Starting your guitar journey is exciting, and one of the best ways to stay motivated is by learning to play your favorite songs right away. Many aspiring guitarists unfortunately give up within their first year, often because they get bogged down in complex theory before experiencing the joy of making music. To help you avoid this and keep you inspired, we’ve put together a list of 52 Easy To Learn Guitar Songs perfect for beginners. This playlist is packed with fun, recognizable tunes that utilize simple chords and strumming patterns, ensuring you’ll be making real music in no time and staying engaged throughout your first year of playing and beyond.
This curated list of 52 songs is designed to be your musical companion throughout the year. Incorporate them into your practice routine and aim to learn a new song each week. If you encounter a song that feels a bit too challenging initially, don’t worry! Bookmark it and revisit it as you progress and build your skills with the easier tracks.
The songs selected for this list are beginner-friendly because they primarily use basic open chords. These chords are fundamental to guitar playing and are easier to fret, making them ideal for developing your finger strength and coordination. Each song entry includes chord diagrams to guide your finger placement. For songs that might include more challenging chords like barre chords, we’ve also provided simpler alternatives and fingering options to make them accessible to absolute beginners.
Don’t mistake “easy” for “boring”! This collection spans a diverse range of rock and roll, from upbeat anthems to slower ballads. You’ll find songs with simple three-chord progressions as well as those with seven or eight chords, offering a gradual progression in complexity. Whether you’re just starting out or are a more experienced player looking for a fun and quick play-through, these songs are guaranteed to be enjoyable.
To further your learning, consider exploring the CAGED chord shapes and experimenting with substituting triads for full chords. This will broaden your understanding of the fretboard and add versatility to your playing as you advance.
Click on any song title below to jump directly to the chords and diagrams for that song and start learning now!
1. “Nutshell” – Alice in Chains
Key: Em
Chords: Em7 – G – D – Cadd9
We begin our list with “Nutshell,” a powerful acoustic track from Alice in Chains’ Jar of Flies EP. This song features a simple four-chord progression in Em, making it beautifully melancholic and surprisingly easy to learn. The chord changes in “Nutshell” are made smoother by the use of the ring finger as a pivot point, simplifying transitions and making it an excellent choice for practicing fluid chord changes. This song is perfect for beginners to work on smooth transitions between basic chords and get a feel for emotive acoustic playing.
Listen:
2. “Learning to Fly” – Tom Petty
Key: C
Chords: F – C – Am – G
Tom Petty’s “Learning to Fly” from Into the Great Wide Open is iconic for its repetitive and straightforward chord progression: F – C – Am – G. This sequence repeats throughout almost the entire song with minimal variations, making it incredibly easy to memorize and play. “Learning to Fly” is ideal for beginners to build stamina in chord transitions and practice consistent strumming patterns over a simple progression.
Listen:
Chord Alternatives:
The F barre chord can be a hurdle for new guitarists. To simplify it, you can play it as a second inversion chord, omitting the root note on the 6th string as shown in the first alternative diagram. Another option is to play a root position F triad, which uses only three fingers and simplifies the chord even further while still capturing the essence of the song. These alternatives allow beginners to play along comfortably without struggling with full barre chords.
3. “Dead Flowers” – The Rolling Stones
Key: D
Chords: D – A – G
“Dead Flowers” by The Rolling Stones is a quintessential example of simple brilliance. Using just three chords – D, A, and G – this song is as easy as it gets for beginner guitarists. What’s remarkable is how these three chords create distinct verse, pre-chorus, and chorus sections, demonstrating how much musicality can be achieved with minimal chord vocabulary. “Dead Flowers” is a great song to learn to understand song structure and how different sections can be created with simple chord changes.
Listen:
4. “Rockin’ In the Free World” – Neil Young
Key: Em
Chords: Em – D – C – G – A
Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World” is an energetic rock anthem that’s surprisingly accessible to beginner guitar players. Played in the key of Em, this song uses a series of common open chords that are easy to grip. Learning “Rockin’ in the Free World” is a must for any beginner looking to add a bit of rock flavor to their repertoire while reinforcing essential chord shapes and transitions. It’s a fantastic song to practice strumming with more intensity and feeling.
