40 Easy Beginner Guitar Songs To Master Now

Learning guitar is an incredibly rewarding journey, and diving into playing songs you love is the perfect way to kickstart your musical adventure. If you’re just starting your guitar journey and eager to play some tunes, there’s nothing more motivating than strumming along to familiar melodies. While shredding like Van Halen or riffing like Cream might be a long-term goal, remember that even guitar legends started with the basics.

So, grab your acoustic guitar or electric guitar and get ready to explore 40 easy beginner guitar songs that you can master with the help of resources like Fender Play. These songs are fantastic for building foundational skills and will have you making music in no time.

And if you’re excited to accelerate your learning, Fender Play offers a fantastic platform with structured lessons and song tutorials. You can even explore a free trial to get started today and unlock a world of guitar learning.

1. J Mascis: “Feel The Pain”

J Mascis, known for his work with Dinosaur Jr., draws inspiration from rock giants like Black Sabbath. “Feel The Pain” showcases his unique blend of punk, rock, and indie alternative. This song is a great introduction to alternative rock for beginner guitarists.

Learn how to play “Feel The Pain” here.

2. Oasis: “Wonderwall”

“Wonderwall,” from Oasis’s iconic album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, became a global anthem in the 90s and defined a generation of British rock. Its simple chord progression and singalong melody make it an ideal choice for anyone learning easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “Wonderwall” here.

Acoustic guitar player learning easy songs, focused practice for beginners.

3. The Bobby Fuller Four: “I Fought the Law”

Originally written by Sonny Curtis of the Crickets, “I Fought the Law” is a timeless rebel anthem. Made famous by The Bobby Fuller Four and later covered by The Clash, this song’s straightforward structure makes it perfect for practicing steady strumming patterns, essential for easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “I Fought the Law” here.

4. Carrie Underwood: “Blown Away”

Carrie Underwood is a modern country icon, and “Blown Away” exemplifies her storytelling and country songwriting prowess. This Grammy-winning hit relies on a single chord progression, making it surprisingly accessible for beginners looking for easy beginner guitar songs in the country genre.

Learn how to play “Blown Away” here.

5. Lukas Graham: “7 Years”

Danish pop band Lukas Graham achieved international fame with “7 Years.” This chart-topping hit from 2015, nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, features a catchy melody and a chord progression that’s manageable for those starting with easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “7 Years” here.

6. Brad Paisley: “He Didn’t Have to Be”

Brad Paisley, a Telecaster master, is a leading figure in contemporary country music. “He Didn’t Have to Be,” his first No. 1 hit, is an easygoing song that’s excellent for refining your strumming technique. It’s a great example of easy beginner guitar songs in modern country.

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. Topping charts in both the U.K. and US, this song, penned by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, is built around the G chord. Learning this song is a fun way to practice chord transitions for beginner guitarists interested in rock and roll easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “Honky Tonk Women” here.

8. Jimi Hendrix: “Purple Haze”

“Purple Haze” is a signature song by Jimi Hendrix, released in 1967. This track introduced many to Hendrix’s groundbreaking psychedelic rock sound. While known for its iconic guitar riffs, simplified versions are available for beginners to grasp the song’s essence, making it an aspirational goal for those learning easy beginner guitar songs.

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 classic with an important environmental message. Inspired by a view in Hawaii, this song’s gentle strumming and relatable lyrics make it a wonderful choice from the folk genre for easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “Big Yellow Taxi” here.

10. Buddy Holly: “Not Fade Away”

Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away,” originally recorded in 1957, is a rock and roll staple. With just three chords (E, A, and D major), this song is perfect for practicing both down strums and more complex alternate strumming patterns, solidifying rhythm skills crucial for easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “Not Fade Away.”

11. The National: “I Need My Girl”

The National’s “I Need My Girl,” released in 2013, offers a simplified strumming experience using just four chords (A minor, C, F, and G). Utilizing a capo makes this song even more accessible, highlighting how tools can simplify learning easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “I Need My Girl” here.

Beginner guitar player practicing chords with online lessons, learning accessible songs.

