10 Easy Songs to Play on the Guitar for Beginners

Learning the guitar is a thrilling journey, and nothing beats the satisfaction of playing an actual song from start to finish. If you’re just picking up this mesmerizing instrument, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of ten easy songs that will have you strumming along in no time. These tunes are perfect for beginners, offering a mix of simple chords and catchy riffs that will enhance your playing skills while keeping the experience fun and engaging.

1. “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan

This classic track is a favorite among beginners for its straightforward chord progression. You’ll only need four basic chords: G, D, C, and A minor. These chords are some of the first you’ll learn on the guitar, making this song a great practice piece. Plus, the slow tempo gives you plenty of time to switch between chords, allowing you to build confidence in your finger placement and strumming. The song’s gentle rhythm can also be enhanced with a simple strumming pattern, like down-down-up, which helps in developing a sense of timing.

Once you get the hang of the chord changes, try singing along as you play. Not only does this make the learning process more enjoyable, but it also improves your multitasking skills—a handy ability for any guitarist. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a basic solo based on the G major scale, allowing you to experiment with melody on top of your chord-playing skills.

2. “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple

Arguably one of the most recognizable riffs in rock history, “Smoke on the Water” is a rite of passage for guitarists. The main riff is played on just a couple of strings and uses power chords, making it ideal for newcomers. You can play the riff using open strings and the third and fifth frets, which means you won’t have to stretch your fingers too far.

This song is excellent for practicing alternate picking, a technique where you use both downstrokes and upstrokes with your pick. If you’re interested in mastering this technique, Riffhard offers lessons from top metal guitarists who specialize in rhythm guitar, making complex picking patterns more approachable.

Once you nail the iconic opening riff, you can try your hand at playing along with the rest of the song. This will help you get used to playing in sync with other instruments, a vital skill for any aspiring band member.

3. “Horse with No Name” by America

With only two chords—E minor and a modified D6/9—this song is as simple as it gets. However, its catchy melody and laid-back vibe make it a pleasure to play. The repetitive nature of the chords allows you to focus on your strumming technique and rhythm consistency.

For beginners, mastering the rhythm can be more challenging than learning the chords themselves. In this case, try to feel the groove of the song, perhaps tapping your foot to internalize the beat. As you get more comfortable, you can experiment with different strumming patterns, adding dynamics to your playing.

One of the best parts about learning guitar is the freedom to give a song your own spin. With “Horse with No Name,” you can practice adding light palm-muting or changing the strumming pattern to suit your style. It’s a simple song, but it offers ample room for creativity.

4. “Zombie” by The Cranberries

Featuring a straightforward chord progression of E minor, C, G, and D, “Zombie” is an excellent choice for beginners eager to play a full song. The chords are easy to remember, and the song’s moderate tempo allows you to focus on chord transitions.

As you grow more comfortable with the basic chords, consider experimenting with dynamics. For instance, play the verses softly and the chorus with more intensity. This helps in developing your musical expression, an essential skill for any guitarist.

The riff in “Zombie” is also a fantastic introduction to lead guitar playing. It’s simple, repetitive, and can be played using just a few notes. Once you’re comfortable with the chords, try incorporating the riff into your practice routine. It’s a great way to transition from rhythm to lead guitar.

5. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

This Southern rock classic is an excellent song for beginner guitarists looking to practice both chords and riffs. The main riff revolves around the D, C, and G chords, and while it might sound complex, it’s relatively easy to master with practice.

The song’s intro riff is a great way to familiarize yourself with fingerpicking technique. Though it might feel a bit tricky at first, start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Playing along with the recording can help you understand the timing and feel of the piece.

If you’re looking to enhance your fingerpicking skills further, Riffhard has lessons focusing on intricate picking techniques taught by some of the best metal guitarists. You can use these skills to tackle more challenging songs in the future.