Listen: “Rockin’ in the Free World” – Neil Young
5. “The Celestials” – The Smashing Pumpkins
Key: Em (F#m)
Chords: Em – G – D – Cadd9 – Am
“The Celestials” by The Smashing Pumpkins is an excellent song for beginners to develop their fundamental strumming patterns. Although officially played with a capo on the 2nd fret, the chords are presented here in their open forms, making them easier to learn initially. This song is perfect for practicing rhythm and timing while transitioning between simple chords, helping beginners develop a solid rhythmic foundation.
Listen: “The Celestials” – The Smashing Pumpkins
6. “Used to Love Her” – Guns N’ Roses
Key: D
Chords: D – A – G
“Used to Love Her” by Guns N’ Roses is another easy acoustic guitar song that shares a striking similarity with “Dead Flowers” by The Rolling Stones. It uses the same three open guitar chords – D, A, and G – making it incredibly simple to pick up if you already know “Dead Flowers.” The slight variation in chord progression offers a subtle learning step while reinforcing the same basic chord shapes, making it a great addition to a beginner’s songbook.
Listen: “Used to Love Her” – Guns N’ Roses
7. “One” – U2
Key: Am
Chords: Am – D – F – G – C
“One,” arguably U2’s most beloved song, is also remarkably easy to learn on guitar, making it a perfect choice for beginners. Its emotional depth combined with straightforward chords makes it a rewarding song to learn early in your guitar journey. “One” is excellent for practicing a slightly more complex chord progression while still using mostly open chords, and it’s a fantastic song to sing along to while playing.
Listen: “One” – U2
Chord Alternatives:
Like “Learning to Fly,” “One” includes an F barre chord which can be challenging for beginners. You can simplify this by omitting the root note on the 6th string to create a second inversion F chord, or by playing a root position F triad. Both options make the song significantly easier to play without losing its harmonic essence, allowing beginners to focus on the strumming and overall feel of the song.
8. “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Key: C
Chords: C – Am – G – F – C/B – Am/G
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” offers a gentle introduction to [slash chords]. Slash chords are chords where a note other than the root is in the bass, indicated by the slash in the chord name. In “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?”, the C/B and Am/G add a subtle sophistication to the chord progression without drastically increasing the difficulty. This song is a great stepping stone for beginners to start understanding and playing slightly more advanced chord voicings while still relying on familiar open chord shapes.
Listen:
Chord Alternatives:
As with previous songs, the F barre chord can be replaced with easier alternatives. You can use a second inversion F chord, which removes the barre from the 6th string, or a simple root position F triad. These substitutions maintain the song’s harmony while making it much more accessible for beginners who are still developing their barre chord technique.
9. “Ho Hey” – The Lumineers
Key: C
Chords: F – C – Am – G
The Lumineers’ “Ho Hey” is a testament to the power of simplicity in songwriting. It relies heavily on just four chords: F, C, Am, and G. This repetitive yet catchy progression makes “Ho Hey” an ideal song for beginner guitarists. It’s also a fantastic song for experimenting with different fingerings of the F and G chords, encouraging beginners to explore chord variations and find what’s most comfortable for them.
Listen: “Ho Hey” – The Lumineers
Chord Alternatives:
To make the F barre chord easier in “Ho Hey,” you can opt for a second inversion F chord or a root position F triad. These alternatives simplify the fingering, allowing beginners to focus on the song’s rhythm and strumming pattern without being hindered by barre chord challenges.
10. “And It Stoned Me” – Van Morrison
Key: G
Chords: G – C – D – Am – Em
“And It Stoned Me” from Van Morrison’s acclaimed Moondance album is a five-chord gem in the key of G major. It’s composed entirely of open chords – G, C, D, Am, and Em – making it exceptionally friendly for beginner guitarists. This song is perfect for practicing smooth transitions between a slightly larger set of open chords and developing a feel for the key of G major. It’s also a wonderfully melodic song that’s rewarding to play.
Listen: “And It Stoned Me” – Van Morrison
11. “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” – Green Day
Key: G
Chords: G – C – D – Cadd9 – Em
“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” from Green Day’s Nimrod album is instantly recognizable and surprisingly easy to play on guitar. While the song begins with arpeggiated chords, it’s equally effective and simpler for beginners to strum the chords. Featuring chords like G, C, D, Cadd9, and Em, “Good Riddance” is excellent for practicing both arpeggiation and strumming, and it’s a classic song that’s sure to impress friends and family.