12. Leonard Cohen: “Hallelujah”

Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is a profoundly moving song, famously covered by Jeff Buckley. Cohen, a celebrated songwriter and poet, created a timeless anthem. Its chord progression, while emotionally rich, is also approachable for beginners wanting to learn impactful easy beginner guitar songs.

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 song with a powerful message of personal freedom. This song, written by Brill Building songwriters Roger Atkins and Carl D’Errico, is among the rock songs that contributed to social consciousness in music, and its structure is suitable for easy beginner guitar songs practice.

Learn how to play “It’s My Life” here.

14. Grace VanderWaal: “Clay”

Grace VanderWaal, known for her ukulele skills, wrote “Clay” as a heartfelt ballad against bullying. Featured on her debut album Perfectly Imperfect, this song uses four open position chords (G, E minor, D, and C), making it a gentle introduction to easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “Clay” here.

15. Delta Spirit: “California”

“California” was a breakthrough single for indie rock band Delta Spirit in 2012. Its catchy pop sound with roots-rock elements is driven by an alternate strumming pattern. Using just four chords (A minor, C, G, and D), it’s a great song to learn as part of exploring easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “California” here.

16. The Isley Brothers: “Shout”

“Shout” by The Isley Brothers might not have topped the Billboard charts, but it became a lasting classic thanks to its energetic and interactive nature. Perfect for parties and known from National Lampoon’s Animal House, its structure, though dynamic, can be simplified for easy beginner guitar songs learning.

Learn how to play “Shout” here.

17. Creedence Clearwater Revival: “Bad Moon Rising”

Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising” is a classic rock tune with a seemingly upbeat melody despite its ominous lyrics. Its basic, steady strumming and fundamental chords (D, A, and G) make it an excellent choice for learning chord switching, a key skill when starting with easy beginner guitar songs.

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 launched her career. Its ethereal sound and simple harmonic structure make it an interesting contemporary option for easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “Ocean Eyes” here.

19. Andra Day: “Rise Up”

Andra Day’s powerful anthem “Rise Up” is a platinum-selling single from her debut album Cheers to the Fall (2015). Its inspiring message and relatively straightforward chord progression make it a rewarding choice for beginners seeking soulful easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “Rise Up” here.

20. Willie Dixon: “I Can’t Quit You Baby”

“I Can’t Quit You Baby,” written by blues legend Willie Dixon, was first recorded by Otis Rush in 1956. Led Zeppelin famously covered it on their debut album. Using just three basic chords (G, C, and D), this blues classic is a foundational piece for anyone interested in blues easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “I Can’t Quit You Baby” here.

Electric guitar player learning pop songs, practicing easy chord progressions.

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 country-tinged song’s gentle pace and chord structure make it a peaceful option among easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “Chrissie Hynde here.

22. Frankie Ballard: “Helluva Life”

Frankie Ballard’s country hit “Helluva Life” (2013) is an anthem of gratitude. Certified Gold, this popular track’s positive message and accessible chord progression make it an uplifting and manageable choice for easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “Helluva Life” here.

23. Carl Perkins: “Matchbox”

Carl Perkins’ rockabilly song “Matchbox,” originally recorded in 1956, requires only three chords (A, D, and E). Covered by The Beatles, it’s excellent for practicing alternate strumming and solidifying rhythm, key techniques for mastering easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “Matchbox”.

24. Elmore James: “It Hurts Me Too”

“It Hurts Me Too” is a blues standard. While first recorded in 1940 by Tampa Red, Elmore James’s version from the 1960s became a hit. With only three chords (variations of A5, A6, D5, D6, E5, and E6), it’s a fantastic entry point into blues easy beginner guitar songs.

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 vocals, is a Fender signature artist. “Something to Talk About,” a Grammy-winning hit from her Luck of the Draw album, remains popular today. Its catchy rhythm and approachable chords make it a great song for those exploring easy beginner guitar songs with a bluesy feel.

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 known for its iconic riff. Reaching No. 5 on the Billboard R&B chart, this song’s rhythmic blues structure, while powerful, is based on patterns that can be simplified for easy beginner guitar songs practice.

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” (1953) uses a single chord progression throughout the entire song with just three chords (E, A, and B7). This New Orleans blues hit topped the R&B charts for six weeks, and learning its progression is a valuable lesson in basic blues structures for easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “Things That I Used to Do” here.

