So, you have just started your journey with the acoustic guitar. There are a lot of important things you need to practice and develop to further your abilities. Things such as scales, chords, and rhythmic patterns are important elements to study individually.
However, sometimes these things can be overwhelming at first and you just want to have fun and play some of your favorite songs. I believe this is the right way for every beginner to start learning. Playing your favorite songs, having fun play guitar, and on the way learning chords, rhythm, and strumming patterns.
So let’s get started. Choose one of these 50 songs and master it fully.
Eleanor Rigby – The Beatles
Eleanor Rigby is a song by English band, The Beatles. It is part of their 7th studio album, Revolver, and is one of their most popular songs. Paul McCartney primarily wrote this song.
This is a two-chord song in the key of Em. However, the Em chord has two sets of variations. You also have an Em7 chord and an Em6, which includes the note C#. This note is not part of the scale. A good song to learn a bit of outside notes.
Take Me Home Country Roads – John Denver
This country song is one of the most known tracks of John Denver. It was released in 1971 and appeared on the album Poems, Prayers & Promises. It is a legendary and ageless tune.
You’ll need a capo on the 2nd fret to play this one. Fast-changing country-style chord progressions are the base of the song. It goes the same except for the bridge part.
Take Me Home Country Roads Guitar Chords
Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol
Chasing Cars is a song written by Scottish-Northern Irish band, Snow Patrol. It is their most successful song and was part of their fourth studio album, Eyes Open.
This song is in the key of A and has all open chords. The D chord in this song has a couple of variations, Dsus2 and Dmaj7. They are still simple chords to play and Chasing Cars is overall a great song for beginners.
If these tunes seem to easy for you, you might want to check out my other acoustic guitar songs article Top 50 Most Beautiful Acoustic Guitar Songs – Tabs Included
I Will Follow You Into The Dark – Death Cab For Cutie
I Will Follow You Into The Dark is the most popular song from American indie rock band, Death Cab For Cutie. This song is a simple acoustic ballad that is great for beginner players.
This song is in the key of Dm and you can use a capo on the 5th fret to have all the basic open chords at your disposal.
I Will Follow You Into The Dark Chords
The A Team – Ed Sheeran
The A Team is the solo debut single from Ed Sheeran’s prolific career. Part of his debut album +, released in 2011, this is only a song of the many ones in this album that are excellent starter songs.
This song is in the key of A and has only open chords, including C major. C major is not part of the scale and shows you a bit of how modulation works in popular music.
Impossible – James Arthur
Here is an absolute beginner tune to play. This pop, r&b tune became popular with the TV Show The X Factor. It was released as a single later in 2012 by Sony Music. You can find it on the self-titled album of James Arthur.
The tune has only 4 chords to play and 2 simple chord progressions. You’ll be good to go with an easy strumming pattern and an acoustic guitar!
Tears In Heaven – Eric Clapton
Tears in Heaven is a song written by blues legend Eric Clapton and Will Jennings. This song was written about the death of Clapton’s four-year-old son, Conor.
This song is in the key of A but has some chords outside of the scale. While this song is slightly more complex than other songs on this list, it is a great song to challenge your skills and help you improve.
IF you are looking for some easy and funs songs to play on electric guitar, this list has it all Top 60 Most Fun & Easy Songs To Play On Guitar – Tabs Included
Iris – Goo Goo Dolls
Iris is a song from the American alternative rock band Goo Goo Dolls. It is part of their sixth album, Dizzy Up the Girl, and is considered one of the main factors to their professional success.
This song is in the key of Bm and has some barre chords. In order to simplify this song, you may use a capo on the 2nd fret and use all open chords. However, this is a great chord to develop hand strength for barre chords.
Back To December – Taylor Swift
This one is a 2010 release by the famous pop singer. It brought her so much success and became a career milestone. It received a couple of awards in the same year.
Have a capo on the 2nd fret on your acoustic guitar. You can play this country pop song with only 5 basic chords in the first position. It was written in the key of C.
Back To December Guitar Chords
Horse With No Name – America
Horse With No Name is a song by folk-rock band, America. This song was part of their self-titled debut album and became their first and most successful single.
Horse With No Name is in the key of Em and is a very simple song to learn as you only need two fingers to do all chords.
Horse With No Name Guitar Chords
Have you Ever Seen The Rain? – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Have You Ever Seen The Rain is a song by American roots rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival. It was written by founding member John Fogerty and is one of their most successful songs.