Listen: “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” – Green Day
12. “Sweet Jane” – The Velvet Underground
Key: D
Chords: D – A – G – Bm – C#m – G# – E – B
Don’t be intimidated by the number of chords in The Velvet Underground’s “Sweet Jane.” Despite the list, the song is not overly complicated and offers a fantastic strumming pattern that’s incredibly fun to play. However, it does contain several barre chords, which can be tiring for beginners. “Sweet Jane” is a great song for developing strumming technique and rhythm, but it’s important to be aware of the barre chord challenge.
Listen: “Sweet Jane” – The Velvet Undergroundhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHxLawJONeQ
Chord Alternatives:
To make “Sweet Jane” more beginner-friendly, you can substitute triads for the barre chords. Triads are three-note chords that are much less physically demanding to play and still sound great in the context of the song. Using triad alternatives allows beginners to enjoy playing “Sweet Jane” without the fatigue associated with barre chords, making it a more accessible and enjoyable learning experience.
13. “I Remember You” – Skid Row
Key: G
Chords: G – Cadd9 – D – C – Em
“I Remember You,” Skid Row’s popular power ballad, is another excellent choice for beginner guitarists. While primarily strummed, it provides opportunities to incorporate subtle embellishments between chord changes, adding a touch of flair. This song is perfect for practicing consistent strumming and experimenting with simple melodic fills between chords, enhancing musicality and expression in beginner playing.
Listen: “I Remember You” – Skid Row
14. “Mother” – Pink Floyd
Key: G
Chords: G – C – D – F
“Mother” from Pink Floyd’s iconic album The Wall features a simple chord progression in the key of G. While the chords themselves are basic – G, C, D, and F – the strumming pattern has a unique intricacy that requires careful attention to rhythm. “Mother” is a fantastic song for beginners to refine their strumming precision and develop a sense of rhythmic complexity within a simple chord structure.
Listen: “Mother” – Pink Floyd
Chord Alternatives:
As with other songs featuring the F barre chord, you can use a second inversion F chord or a root position F triad as easier alternatives. These substitutions allow beginners to focus on mastering the strumming pattern and the emotional delivery of the song without the physical barrier of a full barre chord.
15. “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” – Bob Dylan
Key: G
Chords: G – C – D – Am
“Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” is a timeless classic by Bob Dylan and an absolute must-learn for beginner guitar players. Its simple four-chord progression – G, C, D, and Am – is universally recognizable and easy to master. This song is ideal for beginners to practice smooth chord transitions and develop a solid foundation in basic open chords. Its enduring popularity also makes it a great song to play for others.
Listen: “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” – Bob Dylan
16. “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?” – R.E.M.
Key: A
Chords: D – A – G – Bm – E
R.E.M.’s “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?” is a four-chord song that bursts with energy and is incredibly fun to play on guitar. The chord progression – D, A, G, Bm, and E – is relatively straightforward, making it accessible to beginners. This song is perfect for practicing faster chord changes and developing a more energetic strumming style. It’s also a great tune to boost your playing confidence with its upbeat tempo and catchy rhythm.
Listen: “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?” – R.E.M
Chord Alternatives:
The Bm barre chord can be simplified in “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?”. By removing the barre from the 5th string root note, you can play it as a second inversion chord. This modification makes the chord easier to finger, allowing beginners to maintain the song’s pace and energy without struggling with a full barre chord.
17. “Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Key: D
Chords: G – C – D – F
“Sweet Home Alabama” from Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Second Helping album is a Southern rock anthem built on a simple three-chord progression for most of the song, making it highly suitable for beginners. While the opening riff uses a Cadd9 chord, a standard C major chord works just as well for strumming along, simplifying it for new players. “Sweet Home Alabama” is excellent for practicing rhythm guitar and learning to play a song that’s instantly recognizable and widely enjoyed.
Listen: “Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Chord Alternatives:
Once again, the F barre chord appears in “Sweet Home Alabama,” and similar easy alternatives apply. You can substitute it with a second inversion F chord or a root position F triad. These options make the song more accessible for beginners, allowing them to enjoy playing this classic track without being held back by barre chord difficulty.
18. “Wild Horses” – The Rolling Stones
Key: G
Chords: Am – G – C – D – Bm – F
“Wild Horses,” a beautiful ballad by The Rolling Stones from their Sticky Fingers album, is a classic song that every guitarist will eventually want to learn. While it includes a few more chords than some of the simpler songs on this list, the slow tempo and familiar progression make it manageable for beginners. “Wild Horses” is a great song for developing chord melody playing and practicing more emotional and dynamic strumming.