28. The Smithereens: “Blood & Roses”

“Blood & Roses” was a hit single for The Smithereens. Fender Play instructor Barrett Wilson guides learners through this song which uses five chords (E minor, G, C, D, and A minor). It’s a good song for practicing pivot fingers and 8th note alternate strumming, advancing skills beyond the most basic easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “Blood & Roses” here.

Learning guitar chords for easy songs, visual aids for beginner guitarists.

29. Cracker: “Low”

Cracker’s 1993 hit “Low” only requires four chords (D, C, E, and G). Reaching No. 3 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, it’s a great song for practicing basic chord switching with a consistent strum pattern, essential techniques for easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “Low” here.

30. ZZ Top: “Tush”

ZZ Top’s “Tush,” from their album Fandango!, is a hard rock classic. VH1 ranked it among the greatest hard rock songs. This 12-bar blues rocker, influenced by John Lee Hooker, can be simplified to a campfire version using a three-chord (D, G, C) rhythm progression, making it an achievable goal for learners of easy beginner guitar songs interested in rock.

Learn how to play “Tush” here.

31. Hank Williams: “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)”

Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” showcases his single-note picking and songwriting. This No. 1 Billboard Hot Country single uses a simple progression with just two chords, making it a quintessential and very accessible country choice for easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” here.

32. The Beatles: “Here Comes the Sun”

“Here Comes the Sun,” written by George Harrison and featured on The Beatles’ Abbey Road, is a timeless classic. Alongside “Something” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” it’s one of Harrison’s most beloved Beatles-era compositions, and simplified versions make it attainable for those seeking slightly more challenging but still manageable easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “Here Comes The Sun” here.

33. The Cactus Blossoms: “Stoplight Kisses”

The Cactus Blossoms bring a modern take on rockabilly with “Stoplight Kisses.” Its upbeat tempo and jangly sound are perfect for parties, and it only requires four chords (E, A, B7, and E7), making it a fun and energetic option for easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “Stoplight Kisses” here.

34. Traditional: “I Shall Not Be Moved”

“I Shall Not Be Moved,” in the version by bluesman Mississippi John Hurt, is a lesson in songwriting and classic country chords. Covered by Johnny Cash, Son House, and Elvis Presley, this song bridges folk, blues, and country with three basic chords and syncopated rhythms, offering a rich learning experience within easy beginner guitar songs.

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 its neo-soul vibe. This song, perhaps his most famous, is given a folky spin in lessons, unlocking its Sunny Side Up single with alternate and syncopated strumming, adding a contemporary flavor to easy beginner guitar songs.

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 known for its haunting vibe and lyrics. Despite its eerie theme, Rolling Stone named it Song of the Year. Simplified guitar arrangements allow beginners to approach this iconic song as part of their journey in easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “Don’t Fear the Reaper” here.

37. Traditional: “Amazing Grace”

“Amazing Grace,” over 200 years old, remains emotionally resonant. Simplified guitar versions focus on fingerpicking in 3/4 time using chords A, A7, D, and E7. Learning this hymn is a rewarding experience for beginners exploring fingerstyle within easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “Amazing Grace” here.

38. Santana: “Oye Como Va”

“Oye Como Va,” written by Tito Puente in 1963, was popularized by Santana. This Latin jazz and mambo song’s rhythmic structure and melodic lines, when adapted for guitar, offer a fun challenge for beginners ready to expand beyond typical easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “Oye Como Va” here.

39. John Legend: “All of Me”

John Legend’s “All of Me,” originally piano-driven, translates beautifully to guitar. Its intro and verse use open chords E minor, C, G, and D, with A minor in the pre-chorus and chorus. This modern ballad is a great choice for learning contemporary easy beginner guitar songs.

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 in 1969, became a hit with Janis Joplin’s version in 1971. Joplin recorded it shortly before her death, making it even more poignant. Its storytelling and relatively simple structure make it a compelling final song in this list of easy beginner guitar songs.

Learn how to play “Me and Bobby McGee” here.

To discover hundreds more songs and develop your guitar skills further, explore Fender Play for structured lessons and a vast song library. Click here to start your free trial and unlock your musical potential today!