This song is in the key of C and is a very straightforward song. To make it more interesting, you can use some chord inversions such as G/B. This means you’ll play a regular G chord but with the note B as the bass. You’ll see it on the chord chart.
Have you Ever Seen The Rain? Guitar Chords
The Only Exception – Paramore
This soft rock pop band released the beautiful track in 2010. The band recorded it in Lightning Sound Studios in California. You can find it in their third studio album.
The song has mellow chord progressions throughout the song. It just sounds amazing and very fun to play. It requires a capo on the 2nd fret.
The Only Exception Guitar Chords
Sound Of Silence – Paul Simon
Sound Of Silence is one of the most popular songs in contemporary music. It was written by songwriter Paul Simon and performed by duo Simon & Garfunkel.
This song is in the key of Ebm, but a capo on the 6th fret uncomplicates things. You’ll only need your basic open chords. Another great version to see is the one from the American heavy metal band Disturbed.
Sound Of Silence Guitar Chords
Free Fallin’ – Tom Petty
Free Fallin’ is one of the many prolific songs from American singer-songwriter Tom Petty. It is the opening track from his debut solo album and is his most successful song as well as his longest-charting one.
This song is in the key of D and a capo on the 3rd fret will allow you to play this song with ease.
Broken Vessels Amazing Grace – Hillsong Worship
The famous Christian pop-rock song was released in 2014. It can be found in the band’s album No Other Name. This collective of musicians has made great records and performances for years.
This tune is in the key of G and consists of only 4 open chords. Both the instruments and the vocals are fascinating. Take a deep breath and get in!
Broken Vessels Amazing Grace Guitar Chords
Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers
Ain’t No Sunshine is a song by American singer-songwriter Bill Withers. It was part of his 1971 album Just As I Am and is one of the most successful songs of his career.
This song is in the key of Am and has only three chords for you: Am, Dm, and Em. Apart from that, you get a small variation of Em where you have the G note on the bass (I previously mentioned these chords are chord inversions).
Ain’t No Sunshine Guitar Chords
Daughters – John Mayer
Daughter is a song by American singer-songwriter and guitar master John Mayer. It was released as a single from his second album Heavier Things. Daughters was very successful, earning him a Grammy in 2005.
This song is in the key of D and has some nice chord variations. This makes it slightly more complex than some other songs from this list. It is still a relatively simple song to learn and a great challenge for beginners.
Redemption Song – Bob Marley
Here is one of Marley’s most popular but less reggae-style tracks. It has more of a folky protest side to it. It was released in 1980 with the Uprising album. Especially the lyrics are very impressive.
As I said, this is a non-reggae song. So it doesn’t have the off-beat reggae strumming pattern. He plays a basic acoustic strumming pattern while shifting the basic chords. There is also an intro melody you can easily play.
More Than Words – Extreme
More Than Words is a rock ballad from American band Extreme. Despite it being a very different style from their other music, More Than Words is one of their most successful songs.
This song is in the key of Gb, but not to worry! By tuning down your guitar one half-step, you can play this song as if it were in G. A great ballad for beginner guitarists.
3Am – Matchbox Twenty
This band is a great rock band from the 90s. They have amazing tunes. This 1997 track appeared on the album, Yourself or Someone Like You.
The tune is an easy acoustic guitar song supported by 90s-style electric guitars. The acoustic guitar plays basically simple chord progressions with slightly aggressive strumming. Pay attention to the part that comes after the chorus. The progression changes a little.
505 – Arctic Monkeys
505 is the last track on the second studio album from the British band Arctic Monkeys. It is a very simple two-chord song in the key of Am.
The great thing about this song and the chord chart is that you get to see a couple of different spots where you can play the Dm and Em chord. This, in turn, can help you begin expanding your knowledge on where things are in the guitar.
Just The Way You Are – Bruno Mars
Just The Way You Are is the debut and lead single from Bruno Mars‘ debut album Doo Woops and Hooligans. This song won vocal performance of the year in the 53rd edition of the Grammys.
This song is in the key of F and by using a capo on the third fret, you can play the three required chords (F, Gm, and Bb). A nice love song to play for your loved ones.
Just The Way You Are Guitar Chords
Yesterday – The Beatles
Yesterday is one of the many hits Liverpool band The Beatles gave to us. It is part of their fifth studio album Help! and was primarily written by Paul McCartney.
This song is in the key of F and you can use a capo on the 5th fret to help you play almost all chords in an open position. This song does have a couple of barre chords, so it is good practice to develop finger strength.