Listen: “Wild Horses” – The Rolling Stones
Chord Alternatives:
“Wild Horses” features both F and Bm barre chords, which can be replaced with easier-to-play versions. Using triad versions or second inversion forms for both F and Bm will significantly reduce the difficulty, making this beautiful song accessible to beginner guitarists without sacrificing its harmonic richness.
19. “No Rain” – Blind Melon
Key: E
Chords: E – A – G – D – E7
Blind Melon’s “No Rain” emerged during the alternative and grunge wave of the early 90s. Primarily a four-chord song with an added E7 for a touch of color, “No Rain” has a distinctive groove and is incredibly fun to strum. The chord progression – E, A, G, D, and E7 – is engaging and relatively easy for beginners to grasp. “No Rain” is perfect for practicing rhythmic strumming and adding a slightly jazzy chord (E7) to your vocabulary.
Listen: “No Rain” – Blind Melon
Chord Alternatives:
If the E7 chord feels a bit awkward at first, you can swap it with a simplified version as shown in the chord alternatives. This simplified E7 maintains the song’s character while being easier for beginners to finger, allowing them to focus on the song’s rhythm and overall feel.
20. “Summer of 69” – Bryan Adams
Key: D
Chords: D – A – G – Bm – F#m – B♭ – C
Time to plug in your electric guitar and crank up the gain! Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ‘69” is a rock anthem that’s simply a blast to play. While it introduces a few more chords including barre chords like Bm and F#m, the energetic tempo and classic rock feel make it highly motivating for beginners. “Summer of ‘69” is excellent for developing power chord transitions (if simplified) or practicing barre chords in a high-energy context.
Listen: “Summer of 69” – Bryan Adams
Chord Alternatives:
If the Bm barre chord feels too challenging in “Summer of ‘69,” a simplified version, as shown in the alternatives, works just as well. This allows beginners to tackle this rock classic without getting bogged down by barre chord technique, focusing instead on the song’s driving rhythm and fun factor.
21. “Cover Me” – Candlebox
Key: Em
Chords: Em – G – D – Cadd9
Candlebox’s “Cover Me,” from their debut album, is a fantastic acoustic song ideal for beginners. The strumming pattern is quite basic, and the moderate tempo is perfect for practicing smooth and accurate chord changes. The chord progression – Em, G, D, and Cadd9 – is both melodic and easy to remember, making “Cover Me” an excellent tool for building foundational guitar skills.
Listen: “Cover Me” – Candlebox
22. “Brown Eyed Girl” – Van Morrison
Key: G
Chords: G – C – D – Em – D7
Van Morrison’s second entry on our list, “Brown Eyed Girl,” is another upbeat acoustic guitar song that’s simply fun to strum. Its cheerful melody and easy-to-play chords – G, C, D, Em, and D7 – make it a perfect sing-along song for beginners. “Brown Eyed Girl” is great for practicing consistent strumming and adding a 7th chord (D7) to your chord vocabulary, enriching your sound.
Listen: “Brown Eyed Girl” – Van Morrison
23. “Mr. Tambourine Man” – Bob Dylan
Key: G
Chords: G – A – D – Dsus2
Continuing with the theme of easy songs, Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man” is another great option for beginners. This song is played with a capo on the 3rd fret, and the chords shown are open form shapes relative to the capo. The simple chord progression – G, A, D, and Dsus2 – and iconic melody make “Mr. Tambourine Man” a rewarding and straightforward song to learn on acoustic guitar.
Listen: “Mr. Tambourine” – Bob Dylan
24. “Mr. Jones” – Counting Crows
Key: Am
Chords: Am – F – Dm – G – C
“Mr. Jones,” the breakout hit from Counting Crows’ August and Everything After album, is a fantastic song for beginner guitarists. The chord progression – Am, F, Dm, G, and C – is melodic and relatively easy to play, especially at a comfortable tempo. “Mr. Jones” is excellent for practicing a slightly more complex chord progression while still using mostly open and common chords, and it’s a great song to add to your repertoire.
Listen: “Mr. Jones” – Counting Crows
Chord Alternatives:
For “Mr. Jones,” the F barre chord can be replaced with easier versions. You can use either of the alternative voicings shown in the chord diagrams – a second inversion F or a root position F triad. These alternatives simplify the chord and make the song more accessible for beginners who are still working on barre chords.
