Starting your guitar journey is an exciting endeavor, and what better way to fuel your motivation than by learning to play songs you love? For beginners, tackling complex solos and intricate riffs can be daunting. That’s why focusing on easy guitar songs is the perfect approach to build your skills and keep you inspired. Learning simple songs provides a familiar and enjoyable foundation, making practice sessions fun and rewarding, especially when you can play tunes for friends and family.
While aspiring to play like guitar heroes is a fantastic long-term goal, remember that even the most legendary players started with the basics. Mastering easy songs will gradually build your technique, coordination, and musicality, paving the way for more challenging pieces in the future.
So, grab your acoustic guitar or electric guitar and dive into this list of 40 easy songs that are perfect for beginners. With the help of resources like Fender Play, you’ll be strumming along to these tunes in no time.
Ready to start playing today? Explore Fender Play for a wealth of lessons and song tutorials that will guide you every step of the way.
1. J Mascis: “Feel The Pain”
J Mascis, known for his work with Dinosaur Jr., blends punk energy with classic rock influences, creating a unique sound that’s both melodic and powerful. “Feel The Pain,” with its driving rhythm and relatively straightforward structure, is an excellent introduction to alternative rock for beginner guitarists. The song’s dynamics and recognizable riff make it engaging to learn and play.
Learn how to play “Feel The Pain” here.
2. Oasis: “Wonderwall”
“Wonderwall” by Oasis is a quintessential 90s anthem and a go-to easy guitar song for beginners. Its simple chord progression and strumming pattern make it incredibly accessible. This song is not only easy to learn but also widely recognized, making it a crowd-pleaser when you want to play for others. “Wonderwall” is a great starting point for anyone wanting to master basic chords and strumming techniques.
Learn how to play “Wonderwall” here.
Image alt text: Beginner guitarist learning easy guitar songs like Wonderwall on an acoustic guitar.
3. The Bobby Fuller Four: “I Fought the Law”
“I Fought the Law,” originally written by Sonny Curtis of the Crickets, gained fame through The Bobby Fuller Four’s energetic rendition. This classic rebel song, also famously covered by The Clash, is surprisingly easy to play on guitar. Matt Lake from Fender Play simplifies it into a campfire-friendly strumming song, perfect for practicing steady rhythm and basic chord changes. Its historical significance and catchy tune make it a fun and rewarding song to learn.
Learn how to play “I Fought the Law” here.
4. Carrie Underwood: “Blown Away”
Carrie Underwood, a prominent figure in modern country music, is often hailed as the “Queen of Country.” “Blown Away,” a Grammy-winning hit, demonstrates her contemporary country songwriting style and is remarkably easy to learn on guitar. With a single chord progression throughout the song, beginners can quickly master this popular track. Learning “Blown Away” is an excellent way to explore country music on the guitar while building chord progression skills.
Learn how to play “Blown Away” here.
5. Lukas Graham: “7 Years”
Lukas Graham, a Danish pop band, achieved international success with “7 Years,” a poignant and chart-topping hit. This song, nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, is also beginner-friendly on guitar. Its heartfelt lyrics and simple yet effective musical arrangement make it a great choice for learning to play pop songs. “7 Years” allows beginners to practice their strumming and chord transitions in a contemporary pop context.
Learn how to play “7 Years” here.
6. Brad Paisley: “He Didn’t Have to Be”
Brad Paisley, a celebrated Telecaster master, is known for shaping the modern country sound. “He Didn’t Have to Be,” his first No. 1 hit, is a testament to his songwriting and is also an excellent song for beginner guitarists. This easygoing track helps refine strumming technique and introduces common country chord progressions in a gentle and accessible way.
Learn how to play “He Didn’t Have to Be” here.
7. The Rolling Stones: “Honky Tonk Women”
“Honky Tonk Women” by The Rolling Stones is a classic that blends hard rock energy with country influences. This chart-topping hit, penned by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, is surprisingly approachable for beginner guitarists. The song heavily utilizes the G chord and offers a fantastic opportunity to learn essential rock and roll strumming patterns. Learning the iconic intro riff, verses, and chorus will be a rewarding experience for any beginner.
Learn how to play “Honky Tonk Women” here.
8. Jimi Hendrix: “Purple Haze”
“Purple Haze” is an iconic track by Jimi Hendrix, a pioneer of psychedelic rock. While Hendrix is known for his virtuosity, the basic structure of “Purple Haze” is manageable for beginners. Learning this song provides an entry point into classic rock and allows beginners to explore power chords and foundational rock rhythms. It’s a fantastic way to start understanding the building blocks of rock guitar.