Born In The USA – Bruce Springsteen
Born In The USA is a song from American songwriter Bruce Springsteen. It was part of his seventh studio album, which is also titled Born In The USA. Funnily enough, people think this song celebrates USA patriotism but in fact, is a heavy criticism of American culture and politics.
This song is in the key of E and has B as a barre chord. If you have problems with that, you can put a capo on the 7th fret and play open E (which would be the B chord).
Fallin’ – Alicia Keys
Fallin’ is a song from American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys. It was the debut single for her debut album Songs in A Minor and one of her most successful songs to date.
This two-chord song is in the key of Em and only uses Em and Bm7. Both can be played in an open position and require no more than 3 fingers. This makes it a quite simple song to learn and a great choice for R&B lovers.
Boys Round Here – Blake Shelton
This guy has a different fun style of making music. The tune is considered to be a bro-country song from 2013. Check his album Based on a True Story… to find the track.
The acoustic rhythm guitar plays only 2 chords the whole song. It is very easy and fun to play—a perfect choice for beginner guitar players.
High and Dry – Radiohead
High and Dry is a song by the English alternative rock band Radiohead. It was released as a double single along with Planet Essex for their second studio album, The Bends.
This song is in the key of E, and I’d personally recommend you use the chord chart you see at the very top of the page. You can also use the manually written tabs, but it might make your experience a bit more complex. All open chords at the beginning work great.
Holocene – Bon Iver
Here is a beautiful song from a wonderful musician. His music is considered to be indie folk and baroque pop. He released this one in 2011 with the labels 4AD and Jagjaguwar.
The song is based on an arpeggio composition. It requires a capo on the 6th fret. It is a very simple song with an amazing feeling.
Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
Wish You Were Here is a classic when it comes to easy acoustic guitar songs. It is from British band Pink Floyd and is the fourth track from their ninth studio album.
Wish You Were Here is in the key of Em and has a very distinctive intro riff, which is a great tool to begin learning the pentatonic scale.
Wish You Were Here Guitar Chords
Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan
Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door is a song by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. This song was originally written for the 1973 film Pat Garret and Billy the Kid. Bob Dylan later released it as a single and gathered a lot of success.
This song is in the key of G and has all open, simple chords at your disposal (G, Am, C, and D).
Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door Guitar Chords
Hey There Delilah – Plain White T’s
It was a huge thing when this track came out. Everybody loved it and wanted to play it back when it was released in 2006. It became one of the biggest hits by the emo-pop folk band.
The tune includes only 5 chords. They play it with simple fingerstyle techniques. The verse, the chorus, and the bridge have different chord progressions.
Hey There Delilah Guitar Chords
Wonderwall – Oasis
Wonderwall is a song by the English rock band Oasis. It was part of their second studio album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? and can easily be considered the biggest song of their career.
This song is in the key of F#m and a capo on the 2nd fret will allow you to play all open chords. There are some chord variations here and there, but it is still a fairly simple song.
Turn The Page – Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
Most of us maybe know this song by the amazing Metallica version. Here is the original tune from 1973. It is the most-known single by Seger and his band.
The song is based on an arpeggio progression. The chords are easy, and you can also play the saxophone melody on the guitar with the tabs below. Don’t miss this beauty!
Peaceful Easy Feeling – Eagles
Peaceful Easy Feeling is a song by American rock band Eagles. Jack Tempchin, who was a friend of the Eagles band members wrote this song. They released Peaceful Easy Feeling as the third single on their self-titled debut album.
Peaceful Easy Feeling is in the key of E, and a capo on the 2nd fret will allow you to play all open chords.
Peaceful Easy Feeling Guitar Chords
American Pie – Don McLean
American Pie is a song by American singer-songwriter Don McLean. It was the lead single from his second album, which was also titled American Pie. It is considered his best and most successful song.
American Pie is in the key of G and contains all open chords, except for a Cm chord, which will be a barre chord on the 3rd fret.
Angie – Rolling Stones
Here is the most popular acoustic song by the Stones. It was released in 1973 and still is an amazing cure for broken hearts. The band was recorded in Dynamic Sound Studio in Kingston, Jamaica.
The tune is played with 6 chords. The rhythm is a mix of unique strumming patterns and arpeggio melodies. You can play this one with a little bit of attention and time.
Blowin’ In The Wind – Bob Dylan
Blowin’ In The Wind is another song from American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. He wrote this song in 1962 and released it in his second album, Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan.
This three-chord song is in the key of D, and you can use a capo on the 7th fret so you can play what he’s exactly playing on the provided video. You can also play this with no capo and still have all open chords.