25. “Tangerine” – Led Zeppelin
Key: Am
Chords: Am – G – C – D – Dsus2 – Dsus4 – Asus2 – Asus4
Led Zeppelin might not be the first band that comes to mind for easy guitar songs, but “Tangerine” is a notable exception. This acoustic gem is surprisingly beginner-friendly and introduces [sus2/sus4 chords]. “Tangerine” is a great introduction to suspended chords, adding a richer harmonic texture to your playing while still being manageable for beginners. It’s also a beautiful song that showcases a different side of Led Zeppelin’s musicality.
Listen: “Tangerine” – Led Zeppelin
26. “Bad Moon Rising” – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Key: D
Chords: D – A – G
Just three chords – D, A, and G – are all you need to play Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising.” This song is a testament to the fact that complex chord progressions are not necessary to create a great and enduring song. “Bad Moon Rising” is incredibly easy to learn and play, making it perfect for absolute beginners to build confidence and have fun playing a classic hit right away.
Listen: “Bad Moon Rising” – Creedence Clearwater Revival
27. “Into the Mystic” – Van Morrison
Key: E♭
Chords: C – G – Em – F
Another classic from Van Morrison’s Moondance album, “Into the Mystic,” is both beautiful and accessible for beginner guitarists. It uses a capo on the 3rd fret, and the chords shown – C, G, Em, and F – are open forms relative to the capo. “Into the Mystic” is a great song for practicing playing with a capo and learning a slightly more sophisticated chord progression that still relies on relatively simple shapes.
Listen: “Into the Mystic” – Van Morrison
Chord Alternatives:
As with other songs on this list, you can substitute the F major barre chord in “Into the Mystic” with easier-to-play versions. Using a second inversion F or a root position F triad makes the song more beginner-friendly while preserving its harmonic beauty.
28. “Wish You Were Here” – Pink Floyd
Key: G
Chords: Em7 – A7sus4 – G – D – C – Am
“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd might seem complicated at first glance due to chord names like A7sus4. However, don’t let the names intimidate you; the chords themselves are all quite easy to play, especially for beginners. The chord progression – Em7, A7sus4, G, D, C, and Am – is iconic and emotionally resonant. “Wish You Were Here” is excellent for learning to play slightly more extended chords (like 7ths and sus chords) without a significant increase in difficulty, and it’s a timeless song to add to your repertoire.
Listen: “Wish You Were Here” – Pink Floyd
Chord Alternatives:
As an alternative to the full Em7 chord in “Wish You Were Here,” you can use a simplified voicing as shown in the chord alternatives. This version makes the fingering slightly more comfortable for beginners, allowing them to focus on the song’s timing and emotional expression.
29. “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” – Tom Petty
Key: Am
Chords: Am – G – D – Em7 – A
Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” offers a great opportunity for beginners to explore dynamics in chord strumming. The song’s rhythm and feel are just as important as the chords themselves – Am, G, D, Em7, and A. “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” is perfect for practicing dynamic strumming and learning to vary your attack to enhance the musicality of your playing. It’s also a fun and energetic song that’s sure to keep you engaged.
Listen: “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” – Tom Petty
Chord Alternatives:
For the Em7 chord in “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” you can substitute the alternative voicing provided in the chord diagrams. This simplified Em7 is easier to finger and allows beginners to maintain the song’s groove without struggling with more complex chord shapes.
30. “Wonderwall” – Oasis
Key: Em
Chords: Em – G – D – A – C
“Wonderwall,” a massive hit from Oasis’ (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? album, is a 90s anthem that’s surprisingly accessible on guitar. While it involves some nuanced strumming techniques, the basic chords – Em, G, D, A, and C – are beginner-friendly. “Wonderwall” is a great song for developing more intricate strumming patterns and learning to listen closely to song details to capture the authentic feel.
Listen: “Wonderwall” – Oasis
31. “The Times They are A-Changin’” – Bob Dylan
Key: G
Chords: Em – G – Am – D – C
You could easily create an entire list of easy songs for beginners using just Bob Dylan’s catalog, and “The Times They are A-Changin'” is another excellent example. This classic folk song features a simple yet powerful chord progression – Em, G, Am, D, and C – that’s perfect for beginners. “The Times They are A-Changin'” is ideal for practicing fingerpicking patterns (though strumming works great too) and learning a song with historical and cultural significance.
