blues hit from 1953 is an excellent song for beginners to master a fundamental blues chord progression.
Learn how to play “Things That I Used to Do” here.
28. The Smithereens: “Blood & Roses”
The Smithereens’ “Blood & Roses” was a hit single from their debut album. With five chords (E minor, G, C, D, and A minor), this classic rock song is a great exercise in chord transitions and 8th note alternate strumming for beginner guitarists.
Learn how to play “Blood & Roses” here.
Image alt text: Close up of beginner guitar player learning easy guitar chords for songs, practicing finger placement.
29. Cracker: “Low”
Cracker’s 1993 hit “Low” requires only four chords (D, C, E, and G). This alternative rock song, which reached No. 3 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, is perfect for practicing basic chord switching and maintaining a consistent strum pattern as a beginner.
Learn how to play “Low” here.
30. ZZ Top: “Tush”
ZZ Top’s “Tush” is a hard rock classic, named by VH1 as one of the greatest hard rock songs. This 12-bar blues rocker can be simplified to a campfire version using just three chords (D, G, C), making it accessible for beginners to learn a hard rock rhythm progression.
Learn how to play “Tush” here.
31. Hank Williams: “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)”
Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” is a country classic that demonstrates his single-note-picking technique and songwriting prowess. With a simple chord progression and catchy melody, this song is a country favorite and uses only two chords, making it exceptionally easy for beginners.
Learn how to play “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” here.
32. The Beatles: “Here Comes the Sun”
“Here Comes the Sun” by George Harrison of The Beatles, from the Abbey Road album, is a universally loved song. Alongside “Something” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” it’s one of Harrison’s most celebrated compositions and is available in simplified versions for beginner guitarists.
Learn how to play “Here Comes The Sun” here.
33. The Cactus Blossoms: “Stoplight Kisses”
The Cactus Blossoms’ “Stoplight Kisses” has a retro, rockabilly vibe. This upbeat and jangly song, perfect for parties, can be played with just four chords (E, A, B7, and E7), making it a fun and easy song for beginners to learn.
Learn how to play “Stoplight Kisses” here.
34. Traditional: “I Shall Not Be Moved”
Mississippi John Hurt’s rendition of the traditional song “I Shall Not Be Moved” is a lesson in blues and folk songwriting. Covered by Johnny Cash, Son House, and Elvis Presley, this song blends folk, blues, and country and features three basic chords and syncopated rhythms in a simplified form suitable for beginners.
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 neo-soul feel. This popular song can be given a folky twist on guitar. Simplified versions focus on alternate and syncopated strumming patterns, making it achievable for beginner guitarists.
Learn how to play “Candy” here.
36. Blue Öyster Cult: “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper”
Blue Öyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” released in 1976, is their highest-charting single. Despite its haunting lyrics about mortality, this song, named Song of the Year by Rolling Stone, has guitar parts that are simplified for beginners to learn.
Learn how to play “Don’t Fear the Reaper” here.
37. Traditional: “Amazing Grace”
“Amazing Grace,” a hymn over 200 years old, remains deeply moving. Simplified guitar arrangements focus on fingerpicking in 3/4 time using chords A, A7, D, and E7, making it a beautiful and accessible fingerstyle piece for beginners.
Learn how to play “Amazing Grace” here.
38. Santana: “Oye Como Va”
“Oye Como Va,” written by Tito Puente and popularized by Santana, is a Latin rock classic. Santana’s rendition brought this song to a wider audience. Beginner guitarists can learn simplified chord versions of this energetic and iconic song.
Learn how to play “Oye Como Va” here.
39. John Legend: “All of Me”
John Legend’s piano ballad “All of Me” sounds beautiful on guitar. The intro and verse use open chords like E minor, C, G, and D, with A minor added in the pre-chorus and chorus. Its emotional melody and straightforward chords make it a rewarding song for beginners to learn.
Learn how to play “All of Me” here.
40. Kris Kristofferson: “Me and Bobby McGee”
“Me and Bobby McGee,” written by Kris Kristofferson and popularized by Janis Joplin, is a timeless classic. Joplin’s version topped the U.S. charts in 1971. This iconic song has chord structures that are simplified for beginner guitarists, allowing them to play a truly legendary song.
Learn how to play “Me and Bobby McGee” here.
If you’re eager to discover even more songs and guitar skills, explore Fender Play for a wealth of resources to further your musical journey.
