When you start to learn anything new you should know that it’s never easy. The same goes for learning how to play the guitar. There are so many things you can do and so many things you can play. However, it’s not always easy and the best guitar players usually play complicated songs.
Luckily, this isn’t always the case and there are beautiful songs played on acoustic guitar that are easy and that will be a real treat for beginner guitarists.
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Knocking On The Heavens Door – Bob Dylan
This is one of the greatest songs by a Nobel prize winner, Bob Dylan. Furthermore, this is one of his most covered songs ever. Bands like Guns ‘n’ Roses, Eric Clapton, and many others recorded their cover.
One of the best things is that this song is rather easy to learn. You will have to learn only a few chords and you’ll be ready to play.
Knocking On The Heavens Door Guitar Chords
Patience – Guns ‘n’ Roses
Everyone knows Sweet Child O’ Mine and Paradise City. While this is not the most recognizable song by Guns ‘n’ Roses, it is a beautiful song nevertheless.
One of the best power ballads ever written is easy to play and one of the best songs from their second album called G N’ R Lies.
The song was inspired by the relationship between the singer Axl Rose and his ex-wife. The song is both emotional and easy to play.
In case you are going camping soon and want to bring an acoustic guitar to show off your skill, you better be prepared! To help you do that you can check out my post 45 Famous & Easy Acoustic Guitar Campfire Songs – Tabs & Lyrics Included
California Dreamin’ – The Mamas And The Papas
This song was written in 1965, and it is an important part of music history. Not only that the song was covered by Beach Boys and John Mayer, but it is also one of the easiest songs you can learn.
It is one of the best ways to improve your guitar skills and learn a bit of history as well.
California Dreamin’ Guitar Chords
Losing My Religion – REM
One of the greatest bands in alt-rock history, REM, and their most famous song might help you if you are a beginner guitar player.
Losing My Religion is easy to play, and you will enjoy every second of it. While they have some more complex songs, this one is easy and it can be played on the acoustic guitar.
Losing My Religion Guitar Chords
if you liking this list so far make sure to check my other list 35 Famous & Easy Acoustic Guitar Rock Riffs For Beginners chords or tabs included as usual
Yesterday – The Beatles
Probably the most popular band ever that caused Beatlemania, was never famous for complex songs. There are so many that you can learn, but I had to choose one.
Yesterday was written by Sir Paul McCartney and the song is the same age as California Dreamin’.
Not only that you’d be able to learn this song, but you will be able to play it for everyone since the Beatles are still loved by many people.
Layla – Eric Clapton
To be honest, this is not the easiest song on the list. There are so many chord changes and it is everything but simple. However, if you are able to play Layla, it is something that you’ll be extremely proud of.
The acoustic version was first played during Clapton’s MTV Unplugged show and it’s a simplified version of one of the best songs were ever written. The original was recorded by Derek and the Dominos in 1970 and features six guitars. So this will be quite an achievement even though the song is quite simpler compared to the original.
The song was inspired by Clapton‘s love for Patty Boyd who was the wife of George Harrison at the moment. The song is beautiful, emotional, and one of the best acoustic songs were ever written.
Like A Stone – Audioslave
Audioslave was a supergroup created by Chris Cornell and members of Rage Against the Machine. The song is one of the most emotional songs ever written and it’s definitely something you should try learning.
While the chords are simple, the main focus of the song is emotion and lyrics. Tom Commerford, the bass player of Audioslave, said that the song was about an old man waiting to die after all of his family and friends had passed on.
The lyrics were written by late Chris Cornell who is one of the greatest singers that ever lived.
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Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
Now, to spice things up a bit, we had to add one of the most recognizable songs out there. Written in the seventies by David Gilmour and Roger Waters, this song is without complexity other songs offer.
But it’s not the easiest song to learn as well. If you were looking for a bit of a challenge as a beginner, this song might be the right one for you.
The chords are simple, but you will have to learn a particular picking pattern that is the basis of this song.
Wish You Were Here Guitar Chords
Free Fallin’ – Tom Petty
This is the first song from Tom Petty’s debut album. Before he performed with the Heartbreakers and they played this song live after.
While you might not know this song from the name only, you probably heard it several times. It’s one of his most popular songs and it is a great piece you could learn.
Wonderwall – Oasis
Now, this is the song that every beginner knows how to play. It’s easy and everyone knows it. The hit by the band Oasis was written by Noel Gallagher guitarist and singer of the band.
Even though most guitar players won’t admit it, we all know how to play it. It’s one of the easiest songs that you can learn. Besides, learning how to play a song like this is a huge boost in confidence for any beginner.
Guitar learning is not easy and it’s such a great feeling when you finally manage to play a song correctly, so why not start with this one.
If you are interested to learn some more acoustic guitar songs, you can try some songs with a capo 30 Famous & Easy Acoustic Guitar Songs With Capo – Tabs Included
Heartbreak Hotel – Elvis Presley
Any rock list without the King of the Rock would be incomplete. While this song is legendary, it’s quite easy to play and it is played on the acoustic guitar.
You can watch one of his unforgettable performances where he plays a bit. This song has only a few chords so it will be a great starting point for any beginner player.
Heartbreak Hotel Guitar Chords
Ring Of Fire – Johnny Cash
Of course, one of the most popular acoustic guitar players out there, Johnny Cash, had to be on the list. The famous Man in Black recorded this song, and you’ll be able to play it with ease since it has only three chords.
But even though the song is rather simple, it still has a lot to offer, so you’ll undoubtedly have fun while learning it.
Redemption Song – Bob Marley
While this is not technically rock, you can still learn how to play this beautiful song. Furthermore, there is an incredible cover by Chris Cornell that he played on the acoustic guitar.
