Embarking on your guitar journey is an exciting endeavor, and what better way to start than by learning some of your favorite tunes? Diving into playing songs provides a fantastic foundation and a fun way to impress friends and family as you progress. While shredding like Van Halen or riffing like Cream might be the ultimate aspiration, remember that even guitar legends start with the basics.
So, grab your acoustic or electric guitar and explore these 40 simple songs, perfect for beginners to master with the help of resources like Fender Play. If you’re eager to begin, Fender Play offers a free trial for unlimited access to guitar lessons, no credit card required.
1. J Mascis: “Feel The Pain”
Drawing inspiration from Black Sabbath and classic rock icons, J Mascis and his band crafted a distinctive fusion of punk, rock, and indie alternative. “Feel The Pain” stands out as a great beginner song due to its straightforward structure and repetitive chords.
Learn how to play “Feel The Pain” here.
2. Oasis: “Wonderwall”
“Wonderwall,” a standout track from Oasis’s 1996 album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, became a global phenomenon, defining a new era of British rock. Its simple chord progression and iconic status make it an ideal choice for beginners eager to play a well-known song.
Learn how to play “Wonderwall” here.
3. The Bobby Fuller Four: “I Fought the Law”
Penned by Sonny Curtis of the Crickets, “I Fought the Law” is a timeless rebellious anthem, famously covered by The Clash. The Bobby Fuller Four’s version, recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” is beginner-friendly thanks to its campfire strumming style, which will help you develop a steady rhythm.
Learn how to play “I Fought the Law” here.
4. Carrie Underwood: “Blown Away”
Often hailed as the modern “Queen of Country,” Carrie Underwood’s “Blown Away” showcases her mastery of contemporary country songwriting. This chart-topping hit, with its simple chord structure, allows beginners to easily grasp a Grammy-winning country track.
Learn how to play “Blown Away” here.
5. Lukas Graham: “7 Years”
Danish pop sensation Lukas Graham achieved international fame with “7 Years” in 2015. This global hit, recognized with multiple Grammy nominations, is accessible for beginner guitarists due to its repetitive and straightforward chord progression, making it easy to learn and play along.
Learn how to play “7 Years” here.
6. Brad Paisley: “He Didn’t Have to Be”
Telecaster virtuoso Brad Paisley is a defining figure in modern country music, and his breakthrough hit, “He Didn’t Have to Be,” exemplifies why. This song is perfect for beginners as it focuses on refining strumming technique with an easy-to-follow rhythm and simple chord changes.
Learn how to play “He Didn’t Have to Be” here.
7. The Rolling Stones: “Honky Tonk Women”
Blending hard rock energy with country vibes, The Rolling Stones’ classic “Honky Tonk Women” dominated charts worldwide. Built around the G chord, this song, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, is excellent for beginners to learn foundational chords and the iconic intro riff.
Learn how to play “Honky Tonk Women” here.
8. Jimi Hendrix: “Purple Haze”
“Purple Haze,” released in 1967 by the Jimi Hendrix Experience, introduced many to Hendrix’s revolutionary psychedelic rock sound. Despite its iconic status and powerful sound, the basic chord structure of “Purple Haze” is manageable for beginners, offering a gateway into classic rock.
Learn how to play “Purple Haze” here.
9. Joni Mitchell: “Big Yellow Taxi”
Joni Mitchell penned and released “Big Yellow Taxi” in 1970, a hit from her acclaimed album Ladies of the Canyon. Inspired by a Hawaiian view marred by a parking lot, this song’s simple, repetitive chords and catchy melody make it a delightful and easy piece for guitar beginners.
Learn how to play “Big Yellow Taxi” here.
10. Buddy Holly: “Not Fade Away”
Buddy Holly’s 1957 hit “That’ll Be the Day,” with The Crickets, is a rock and roll classic inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. “Not Fade Away” is another excellent choice from Holly, utilizing just three major chords (E, A, and D) and offering beginners a chance to practice both basic down strums and more complex alternate strumming patterns.
Learn how to play “Not Fade Away.”
11. The National: “I Need My Girl”
The National’s “I Need My Girl,” from their 2013 release, is beautifully simplified for beginner guitarists. Using just four chords (A minor, C, F, and G) and a capo, this song provides a gentle introduction to minor chords and simple strumming, perfect for those just starting out.
Learn how to play “I Need My Girl” here.
12. Leonard Cohen: “Hallelujah”
Leonard Cohen, a celebrated songwriter and poet, is perhaps best remembered for his iconic anthem “Hallelujah,” famously covered by Jeff Buckley. The song’s elegant chord progression, while emotionally rich, is fundamentally simple, making it a rewarding challenge for beginners to learn and master.
Learn how to play “Hallelujah” here.