Listen: “The Times They Are A Changin’” – Bob Dylan
32. “When I Come Around” – Green Day
Key: G
Chords: G – D – Em – C – Am
“When I Come Around,” one of Green Day’s biggest commercial hits from their Dookie album, is highly adaptable for beginner guitarists. The chords – G, D, Em, C, and Am – are presented here in open chord positions, making them easy to learn. Alternatively, they can also be played as power chords, which are even simpler to fret. “When I Come Around” is versatile for beginners, allowing them to practice either open chords or power chords depending on their preference and skill level.
Listen: “When I Come Around” – Green Days
33. “Buddy Holly” – Weezer
Key: F#m
Chords: G# – A – D – Dm – F#m – E – C#m
“Buddy Holly,” the song that launched Weezer into mainstream success from their 1994 debut album, is a fun and upbeat track that’s manageable for beginners. While it contains a few more chords including barre chords, the tempo and rhythmic strumming make it engaging to learn. “Buddy Holly” is great for practicing faster chord changes and learning to navigate songs with a slightly larger chord vocabulary.
Listen: “Buddy Holly” – Weezer
Chord Alternatives:
“Buddy Holly” includes several barre chords that can be modified to make the song easier to play. Using the alternative voicings shown in the chord diagrams, you can simplify the barre chords, reducing the physical demand and making the song more accessible for beginner guitarists without losing its essential sound.
34. “What’s Up?” – 4 Non Blondes
Key: A
Chords: A – Bm – D
“What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes is another fantastic three-chord song that’s incredibly popular and easy to learn on guitar. The chord progression – A, Bm, and D – is repetitive and straightforward, making it perfect for beginners. “What’s Up?” is ideal for practicing consistent strumming and focusing on rhythm and timing. It’s also a well-known song that’s fun to play and sing along to.
Listen: “What’s Up?” – 4 Non Blondes
Chord Alternatives:
The Bm barre chord in “What’s Up?” can be substituted with a second inversion Bm chord. This alternative is much easier to finger for beginners and allows them to play through the song without the challenge of a full barre chord, maintaining the song’s harmonic structure and playability.
35. “I Won’t Back Down” – Tom Petty
Key: G
Chords: Em – D – G – C
Released in 1989, Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” has become an iconic American anthem, and it’s also very easy to play on guitar. Like many of Tom Petty’s songs, it relies on a simple chord progression – Em, D, G, and C – that’s both memorable and beginner-friendly. “I Won’t Back Down” is excellent for practicing smooth chord transitions and learning to play a song with a powerful and uplifting message.
Listen: “I Won’t Back Down” – Tom Petty
36. “Small Town” – John Mellencamp
Key: G
Chords: G – D – C – Am
John Mellencamp’s “Small Town” is an uptempo classic that’s been a favorite for many years, and it’s also easily playable for beginner guitarists. The chord progression – G, D, C, and Am – is straightforward and catchy. “Small Town” is perfect for practicing faster chord changes and developing a more energetic strumming style. Its upbeat tempo and familiar melody make it a fun and motivating song to learn.
Listen: “Small Town” – John Mellencamp
37. “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” – Poison
Key: G
Chords: G – Cadd9 – D – C – Em
“Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” Poison’s signature 80s power ballad, is surprisingly easy to play on guitar. It features a straightforward strumming pattern and uses only open chords – G, Cadd9, D, C, and Em. “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” is incredibly beginner-friendly and is perfect for practicing consistent strumming and learning to play a classic ballad with emotional depth.
Listen: “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” – Poison
38. “About a Girl” – Nirvana
Key: Em
Chords: Em – G – C# – C#/G# – F# – A – C
Nirvana’s “About A Girl” from their Bleach album may have a longer list of chords, but it’s not as complicated as it might seem, especially for beginner guitarists. While it includes a few barre chords, the overall structure and tempo are manageable. “About a Girl” is a great song for gradually introducing barre chords into your playing and learning a song that showcases Nirvana’s melodic side.
Listen: “About A Girl” – Nirvana
Chord Alternatives:
If barre chords feel too challenging in “About a Girl,” you can use the alternative voicings provided in the chord diagrams. These alternatives simplify the barre chords, making the song more accessible for beginners and allowing them to focus on the strumming and song structure.
39. “Disarm” – The Smashing Pumpkins
Key: Em
Chords: Em7 – Cadd9 – G – Dsus4/F# – D – Em
“Disarm” from The Smashing Pumpkins’ Siamese Dream album features chords that are pretty straightforward – Em7, Cadd9, G, Dsus4/F#, D, and Em. However, the chord progression can be a little tricky at first for beginners. “Disarm” is a good song for practicing a slightly more unconventional chord progression and developing your ear for chord changes. It’s also a beautiful and emotionally resonant song that’s rewarding to learn.