6. “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd

The acoustic guitar intro of “Wish You Were Here” is one of the most recognizable in rock history. The song uses a simple chord progression: G, C, D, A minor, and E minor. It’s an excellent piece for practicing chord transitions and developing a smooth strumming pattern.

For this song, focus on achieving a clean sound with each chord. Pay attention to finger positioning and pressure, as these play a crucial role in producing clear and resonant notes. As you play, listen closely for any buzzing or muted strings and adjust your finger placement accordingly.

The intro also offers an opportunity to practice simple hammer-ons and pull-offs, which are essential techniques for adding flair to your playing. These small embellishments can significantly elevate your performance, making your rendition of the song more engaging and dynamic.

7. “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley

Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” is not only a joyful tune but also a perfect song for beginner guitarists. It uses just three chords: A, D, and E. The reggae rhythm requires a different strumming approach, allowing you to practice off-beat strumming.

To capture the reggae feel, try using a muted strum on the off-beats. This involves slightly lifting your fingers off the strings after strumming, creating a percussive effect. It might take some practice to get the hang of it, but once you do, you’ll have a valuable new technique under your belt.

Reggae rhythms can be challenging at first, but they provide an excellent opportunity to work on your timing and rhythm skills. As you play, focus on keeping a steady tempo and letting the music flow naturally. You’ll find that this skill translates well to other musical genres, broadening your playing capabilities.

8. “Blitzkrieg Bop” by The Ramones

For those who love punk rock, “Blitzkrieg Bop” is a must-learn. Its driving rhythm and simple power chords make it a fun and energetic song for beginners. The main progression is based on A, D, and E, played as power chords, which are easier to finger and sound great when played loud.

Power chords are a staple in rock and punk music, offering a straightforward way to play songs with a big sound. Focus on muting the strings you’re not playing to keep your sound clean and avoid unwanted noise. This song is a great introduction to this technique, allowing you to experiment with different levels of distortion and dynamics.

Once you feel comfortable with the basic structure, try playing along with the recording. This will help you develop your timing and get a feel for the song’s energy, making your practice sessions more enjoyable. Plus, it’s always fun to channel your inner punk rocker as you crank up the volume and let loose.

9. “Wonderwall” by Oasis

Known for its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Wonderwall” is a favorite among beginner guitarists. The song primarily uses the G, D, A7sus4, Cadd9, and Em7 chords. These chords are easy to finger, especially if you keep your pinky and ring finger anchored on the same strings throughout the song.

The strumming pattern in “Wonderwall” can be a bit tricky, but it’s manageable with practice. Start by breaking it down into smaller sections, focusing on each part until you get the hang of it. Playing along with the song can help you understand the rhythm and feel, providing a more immersive learning experience.

One of the benefits of learning “Wonderwall” is its versatility. Once you’ve mastered the chords and strumming pattern, you can easily apply them to other songs with similar structures. This makes it a valuable addition to your repertoire, expanding your ability to play and enjoy music across various genres.

10. “Riptide” by Vance Joy

With its infectious melody and upbeat vibe, “Riptide” is a modern classic that beginners will love. The song revolves around the A minor, G, and C chords, making it easy to pick up. The simple chord progression allows you to focus on your strumming and rhythm, helping you develop a solid foundation for more complex songs.

The song’s distinctive strumming pattern might take some getting used to, but it’s an excellent exercise for building your rhythmic skills. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, try adding dynamics to your playing by varying the intensity of your strums. This can make a significant difference in how the song sounds and feels.

As you become more confident in your playing, consider experimenting with fingerpicking techniques to add variety to your rendition of “Riptide.” This will not only enhance your performance but also broaden your skill set, opening the door to more intricate songs and styles.

Final Thoughts

Playing these easy songs on the guitar is a fantastic way to build your skills and confidence. Remember, practice makes progress, so don’t be discouraged if it takes some time to master each piece. If you’re looking to expand your abilities and dive into more complex techniques, Riffhard offers lessons from top metal guitarists, providing a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for aspiring musicians.