13. The Animals: “It’s My Life”
“It’s My Life,” originally performed by The Animals in 1965, is a song that champions individuality. With its powerful message and straightforward rock structure, the song is built upon a chord progression that’s easy for beginners to grasp, allowing them to play a song with significant cultural impact.
Learn how to play “It’s My Life” here.
14. Grace VanderWaal: “Clay”
“Clay,” from ukulele prodigy Grace VanderWaal’s debut album Perfectly Imperfect, is a heartfelt ballad about overcoming bullying. Featuring just four open position chords (G, E minor, D, and C), this song is exceptionally accessible for beginners and offers a gentle introduction to playing emotionally resonant music.
Learn how to play “Clay” here.
15. Delta Spirit: “California”
“California” marked Delta Spirit’s breakthrough into mainstream radio in 2012. This indie rock track, with its roots-rock influences and catchy strumming pattern, is based on four simple chords (A minor, C, G, and D). Beginners can quickly learn to play this popular song and develop their alternate strumming technique.
Learn how to play “California” here.
16. The Isley Brothers: “Shout”
“Shout” by The Isley Brothers, despite its moderate chart success initially, has become a cultural staple due to its infectious energy and longevity. Famous for its call-and-response structure and simple, repetitive chords, “Shout” is incredibly fun and easy for beginners to play, perfect for parties and gatherings.
Learn how to play “Shout” here.
17. Creedence Clearwater Revival: “Bad Moon Rising”
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising” is a classic example of upbeat music with darker lyrical themes. Its cheerful sound is driven by a steady, basic strumming pattern and fundamental chords (D, A, and G). This timeless rock tune is an excellent starting point for learning basic chords and smooth chord transitions.
Learn how to play “Bad Moon Rising” here.
18. Billie Eilish: “Ocean Eyes”
“ocean eyes,” Billie Eilish’s debut song released on Soundcloud in 2015, launched her extraordinary career. Written by her brother Finneas O’Connell, this hit song is surprisingly simple on guitar, making it an appealing and contemporary choice for beginners to learn.
Learn how to play “Ocean Eyes” here.
19. Andra Day: “Rise Up”
Andra Day’s empowering anthem “Rise Up,” a platinum-selling single from her debut album Cheers to the Fall, released in 2015, resonates with its message of perseverance. Its chord structure is accessible for beginners, allowing them to play a song that’s both meaningful and musically straightforward.
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,” first recorded by Otis Rush in 1956 and later covered by Led Zeppelin, is a blues standard. Using just three basic chords (G, C, and D), this song is a fantastic introduction to blues progressions and essential chords for any beginner guitarist.
Learn how to play “I Can’t Quit You Baby” here.
21. Butch Walker: “Chrissie Hynde”
Butch Walker’s “Chrissie Hynde,” released in 2014, is a folk-pop ballad that expresses a desire for escape and introspection through music. This song, with its country undertones, is built on a simple chord structure, making it an easy and enjoyable piece for beginners to learn.
Learn how to play “Chrissie Hynde here.
22. Frankie Ballard: “Helluva Life”
Frankie Ballard’s “Helluva Life,” a country hit from 2013, is about appreciating life’s blessings. Certified Gold, this popular track is built around a chord progression that’s easy for beginners to pick up, allowing them to quickly play a song with a positive message and catchy melody.
Learn how to play “Helluva Life” here.
23. Carl Perkins: “Matchbox”
Carl Perkins’ rockabilly tune “Matchbox,” originally recorded in 1956 and famously covered by The Beatles, requires only three chords (A, D, and E). It’s an excellent song for practicing alternate strumming and solidifying rhythm playing, perfect for beginners looking to improve their timing and technique.
Learn how to play “Matchbox”.
24. Elmore James: “It Hurts Me Too”
“It Hurts Me Too” is a blues standard, refined by Elmore James from Tampa Red’s original 1940s version. This blues song, with its variations on three chords (A5, A6, D5, D6, E5, and E6), offers a fantastic entry point into blues music and chord variations, accessible for beginner guitarists.
Learn how to play “It Hurts Me Too” here.
25. Bonnie Raitt: “Something to Talk About”
Bonnie Raitt, known for her slide guitar prowess and soulful vocals, achieved international success in the early 90s. “Something to Talk About” is one of her enduring hits from that era. This song is beginner-friendly, allowing new players to enjoy learning a Grammy-winning song with a catchy rhythm and manageable chords.
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 that runs throughout the song. Despite its powerful sound, the underlying chord structure is simple enough for beginners to learn, providing a great introduction to classic blues riffs and rhythms.
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,” a chart-topping R&B hit from 1953, is built around a single chord progression using just three chords (E, A, and B7). This song is perfect for beginners to master a fundamental blues chord progression and develop their rhythm and timing.
Learn how to play “Things That I Used to Do” here.