Learn how to play “Purple Haze” here.
9. Joni Mitchell: “Big Yellow Taxi”
Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” is a folk classic with a strong environmental message and a catchy melody. Written in 1970, this song from the album Ladies of the Canyon is known for its simple, repetitive chord structure, making it a great choice for beginners. “Big Yellow Taxi” is perfect for practicing fingerpicking or basic strumming patterns in a folk style, while also learning a song with significant cultural impact.
Learn how to play “Big Yellow Taxi” here.
10. Buddy Holly: “Not Fade Away”
Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away,” originally recorded in 1957 with The Crickets, is a rock and roll staple inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. This song, with its three basic chords (E, A, and D major), is excellent for beginners to practice strumming. Fender Play instructor Nikki Stevens guides learners to start with down strums and progress to more complex, percussive alternate strumming. Learning “Not Fade Away” builds a solid foundation in rhythm guitar techniques.
Learn how to play “Not Fade Away.”
11. The National: “I Need My Girl”
“I Need My Girl” by The National, a band known for their introspective and atmospheric indie rock, is simplified for beginner guitarists by Jen Trani on Fender Play. Using just four chords (A minor, C, F, and G) and a capo, this 2013 single becomes very accessible. The capo makes chord shapes easier, ideal for those just starting to learn barre chords. “I Need My Girl” is a beautiful and gentle song to practice chord transitions and basic strumming.
Learn how to play “I Need My Girl” here.
Image alt text: Close up of a beginner guitar player’s hands learning easy guitar chords on fretboard of acoustic guitar.
12. Leonard Cohen: “Hallelujah”
Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is a profoundly moving and widely covered song. This iconic anthem, popularized by Jeff Buckley, is surprisingly approachable for beginner guitarists. While the full arrangement can be complex, simplified versions focus on basic chords and strumming, making it a rewarding song to learn early on. “Hallelujah” is excellent for developing fingerstyle or gentle strumming techniques and for learning a song with deep emotional resonance.
Learn how to play “Hallelujah” here.
13. The Animals: “It’s My Life”
“It’s My Life” by The Animals, a British Invasion band, is an anthem of individuality from 1965. Written by Brill Building songwriters Roger Atkins and Carl D’Errico, this song is easy to play on guitar and carries a powerful message. “It’s My Life” is a great choice for beginners to practice power chords and classic rock rhythms, while also engaging with a song that reflects the social consciousness of its era.
Learn how to play “It’s My Life” here.
14. Grace VanderWaal: “Clay”
Grace VanderWaal, known for her ukulele skills and heartfelt songwriting, wrote “Clay” as a metaphorical song about bullying. Featured on her debut album Perfectly Imperfect, this ballad uses just four easy open position chords: G, E minor, D, and C. “Clay” is perfect for beginners to practice smooth chord transitions and gentle strumming in a contemporary pop context. Its emotional depth and simple structure make it a great learning piece.
Learn how to play “Clay” here.
15. Delta Spirit: “California”
“California” was a breakout single for indie rock band Delta Spirit in 2012, gaining them significant radio play. This track combines jagged pop with roots-rock elements and features a cool alternate strumming pattern. Using only four chords (A minor, C, G, and D), as taught by Fender Play instructor Jen Trani, “California” is accessible to beginners. It’s an energetic and modern song to practice strumming variations and chord changes.
Learn how to play “California” here.
16. The Isley Brothers: “Shout”
“Shout” by The Isley Brothers is a soul classic known for its call-and-response structure and infectious energy. Despite not reaching the top of the Billboard charts initially, “Shout” became a gold single due to its enduring popularity, especially at events and gatherings. While the full band arrangement is dynamic, simplified guitar versions focus on basic chords and rhythms, making it a fun song for beginners to learn and play along to.
Learn how to play “Shout” here.
17. Creedence Clearwater Revival: “Bad Moon Rising”
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising” is a timeless rock and roll classic known for its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, despite its ominous lyrics. This song is perfect for beginners to learn basic chords (D, A, and G) and practice chord switching. Its consistent strumming pattern and simple structure make “Bad Moon Rising” an excellent starting point for anyone learning guitar chords and rhythm.
Learn how to play “Bad Moon Rising” here.
18. Billie Eilish: “Ocean Eyes”
“ocean eyes” was Billie Eilish’s debut song, initially released on SoundCloud in 2015. Written by her brother Finneas O’Connell, this hit song launched her career and is surprisingly manageable on guitar. “Ocean Eyes” is a contemporary pop ballad that allows beginners to practice fingerpicking or simple strumming patterns while learning a song from a modern music icon.