Listen: “Disarm” – The Smashing Pumpkins
40. “Two Steps Behind” – Def Leppard
Key: A
Chords: A – D – G – E – F#m
Def Leppard’s “Two Steps Behind” is an acoustic song that’s perfect for beginner guitarists. It features a simple and easy-to-play chord progression – A, D, G, E, and F#m – with nothing fancy or overly complicated. “Two Steps Behind” is ideal for practicing smooth chord changes and learning to play a ballad with a gentle and melodic feel.
Listen: “Two Steps Behind – Def Leppard
Chord Alternatives:
The F#m barre chord in “Two Steps Behind” can be substituted with the alternative voicing shown in the chord diagrams. This simplified F#m is easier to finger and allows beginners to play through the song without the challenge of a full barre chord, while still maintaining the song’s harmonic content.
41. “Run-Around” – Blues Traveler
Key: G
Chords: G – C – Am – D
“Run-Around” from Blues Traveler’s Four album is an upbeat and easy song that’s excellent for working on chord changes. The chord progression – G, C, Am, and D – is repetitive and fun to play, making it a great practice tool for beginners. “Run-Around” is perfect for developing speed and accuracy in chord transitions and learning to play an uptempo song with a lively rhythm.
Listen: “Run-Around” – Blues Traveler
42. “Free Fallin’” – Tom Petty
Key: F (capo on 3rd fret)
Chords: D – A – Dsus4 – E
Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin'” is one of his all-time greatest hits and is incredibly easy to play on guitar. It uses a capo on the 3rd fret, and the chords shown – D, A, Dsus4, and E – are open forms relative to the capo. Like many of Tom Petty’s songs, “Free Fallin'” relies on a simple chord progression to create a timeless and beloved track. “Free Fallin'” is ideal for practicing fingerpicking (though strumming works too) and learning to play a song that’s both iconic and beginner-friendly.
Listen: “Free Fallin’” – Tom Petty
43. “Comfortably Numb” – Pink Floyd
Key: Bm
Chords: Bm – A – G – Em – D – A – C
Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb,” also from The Wall, is the second song from this album on our list. Despite the guitar solos, the chord progression is surprisingly easy for beginner guitarists, especially the verse sections. The slow tempo and heavy use of open chords – Bm, A, G, Em, D, A, and C – make it manageable to learn. “Comfortably Numb” is excellent for practicing slower chord changes and learning to play a song with a dramatic and atmospheric feel.
Listen: “Comfortably Numb” – Pink Floyd
Chord Alternatives:
The Bm barre chord in “Comfortably Numb” can be substituted with a second inversion Bm chord. This alternative is easier to finger and allows beginners to play the song more comfortably, focusing on the timing and emotion of the music.
44. “Love Me Do” – The Beatles
Key: G
Chords: G – C – D
For beginner guitar players, it truly doesn’t get any easier than “Love Me Do” by The Beatles. This iconic early Beatles hit features just three chords – G, C, and D – in a simple and repetitive progression. “Love Me Do” is the ultimate beginner song, perfect for learning your first chords and getting the immediate satisfaction of playing a recognizable and beloved tune.
Listen: “Love Me Do” – The Beatles
45. “Seven Turns” – The Allman Brothers Band
Key: G
Chords: C – G – Em – D – C/B
While The Allman Brothers Band are known for complex and virtuosic music, “Seven Turns” is a notable exception and is well within the reach of beginner guitar players. The chord progression – C, G, Em, D, and C/B – is melodic and manageable. “Seven Turns” is a great song for beginners to start exploring the music of The Allman Brothers Band and learning a song that’s both musically rich and relatively easy to play.
Listen: “Seven Turns” – The Allman Brother Band
46. “Rain King” – Counting Crows
Key: D
Chords: D – A – Bm – G – E
“Rain King,” another fantastic song from Counting Crows’ August and Everything After album, is an uptempo track that’s great for practicing chord changes. The chord progression – D, A, Bm, G, and E – is energetic and fun to play, making it a good workout for your chord transition skills. “Rain King” is perfect for developing speed and accuracy in chord changes and learning to play a song with a driving rhythm and catchy melody.