28. The Smithereens: “Blood & Roses”
The Smithereens’ “Blood & Roses,” their debut single, is a rock classic with a catchy melody and driving rhythm. Taught on Fender Play, this song uses five chords (E minor, G, C, D, and A minor) and introduces techniques like pivot fingers and 8th note alternate strumming, making it a slightly more challenging but still accessible option for beginners ready to expand their skills.
Learn how to play “Blood & Roses” here.
29. Cracker: “Low”
Cracker’s hit “Low” from 1993 is easily playable with just four chords (D, C, E, and G). This song, which reached No. 3 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, is excellent for beginners to practice basic chord switching with a consistent strum pattern, helping to build essential guitar skills.
Learn how to play “Low” here.
30. ZZ Top: “Tush”
ZZ Top’s “Tush,” recognized as one of the greatest hard rock songs by VH1, is a bluesy rocker that’s simpler than it sounds. This song, broken down to a campfire version on Fender Play, uses just three chords (D, G, C) and allows beginners to grasp a 12-bar blues rhythm progression within a classic rock context.
Learn how to play “Tush” here.
31. Hank Williams: “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)”
Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” is a country classic that showcases his single-note picking technique. This catchy tune, a No. 1 hit, features a simple chord progression with just two chords, making it incredibly accessible for beginners to start playing country music and learn basic song structure.
Learn how to play “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” here.
32. The Beatles: “Here Comes the Sun”
“Here Comes the Sun,” penned by George Harrison and featured on The Beatles’ Abbey Road, is a timeless classic. While the full song has some complex parts, simplified versions focus on beginner-friendly chords, making it possible for new guitarists to play a piece of Beatles history early in their learning journey.
Learn how to play “Here Comes The Sun” here.
33. The Cactus Blossoms: “Stoplight Kisses”
The Cactus Blossoms, a contemporary band with a vintage rockabilly sound, offer “Stoplight Kisses,” a jangly and upbeat song. Perfect for parties and lighthearted playing, this song uses just four chords (E, A, B7, and E7), making it easy for beginners to learn a fun, modern rockabilly track.
Learn how to play “Stoplight Kisses” here.
34. Traditional: “I Shall Not Be Moved”
“I Shall Not Be Moved,” popularized by bluesman Mississippi John Hurt, is a folk and blues standard covered by numerous artists including Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. This song, with its three basic chords and syncopated rhythms, is a great way for beginners to explore folk, blues, and country styles and learn about rhythmic variation.
Learn how to play “I Shall Not Be Moved” here.
35. Paolo Nutini: “Candy”
Paolo Nutini’s “Candy,” a global hit from 2009, blends neo-soul with a folky acoustic style. This song, given a folky interpretation on Fender Play, utilizes alternate and syncopated strumming patterns, offering beginners a chance to develop rhythmic complexity while playing a popular contemporary song.
Learn how to play “Candy” here.
36. Blue Öyster Cult: “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper”
Blue Öyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” a haunting track from 1976, is known for its eerie vibe and thought-provoking lyrics. Despite its complex sound and layered arrangement, beginner guitarists can learn a simplified version focusing on the essential chords and iconic melody, making it an intriguing song to tackle early on.
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 and universally recognized. Simplified versions for guitar focus on fingerpicking in 3/4 time using chords A, A7, D, and E7. This song is an excellent choice for beginners to explore fingerstyle playing and learn classic, emotionally resonant melodies.
Learn how to play “Amazing Grace” here.
38. Santana: “Oye Como Va”
“Oye Como Va,” written by Tito Puente in 1963 and popularized by Santana, is a Latin jazz and mambo classic. While the full arrangement is complex, beginner guitarists can learn simplified chord versions to capture the rhythmic and melodic essence of this vibrant and influential song.
Learn how to play “Oye Como Va” here.
39. John Legend: “All of Me”
John Legend’s piano ballad “All of Me” translates beautifully to guitar, as demonstrated in Fender Play lessons. The intro and verse use open chords (E minor, C, G, and D), with A minor added in the pre-chorus and chorus. This song allows beginners to play a contemporary hit and practice smooth chord transitions in a melodic context.
Learn how to play “All of Me” here.
40. Kris Kristofferson: “Me and Bobby McGee”
“Me and Bobby McGee,” penned by Kris Kristofferson and popularized by Janis Joplin, is a timeless classic of freedom and longing. This song, with its straightforward chord structure, is perfect for beginners to learn a song with deep emotional resonance and a significant place in music history.
Learn how to play “Me and Bobby McGee” here.
Starting your guitar journey with easy and enjoyable songs is the best way to stay motivated and see progress quickly. This list of 40 songs offers a diverse range of genres and styles, all simplified for beginner guitarists. Dive in, explore these tunes, and unlock your musical potential. For even more songs and structured lessons, check out Fender Play for a comprehensive learning experience and continue expanding your repertoire. Click here to start your free trial today and access hundreds more songs and skills to master.