Blowin’ In The Wind Guitar Chords
Blackbird – The Beatles
Blackbird is another great acoustic guitar song from English band The Beatles. It was primarily written by Paul McCartney and part of their ninth album, the White Album. Johann Sebastian Bach’s Bourrée in E minor inspired the creation of this song.
Blackbird is in the key of G and is more of an intermediate song. It is a great challenge for you to develop your fingerstyle technique and a great song to learn. If you are just beginning with guitar, you might want to leave this one for later.
Hurt – Johnny Cash
Hurt is a single found on Johnny Cash’s album American IV: The Man Comes Around. Even though Hurt is one of Johnny Cash’s most acclaimed songs, it was actually written by American industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails.
This song is in the key of Am and has all open chords except for the F chord. This makes Hurt a great song to begin developing your F barre chord and how it relates to other chords from the Am key.
Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Here is one of my favorite tunes of the great rock band. I love how they mix the electric rock elements with acoustic folky stuff. The band recorded this in 1969 and released the album Green River.
The song is in the key of D major. With 3 chords and a couple of strumming patterns, it’s no time to feel like a member of this magnificent band!
Fast Car – Tracy Chapman
Fast Car is a song written by American singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman. It was the lead single from her self-titled debut album and is considered her most successful song.
Fast Car is in the key of D and a capo on the second fret will give you all open chords. You’ll also have a chance of experimenting with the Imaj7 chord (Dmaj7).
No Rain – Blind Melon
Another track from an amazing band comes from the early 90s. This alternative rock, neo-psychedelia tune, is from 1992. The band’s self-titled album covers it.
The main structure of the tune is based on comfy chord progressions. If you want to jam with this old-school psychedelic vibe, the tune is written in the key of E.
The Man Who Sold The World – Nirvana
The Man Who Sold The World is a song written by British singer-songwriter and icon David Bowie. However, the version we are using today is Nirvana‘s cover version, as heard on their MTV Unplugged.
This song is in the key of C#m, and you will have to tune your guitar down one half-step to achieve the desired tone.
The Man Who Sold The World Guitar Chords
Give Peace A Chance – John Lennon
Give Peace A Chance is a song written by John Lennon and performed with The Plastic Ono Band. It was John Lennon’s first solo single and received critical acclaim.
Give Peace A Chance is in the key of Db and is a two-chord song. You will need a capo on the first fret and both the C chord and the G chord.
Doesn’t get much simpler than that!
Give Peace A Chance Guitar Chords
Collide – Howie Day
This soft rock folk track comes from 2004. You can find it on Day’s album Stop All the World Now. It sounds brilliant and feels great to play.
Have your capo on the 3rd fret. It has only 4 beginner chords and progression. -A great song to start your acoustic cover song repertoire.
In The End – Linkin Park
In The End is the eighth song on American rock band Linkin Park’s debut album, Hybrid Theory. It is one of their most recognizable songs and one of the best rock songs of the 2000s
This song is in the key of Ebm but with a capo on the 6th fret, you can use the open chords in the key of Am.
Drive – Incubus
Drive is an acoustic guitar-driven song by American rock band, Incubus. It was a single on their third studio album Make Yourself and is the biggest breakthrough single of their career.
Drive is in the key of A and mostly revolves around open chords. There are some barre chords included but they are all part of the key of A. This is a great song to explore said key.
Jolene – Dolly Parton
This song is a very famous acoustic track to play since 1973. The same-titled album covers it. So many musicians have covered this tune.
Have a capo on the 4th fret of your guitar. It is an absolute beginner song and consists of only 4 chords. The same chord progression and the strumming pattern go through the whole song.
Strawberry Wine – Deana Carter
Here is a great country pop song from 1995. It appears on Carter’s album “Did I Shave My Legs for This?”. Chris Farren was the producer chair.
This song is in the key of D flat major and played with a capo on the 1st fret. There are 3 easy chord progressions to play it. It sounds beautiful with a partner with a slide guitar.
Bye Bye Love – The Everly Brothers
Bye Bye Love is a popular contemporary song written by American songwriters Felice and Boudleaux Bryant. The Everly Brothers released their version of it in 1957, thus becoming the official artists to publish said song.
Bye Bye Love is a three-chord song in the key of A. Apart from this, the main riff of the song is one of the first rock and roll riffs to be presented in popular music (at the time, of course).
Every Rose Has It’s Thorn – Poison
This tune is a popular acoustic rock song from the glam metal of the 80s. It is a great ballad and was recorded in 1988. You can find it on Poison’s album Open Up and Say… Ahh!