Listen: “Rain King” – Counting Crows
Chord Alternatives:
The Bm barre chord in “Rain King” can be substituted with a second inversion Bm chord. This alternative is easier to finger and allows beginners to maintain the song’s tempo and energy without being hindered by barre chord difficulty.
47. “Heart of Gold” – Neil Young
Key: Em
Chords: Em7 – D – Em – G – C
Neil Young, like Bob Dylan and Tom Petty, has a knack for creating timeless music with simple chord progressions, and “Heart of Gold” is a perfect example. The chord progression – Em7, D, Em, G, and C – is both iconic and easy to learn on guitar. “Heart of Gold” is ideal for practicing fingerpicking patterns (though strumming is also common) and learning to play a song that’s both beautiful and deeply resonant.
Listen: “Heart of Gold” – Neil Young
Chord Alternatives:
For the Em7 chord in “Heart of Gold,” you can use the alternative voicing provided in the chord diagrams. This simplified Em7 is easier to finger and allows beginners to focus on the song’s gentle rhythm and melodic feel.
48. “Polly” – Nirvana
Key: Em
Chords: Em – G – C – D – B♭
Nirvana’s “Polly” from Nevermind is a straightforward acoustic song that’s well-suited for beginner guitarists. The chord progression – Em, G, C, D, and B♭ – is relatively simple and easy to follow. “Polly” is a great song for practicing strumming and learning to play a Nirvana song that’s different from their more famous electric anthems.
Listen: “Polly” – Nirvana
Chord Alternatives:
The B♭ barre chord in “Polly” can be replaced with a B♭ power chord. Power chords are much simpler to finger than barre chords, making this substitution ideal for beginners who are not yet comfortable with barre chords.
49. “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” – The Proclaimers
Key: E
Chords: E – A – B – C#m – F#m
The Proclaimers’ “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” provides a fun opportunity for beginners to practice a staccato style strumming pattern. The chord progression – E, A, B, C#m, and F#m – is upbeat and repetitive. “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” is excellent for developing rhythmic precision and learning to play a song with a distinctive and energetic strumming style.
Listen: “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” – The Proclaimers
Chord Alternatives:
“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” includes B, C#m, and F#m barre chords, which can be substituted with alternative voicings as shown in the chord diagrams. Using these alternative versions makes the song significantly easier to play for beginners, allowing them to focus on the unique strumming pattern and overall feel of the song.
50. “3am” – Matchbox Twenty
Key: G
Chords: G – Cadd9 – D – Em
Matchbox Twenty’s “3am,” from their Yourself or Someone Like You album, is a catchy and melodic song that uses easy-to-play open chords. The chord progression – G, Cadd9, D, and Em – is both memorable and beginner-friendly. “3am” is perfect for practicing smooth chord changes and learning to play a song with a contemporary pop-rock feel.
Listen: “3AM” – Matchbox Twenty
51. “Simple Man” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Key: C
Chords: C – G – Am
“Simple Man,” another three-chord masterpiece from Lynyrd Skynyrd, is a beautiful and emotionally resonant song that’s also incredibly easy to play on guitar. The chord progression – C, G, and Am – is simple yet powerful. While the recorded version features arpeggiated chords, strumming them sounds just as great and is easier for beginners. “Simple Man” is ideal for practicing both arpeggiation and strumming and learning to play a song with deep emotional impact and simple musicality.
Listen: “Simple Man” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
52. “Wild Thing” – The Troggs
Key: A
Chords: A – D – E – G
No list of easy guitar songs would be complete without “Wild Thing” by The Troggs. This classic rock anthem is incredibly simple, mostly using a 1-4-5 chord progression in the key of A – A, D, and E, with a G chord added for a bit of variation. “Wild Thing” is one of the easiest rock songs to learn and is perfect for beginners to have fun rocking out with just a few basic chords.
Listen: “Wild Thing” – The Troggs
Wrap Up
When you’re just starting out with guitar, learning songs right away is absolutely key. It’s what likely inspired you to pick up the instrument in the first place! This list of 52 easy to learn guitar songs offers a wide range of musical styles and ensures that your learning journey remains fun, engaging, and constantly motivating. By mastering these songs, you’ll build a solid foundation, expand your chord vocabulary, and, most importantly, enjoy the process of making music.
Once you feel ready to explore lead guitar, be sure to check out our Easy Guitar Solos lesson for beginner-friendly solos that will help you take your guitar playing to the next level. Keep practicing, keep learning new songs, and most importantly, keep having fun with your guitar!
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