The creator of the reggae genre and one of his best songs had to find the way to the list. The best thing is that the song is played with chords only, and there is a simple strumming pattern.
If these songs are not challenging enough for you, then you can check more advanced ones on my list 50 Intermediate/Advanced Acoustic Guitar Songs – Tabs Included
Light My Fire – The Doors
This song is probably the most popular song by the Doors. It was recorded in 1967, and it became an instant hit.
Who would believe that this is one of their first songs ever! While the song has a recognizable keyboard intro, the guitar part is rather simple. You will need only a few chords to learn how to play this song.
However, if you are having trouble with barre chords this might not be easy. But it is a great song to perfect those difficult progressions and changes with barre chords.
House Of The Rising Sun – The Animals
Everyone knows this song. There are so many covers and the song is legendary for a reason. Also, it is not the hardest song to learn.
Furthermore, the song has four chords and they are all simple and easy to play. Besides, the picking pattern will help you a lot if you learn how to play this song. Because you would pick each string individually, you will practice both chord changes and right-hand coordination.
This is one of the best songs you should try to learn since there are so many great things you could learn from such a simple song.
House Of The Rising Sun Guitar Chords
Take It Easy – The Eagles
Now, when we say the Eagles, everyone will think of that incredible solo from Hotel California. However, this time we will mention something a bit easier.
The song Take It Easy is one of the things you should try to learn. While it might be tempting to jump straight to Hotel California, it might not be a good idea. It is always a better choice to start from the beginning and take it easy from there.
In time you’ll be able to play complex solos with enough practice. Until then, you should try one of the easier songs from legendary bands like the Eagles.
If you wish to learn songs that have a feminine voice in them, you can check out my list Top 25 Female Acoustic Guitar Songs You Must Learn To Play
Have You Ever Seen The Rain – Creedence Clearwater Revival
You probably know this number one hit from the seventies. Creedence Clearwater Revival or CCR was an American rock band that played during the sixties and seventies.
They have so many great songs and hits that it was hard to pick only one. The main reason for that was that the chords and strumming patterns are easy and beginner-friendly.
So why not practice one of the best-known songs in the history of music. You will love the song and the fact that you are able to play it.
Have You Ever Seen The Rain Guitar Chords
Mrs. Robinson – Simon And Garfunkel
If you watched the Graduate movie with Dustin Hoffman, you probably recognized the song. One of the most popular songs by Simon and Garfunkel is easy and beautiful.
Not only that the song is easy to play but it was covered by the great Frank Sinatra.
But to be honest, this is not the easiest song on the list, so it’s normal that you’ll have some issues with it until you perfect every part of the song.
American Pie – Don McLean
If you ever researched music history, you probably heard about the day the music died. This song was inspired by a tragic accident when Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and The Big Bopper.
They were pioneers of rock music and it was one of the most tragic moments in the history of music. But even though the song is over eight minutes long, it is quite easy to play.
The main focus of the song is lyrics and the chord progression is something every beginner will love.
All Apologies – Nirvana
Everyone heard about Nirvana and Kurt Cobain. While this is not their most famous song, it is still fun to play.
The song was released in 1993 on their third album In Utero, but the version from MTV Unplugged is probably something you’re more likely to remember.
Nirvana was never known for complex songs, and this one is no exception.
Wanted Dead Or Alive – Bon Jovi
While Bon Jovi is known for its rock songs, this one is a bit slower and it makes it perfect for learning.
The song was written by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora and was part of their third album Slippery When Wet.
Even though the song is a bit slower it is still considered as one of their signature songs.
Wanted Dead Or Alive Guitar Chords
Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life) – Green Day
Green Day is one of the best punk rock bands ever. While this song is not really an example of their music, it is fun to play and quite easy even for beginners.
Even though the song was never released as a single it gained popularity and sold over two million digital copies.
The song was written by singer and guitarist Billy Joe Armstrong and it was about his girlfriend who moved to Ecuador. The song was about his anger and pain for being left.
Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life) Guitar Chords
Ziggy Stardust – David Bowie
Ziggy Stardust is an alter ego of David Bowie and the name of one of his most popular songs.
The song was inspired by singer Vince Taylor who had a breakdown and believed that he was a perfect cross between a god and an alien. While this might sound complex, the song itself is not that hard to play.
There are several things that you’ll have to learn but in the end, it is one of the best songs for practicing different techniques.
Lola – The Kinks
The song was recorded in 1970 and the best thing about this song is that all of the chords are simple. There is only one 7th chord, but all the others are simple major and minor chords.
While it is not as popular as their You Really Got Me Going song, it is still a beautiful piece you should learn.
Angie – Rolling Stones
Angie by the Rolling Stones is one of the rare songs written almost entirely by Keith Richards.
It is a romantic acoustic song that describes the end of the relationship. Even though Richards said that the song was inspired by his daughter, he wrote later in his autobiography that the name was chosen randomly.
One of the best things about this song is how beautiful it sounds with only a few different chords. The song is undoubtedly something every beginner should learn.
Conclusion
Even though we had limited options when it comes to acoustic songs, these are some of the most popular and most influential songs in the history of rock music. Of course, not all of them are pure rock, but the idea behind them is still beautiful and is something you should consider practicing.
It would be impossible to write all the great songs out there, and there are so many by the bands we already mentioned. In the end, we decided to put one song per artist so you could have a variety of options when it comes to learning.
Finally, not all the songs on the list are super easy to learn and some might take you time to perfect. But one of the most important things when it comes to guitar playing is practice.
With enough time and practice, you’ll be able to play any of the songs on the list. When you conquer those chord progressions, you can continue learning solos from each song. Most of them have an intro and a guitar solo that is rather fun to play.
So keep practicing and keep learning until you become the best guitar player you can be.
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Thanks!