Learning to play the guitar can be one of the most rewarding musical journeys anyone can embark on. From the moment a new player strums their first chord, the guitar opens up a world of self-expression, creativity, and even emotional release. But let’s be honest—starting out can be daunting. With so many songs, styles, and techniques to explore, it’s often hard to know where to begin.
That’s why many new players ask a fundamental question: What are the easiest guitar songs to learn?
This article serves as a detailed guide, showcasing beginner-friendly songs that build foundational skills without overwhelming the player. Whether you’re just picking up a guitar for the first time or revisiting the basics after years away, these songs will set you on a strong musical path.
Why Starting with Easy Songs Matters
Build Confidence Early
Nothing inspires continued practice like early success. When you can play a recognizable tune in just a few minutes, you’re more likely to stick with the guitar over time. Easy songs help eliminate the frustration that comes with trying to tackle more complex material too early.
Reinforce Basic Techniques
Simple songs are great for reinforcing essential techniques like chord transitions, rhythm strumming, and finger placement. Mastering these early will make learning intermediate and advanced material much easier later.
Improve Muscle Memory and Dexterity
Playing simple songs helps build the muscle memory needed for more complex guitar arrangements. This means smoother chord changes, more accurate strumming, and better finger coordination—all key elements of a strong guitarist.
Classic Beginner Songs That Almost Every Guitarist Starts With
1. “Horse with No Name” – America
This classic two-chord song is often one of the first taught in beginner guitar lessons. The entire song alternates between two simple chords: Em and D6add9/F#, which is easily played with just two fingers.
Why It’s Easy: Repetitive chord progression, slow tempo.
Skills Developed: Strumming rhythm, chord transition.
2. “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” – Bob Dylan
A timeless favorite, this song features the chords G – D – Am – C repeated throughout. The slow pace and familiar melody make it ideal for beginners.
Why It’s Easy: Predictable chord pattern.
Skills Developed: Open chord changes, rhythm strumming.
3. “Three Little Birds” – Bob Marley
Featuring just A – D – E, this reggae hit is a breeze to play. It’s also a great way to learn syncopated strumming patterns.
Why It’s Easy: Only three chords.
Skills Developed: Off-beat rhythm, chord clarity.
Easy Guitar Songs by Genre
Pop
4. “Let It Be” – The Beatles
This song uses chords C – G – Am – F, a standard pop progression. The chorus is repetitive and memorable, making it a beginner favorite.
Why It’s Easy: Familiar structure.
Skills Developed: Playing a full progression, handling minor chords.
5. “Someone Like You” – Adele
While known for piano, this song translates well to guitar using the chords C – G – Am – F. It’s emotionally resonant and slow-paced, ideal for newer players.
Why It’s Easy: Repetition, slow tempo.
Skills Developed: Dynamics, chord timing.
Rock
6. “Smoke on the Water” – Deep Purple
One of the first riffs many players learn, the iconic intro uses only single notes on one string. It’s more about melody than chords.
Why It’s Easy: Only uses power notes.
Skills Developed: Picking, fretboard familiarity.
7. “Wild Thing” – The Troggs
This song uses just three chords: A – D – E, and the progression is as straightforward as they come.
Why It’s Easy: Simplicity and repetition.
Skills Developed: Power chord transitions, rhythm.
Folk / Country
8. “Jolene” – Dolly Parton
While it might sound complex, this tune mostly revolves around Am – C – G – Em, played at a consistent tempo.
Why It’s Easy: Few chords, repetitive rhythm.
Skills Developed: Strumming in a steady tempo, minor chord voicing.
9. “You Are My Sunshine” – Traditional
A simple country standard that can be played with C – G – Am – F. Ideal for absolute beginners.
Why It’s Easy: Only a few chords and very slow.
Skills Developed: Open chords, singing while playing.
Guitar Songs That Use Just One Chord Progression
Learning songs that stick to a single chord progression throughout is a great way to build consistency and stamina.