Learn how to play “Ocean Eyes” here.
19. Andra Day: “Rise Up”
Andra Day’s “Rise Up” is a platinum-selling single from her debut album Cheers to the Fall. This empowering and soulful song is also beginner-friendly on guitar. “Rise Up” provides an opportunity to practice basic chords and strumming in a modern soul and R&B context, while also learning a song with a powerful and uplifting message.
Learn how to play “Rise Up” here.
20. Willie Dixon: “I Can’t Quit You Baby”
“I Can’t Quit You Baby” is a blues classic originally written by Willie Dixon and first recorded by Otis Rush in 1956. Famously covered by Led Zeppelin on their debut album, this song is built around three basic chords (G, C, and D). Learning “I Can’t Quit You Baby” is a fantastic introduction to blues guitar and basic blues chord progressions. It’s a foundational blues song for any beginner guitarist.
Learn how to play “I Can’t Quit You Baby” here.
Image alt text: Smiling woman learning easy pop guitar songs on electric guitar with Fender Play.
21. Butch Walker: “Chrissie Hynde”
“Chrissie Hynde” is a folk-pop ballad by Butch Walker from his album Afraid of Ghosts. This song, released in 2014, is a heartfelt tribute to The Pretenders’ frontwoman and is easy to play on guitar. Its country-tinged melody and simple chord structure make “Chrissie Hynde” a gentle and reflective song for beginners to learn, perfect for practicing basic chord progressions and strumming.
Learn how to play “Chrissie Hynde here.
22. Frankie Ballard: “Helluva Life”
Frankie Ballard’s country hit “Helluva Life,” released in 2013, is an upbeat and positive song about gratitude. Certified Gold, this popular track is also beginner-friendly on guitar. “Helluva Life” is a great song to practice major chords and strumming patterns in a contemporary country style. Its catchy tune and uplifting message make it a fun song to learn and play.
Learn how to play “Helluva Life” here.
23. Carl Perkins: “Matchbox”
Carl Perkins’ “Matchbox,” a rockabilly classic from 1956, is built on just three chords (A, D, and E). This song is excellent for practicing alternate strumming and solidifying rhythm guitar skills. Famously covered by The Beatles, “Matchbox” is a foundational rock and roll song that’s easy for beginners to master and historically significant in rock music.
Learn how to play “Matchbox”.
24. Elmore James: “It Hurts Me Too”
“It Hurts Me Too” is a blues standard, first recorded in 1940 by Tampa Red, but Elmore James’ version is the most well-known. This blues track uses only three chords, with variations (A5, A6, D5, D6, E5, and E6), making it a fantastic entry point into blues guitar. Learning “It Hurts Me Too” introduces beginners to blues chord variations and classic blues structures.
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, is a celebrated artist. “Something to Talk About,” a Grammy-winning hit from her album Luck of the Draw, is also accessible to beginner guitarists. This enduring single is a great choice for practicing strumming and learning a song from a prominent female guitarist and blues artist.
Learn how to play “Something to Talk About” here.
26. Muddy Waters: “Mannish Boy”
Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy,” recorded in 1955, is a blues classic with a signature riff that permeates the entire song. Reaching No. 5 on the Billboard R&B chart, “Mannish Boy” is built on a relatively simple structure that’s manageable for beginners. Learning this song introduces foundational blues riffs and rhythms and is essential for understanding blues guitar.
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 a New Orleans blues classic with a single chord progression using just three chords (E, A, and B7). This 1953 hit topped the R&B charts and is a perfect song for beginners to learn basic blues chord progressions. The lesson on Fender Play focuses on mastering this standard progression, crucial for blues guitar.
Learn how to play “Things That I Used to Do” here.
28. The Smithereens: “Blood & Roses”
“Blood & Roses” by The Smithereens, the first single from their debut album Especially For You, is a power-pop classic that’s beginner-friendly on guitar. Fender Play instructor Barrett Wilson guides learners through this song, which uses five chords (E minor, G, C, D, and A minor). The lesson focuses on pivot fingers and 8th note alternate strumming, valuable techniques for beginner guitarists.
Learn how to play “Blood & Roses” here.
Image alt text: Beginner learning easy guitar chords for songs using colorful visual aids on Fender Play.
29. Cracker: “Low”
“Low,” a hit song from the rockers Cracker in 1993, uses only four chords (D, C, E, and G). Reaching No. 3 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, “Low” is a great song for beginners to practice basic chord switching and consistent strumming patterns. The Fender Play lesson focuses on these fundamental techniques, making the song very accessible.
