5 Easy Songs to Play on Guitar for Beginners Learning to play the guitar can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging, especially for beginners. One of the best ways to stay motivated and make steady progress is by playing songs you love. To help you get started on your...
Guitar5 Easy Songs to Play on Guitar for Beginners
November 1, 2023
5 Easy Songs to Play on Guitar for Beginners
Learning to play the guitar can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging, especially for beginners. One of the best ways to stay motivated and make steady progress is by playing songs you love. To help you get started on your guitar journey, here are five easy songs that are perfect for beginners. These songs cover a wide range of styles and are great for developing fundamental guitar skills. Here are 5 easy songs to play on guitar for beginners.
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Here are 5 Classic guitar songs to Master
- “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan
Chords: G, D, Am, C
“Knocking on Heaven’s Door” is a classic song by Bob Dylan, and it’s a fantastic choice for beginners because it uses just four basic chords: G, D, Am, and C. These chords are commonly taught in beginner
guitar lessons, making it a great starting point for new players.
The song has a simple strumming pattern, which you can play with downstrokes. It’s essential to work on your chord transitions while playing this song. Start by practicing the chord changes slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Remember to keep strumming! This song will help you develop your chord-switching skills and introduce you to the world of fingerstyle playing.
90’s Guitar Classic!
- “Wonderwall” by Oasis
Chords: Em7, G, Dsus4, A7sus4, C+9
“Wonderwall” by Oasis is a timeless hit and another fantastic choice for beginners. The song uses a few more chords than “Knocking on Heaven’s Door,” but they are all beginner-friendly. The chords you’ll need are Em7, G, Dsus4, A7sus4, and C+9.
This song introduces you to chord variations, which can add depth and character to your playing. The strumming pattern for “Wonderwall” is also straightforward, and the song has a recognizable melody that will make you feel like a pro as you play it.
Like the previous song, “Wonderwall” provides an excellent opportunity to practice chord changes and strumming. Take your time, practice, and you’ll be strumming along in no time.
- “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Chords: D, A, G
“Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival is an iconic rock song that’s not only easy to play but also incredibly fun. This song uses just three simple chords: D, A, and G.
The strumming pattern is a basic, steady downstroke rhythm that’s perfect for beginners. “Bad Moon Rising” is an excellent song to practice your timing and rhythm, which are essential skills for any guitarist.
Once you’ve got the hang of the chords and strumming, you can even experiment with power chords and riffs, adding your touch and feel to the song, making it your own.
2 More Guitar Classics!
- “Horse with No Name” by America
Chords: Em, D6/9, A6, Em7, D6, Dmaj7
“Horse with No Name” by America is another classic tune with a beginner-friendly chord progression. The song uses a variety of chords, including Em, D6/9, A6, Em7, D6, and Dmaj7. While it may seem like a lot of chords, these are simple open chords that are relatively easy to master.
This song is an excellent choice for those looking to expand their chord vocabulary and work on their finger dexterity. “Horse with No Name” also has a distinctive arpeggiated picking pattern that, once you’ve mastered, will make your playing sound more intricate and polished.
As a beginner, it’s perfectly fine to start by strumming the chords with basic downstrokes, and as you progress, you can explore the picking pattern. This song provides a great opportunity to advance your fingerstyle skills.
- “Let It Be” by The Beatles
Chords: C, G, Am, F
“Let It Be” by The Beatles is an iconic and timeless ballad that’s perfect for beginners. The song uses just four chords: C, G, Am, and F. These chords are some of the first that many beginners learn, making “Let It Be” an ideal choice for someone just starting their guitar journey.
The song’s strumming pattern is relatively simple, and it allows you to focus on your chord transitions and timing. Playing songs by The Beatles is always a delight, and “Let It Be” is no exception. It’s a song that can be a real crowd-pleaser when you play it for friends and family.
Tips for Beginner Guitarists
As you embark on your journey to learn these songs, here are some essential tips to help you along the way:
- Practice Regularly: Consistency is key when learning to play the guitar. Try to practice a little every day, even if it’s just for 15-30 minutes.
- Use a Metronome: A metronome will help you develop your sense of timing and rhythm. It’s a crucial tool for any guitarist.
- Focus on Chord Transitions: Smooth and quick chord transitions are vital. Practice switching between chords until you can do it without hesitation.
- Start Slowly: Don’t rush through the songs. Start at a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
- Play Along with the Original Tracks: Playing along with the original recordings can help you match your timing and strumming to the song’s feel.
- Have Patience: Learning an instrument takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t master a song right away. Be patient with yourself, and enjoy the learning process.
- Seek Guidance: If possible, consider taking lessons from a guitar teacher. They can provide valuable feedback and tailor your learning experience to your needs.
- Experiment and Have Fun: As you become more confident, don’t be afraid to experiment with different strumming patterns, picking styles, and even variations of the chords. Music is all about self-expression, so make the songs your own.
Bonus: “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz
Chords: G, D, Em, C
“I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz is a popular and cheerful song that’s a great addition to your beginner’s repertoire. The song uses just four basic chords: G, D, Em, and C, which are some of the first chords many guitarists learn.
The strumming pattern for “I’m Yours” is a laid-back, reggae-inspired rhythm that’s relatively simple to grasp. It’s a song that’s not only easy to play but also a lot of fun to sing along with.
Adding this bonus song to your list will give you another opportunity to work on your chord transitions and strumming while enjoying the playful spirit of the song. So, have fun strumming and singing along to “I’m Yours” while continuing your guitar journey!
In conclusion, these five easy songs to play on the guitar for beginners offer a great starting point for your musical journey. They encompass a variety of styles, from folk and rock to ballads, and provide the perfect platform to develop essential guitar skills, including chord changes, strumming, and fingerstyle playing.
Remember, the key to becoming a proficient guitarist is consistent practice and a love for the instrument. Enjoy the process of learning and playing, and over time, you’ll find that you can tackle more complex songs and explore a vast world of music on your guitar. So pick up your guitar, strum those chords, and let the music flow!