10. “Stand by Me” – Ben E. King
Uses G – Em – C – D for almost the entire song. A perfect tune to develop a natural flow between chords.
Why It’s Easy: One progression repeated.
Skills Developed: Fluidity, timing.
11. “I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz
A modern classic that follows C – G – Am – F, making it both catchy and playable.
Why It’s Easy: Four chords on loop.
Skills Developed: Upbeat strumming patterns.
The Four-Chord Song Formula
Many popular songs use the same four chords: C – G – Am – F (or variations like G – D – Em – C). This pattern is so popular that it has been parodied and praised in equal measure.
Examples Include:
“With or Without You” – U2
“No Woman, No Cry” – Bob Marley
“Let Her Go” – Passenger
“Hey Soul Sister” – Train
Learning just this pattern can unlock hundreds of guitar songs with minimal extra effort.
Famous Guitar Riffs That Are Easy to Learn
Sometimes, you don’t need to play the whole song—just the iconic intro can be satisfying and recognizable.
12. “Sunshine of Your Love” – Cream
This bluesy riff is played using just a few notes and simple timing.
Why It’s Easy: Strong rhythm, short scale.
Skills Developed: Playing by ear, finger independence.
13. “Seven Nation Army” – The White Stripes
Possibly the easiest modern riff, played on one string using a few frets.
Why It’s Easy: Only one string.
Skills Developed: Alternate picking, fretboard movement.
Songs for Practicing Chord Changes
Some songs are especially helpful for mastering chord transitions, which are often a challenge for beginners.
14. “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” – Death Cab for Cutie
This one involves chord changes at a steady tempo and includes F, which can challenge a beginner but is valuable to learn early.
Why It’s Easy: Predictable changes, emotionally rewarding.
Skills Developed: Barre chord intro, tempo consistency.
15. “Brown Eyed Girl” – Van Morrison
The progression G – C – D – Em is a gateway to many classic folk and pop songs.
Why It’s Easy: Chords many beginners learn first.
Skills Developed: Playing with groove, smooth transitions.
Songs for Practicing Strumming Patterns
16. “Riptide” – Vance Joy
Involves Am – G – C and a catchy strumming rhythm that helps build right-hand technique.
Why It’s Easy: Repetitive pattern.
Skills Developed: Rhythm and timing.
17. “Wonderwall” – Oasis
While slightly more advanced, it’s worth including for its simple chords and unique strumming that’s great for building rhythm chops.
Why It’s Easy: Limited chord shapes.
Skills Developed: Syncopation, dynamic strumming.
Songs That Sound Great with Just One Chord
Believe it or not, a few songs sound great with only one chord—perfect for first-day players.
18. “Coconut” – Harry Nilsson
The entire song uses C7, making it a fun novelty and great practice.
Why It’s Easy: One chord only.
Skills Developed: Rhythmic variation, timing.
19. “Chain of Fools” – Aretha Franklin
This blues/soul staple revolves mostly around C. You can spice it up as you improve.
Why It’s Easy: Single-chord vamp.
Skills Developed: Groove, dynamics.
Best Resources to Learn These Guitar Songs
Online Video Tutorials
Platforms like YouTube offer step-by-step lessons for nearly every song on this list. Just search the song title followed by “guitar tutorial.”
Guitar Tab Websites
Websites like Ultimate Guitar, Songsterr, and Chordify are excellent for finding accurate tabs and chord charts.
Mobile Apps
Apps like Fender Play, Yousician, and Justin Guitar provide structured paths for learning songs with video and interactive feedback.
Final Thoughts
Learning guitar doesn’t need to be complicated or frustrating. In fact, the easiest guitar songs are often the most satisfying. They build foundational skills, confidence, and a love for the instrument that will carry you through more advanced playing. By starting with the right material, you set yourself up for long-term success.
So grab your guitar, pick a song from this list, and enjoy the journey. Every great guitarist started exactly where you are now—with a few simple chords, a passion for music, and a desire to play.
Related Topics