Learn how to play “Low” here.
30. ZZ Top: “Tush”
ZZ Top’s “Tush,” a hard rock classic from their album Tush, is ranked among VH1’s best hard rock songs. This 12-bar blues rocker, influenced by John Lee Hooker, is simplified into a campfire version on Fender Play, using just three chords (D, G, C). Instructor Scott Goldbaum breaks down the rhythm progression, making “Tush” a fun and achievable song for beginners to learn blues-rock rhythms.
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 and songwriting skills. This No. 1 Billboard Hot Country single uses a simple chord progression with just two chords, making it exceptionally easy for beginners. Its catchy melody and straightforward structure make it a perfect entry point into country guitar.
Learn how to play “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” here.
32. The Beatles: “Here Comes the Sun”
“Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles, written by George Harrison, is a universally loved and uplifting song from the Abbey Road album. While the original includes more complex elements, simplified guitar versions focus on basic chords, making it accessible to beginners. “Here Comes the Sun” is a rewarding song to learn, offering practice in fingerpicking or strumming and learning a song of immense cultural significance.
Learn how to play “Here Comes The Sun” here.
33. The Cactus Blossoms: “Stoplight Kisses”
The Cactus Blossoms, a modern band with a vintage rockabilly sound, offer “Stoplight Kisses,” a jangly and upbeat song perfect for parties. Using only four chords (E, A, B7, and E7), this song is beginner-friendly and full of energy. “Stoplight Kisses” is a fun and modern rockabilly song to practice chord changes and upbeat strumming.
Learn how to play “Stoplight Kisses” here.
34. Traditional: “I Shall Not Be Moved”
“I Shall Not Be Moved,” a traditional song, has been interpreted by many artists, including bluesman Mississippi John Hurt, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley. Mississippi John Hurt’s version is particularly influential for guitarists. This song, straddling folk, blues, and country, features three basic chords and syncopated rhythms, making it a valuable learning piece for understanding diverse musical styles.
Learn how to play “I Shall Not Be Moved” here.
35. Paolo Nutini: “Candy”
Paolo Nutini’s “Candy,” a worldwide hit from 2009, blends neo-soul with a catchy melody. This popular track is given a folky spin in the Fender Play lesson by instructor Scott Goldbaum, making it accessible to beginner guitarists. “Candy” is a contemporary soul-folk song to practice alternate and syncopated strumming patterns.
Learn how to play “Candy” here.
36. Blue Öyster Cult: “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper”
“(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” by Blue Öyster Cult, released in 1976, is the band’s highest-charting single. Despite its haunting lyrics about mortality, this song is built on relatively simple chord progressions suitable for beginners. Its iconic status and beginner-friendly structure make “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” a unique and rewarding song to learn 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. This simplified guitar version focuses on fingerpicking in 3/4 time using chords A, A7, D, and E7. “Amazing Grace” is a beautiful and traditional song to practice fingerpicking techniques and learn basic chords in a different time signature.
Learn how to play “Amazing Grace” here.
38. Santana: “Oye Como Va”
“Oye Como Va” is a Latin rock classic written by Tito Puente and popularized by Santana. This energetic and rhythmic song is simplified for beginner guitarists on Fender Play. Learning “Oye Como Va” introduces beginners to Latin rhythms and basic guitar parts in a globally recognized hit.
Learn how to play “Oye Como Va” here.
39. John Legend: “All of Me”
John Legend’s “All of Me,” originally a piano ballad, translates beautifully to guitar. This contemporary hit uses open chords in the intro and verse (E minor, C, G, and D), with A minor added in the pre-chorus and chorus. “All of Me” is a modern pop ballad perfect for practicing open chords and gentle strumming or fingerpicking.
Learn how to play “All of Me” here.
40. Kris Kristofferson: “Me and Bobby McGee”
“Me and Bobby McGee,” written by Kris Kristofferson and first released by Roger Miller, gained immense popularity through Janis Joplin’s iconic version. This timeless classic, which topped charts after Joplin’s release, is also beginner-friendly on guitar. “Me and Bobby McGee” is a classic folk-country song to practice basic chords and strumming, while learning a song with significant cultural and musical history.
Learn how to play “Me and Bobby McGee” here.
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Discover more easy songs to learn in different genres: Easy Pop Songs | Easy Folk Songs | Easy Rock Songs | Easy Blues Songs | Easy Country Songs | Easy Songs for Electric Guitar | Easy Songs for Acoustic Guitar | Easy Ukulele Songs | Easy Bass Songs.