The song is written in F#. You can put a capo on the second fret or tune your guitar to half-step-down tuning. The tune goes with the same acoustic arpeggio progression with five chords.
Every Rose Has It’s Thorn Guitar Chords
Stuck In The Middle With You – Stealers Wheel
Stuck In The Middle With You is a song written by Scottish songwriters Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan and performed by their band, Stealers Wheel. It is the band’s highest-charting single.
This song is in the key of D and was originally performed on a Double Drop D guitar. However, this version was arranged for standard tuning, making this song much more accessible to beginners.
Stuck In The Middle With You Guitar Chords
Can’t You See – The Marshall Tucker Band
This band is an amazing southern country rock band formed in the early 70s. This tune was released in 1973 and appeared on the band’s self-titled first album.
The acoustic guitar rhythms of this tune are pretty easy to play. With only 3 chords and one main chord progression, you’ll be good to play this in no time.
Sugar – Maroon 5
Sugar is one of the many hits American band Maroon 5 has produced over their long career. It was part of their fifth studio album V and is one of their longest-charting singles.
This song is in the key of Db, but by placing your capo on the 1st fret, you will be able to play the song as if it was in the key of C. It is a very simple song and a great one to show to your peers.
Hard Place – H.E.R.
Here is an R&B song based on an acoustic guitar progression. It was released in 2019. It has won gold certification in 3 countries already. I Used to Know Her is the album’s name if you want to check it out.
The tune’s base is a simple chord progression with three chords only. The acoustic guitar goes perfectly with the r&b drum beat on this one.
Hello – Adele
Hello is the lead single from British singer-songwriter Adele’s third studio album, 25. It is not only one of Adele’s most successful songs but also one of the most successful, record-breaking songs in popular music.
This piano-based ballad is in the key of Fm. By using a capo on the 1st fret, you can play the chords in the Em key and make it much more accessible to you.
Paper Hearts – Tori Kelly
Here is another R&B pop tune but from 2013 this time. It is the 4th song of Kelly’s wonderful EP Foreword. You can notice the soul elements too.
The acoustic guitar composition of this tune is brilliant. You’ll need a capo on the 3rd fret. It is based on beautiful arpeggio progressions. Be careful when the bridge part comes for the chord changes.
Ring Of Fire – Johnny Cash
Ring Of Fire is a Johnny Cash song released in 1963. It was actually written by his wife, June Carter, and is considered one of the best songs within the Country music genre.
This is a very simple, three-chord song in the key of G. You will only need your standard open G, C, and D to rock out to this tune.
Reasons – Luke Combs
LC is a new country music star. This tune is one of his popular records from 2019. He won so many hearts in the last few years; everybody is looking for his live shows in Nashville.
This song is a very fun song to learn. It requires only 3 basic chords and two chord progressions. And an electric guitar accompanies this composition throughout the track.
Break On Through – The Doors
Break On Through is a song written by American rock band The Doors. It is the opening track of their self-titled album and is considered one of the most iconic rock songs of all time.
This song is a two-chord tune in the key of Em. You only need your classic open Em and open D and you are ready to go.
Break On Through Guitar Chords
Something Like Olivia – John Mayer
Here is a beautiful John Mayer song from his album Born and Raised. It was from 2012 and recorded in Electric Lady Studios. The song is considered to be a folk rock Americana tune.
Mayer is doing bluesy, folky stuff on a country composition here. It is based on pentatonic licks and riffs. Also, you can play it with basic chords either. So below is an absolute beginner guide on how to play this beauty.
Something Like Olivia Guitar Chords
Stand By Me – Ben E. King
Stand By Me is a song performed by American singer-songwriter Ben E. King. He co-wrote this song along with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, two very prolific songwriters from those times.
Stand By Me is in the key of A and contains one of the most popular chord progressions there is: I-vi-IV-V (A-F#m-D-E). Apart from the F#m barre chord, this song is a great one for beginner players.
I Walk The Line – Johnny Cash
The most known hit from the legend was released in 1956. It is still a big song after many years. Cash recorded this tune in Sun Studio in Tennessee.
This country tune begins with an intro melody. This shuffle continues with a simple chord progression. There is also a simple two-note outro melody.
She Will Be Loved – Maroon 5
She Will Be Loved is another of the many hits Maroon 5 had. This one was written by frontman Adam Levine and guitarist James Valentine and was part of their debut album, Songs About Jane.
This song is in the key of Cm and with a capo on the third fret, you’ll be able to play it as if it were in the key of Am.
She Will Be Loved Guitar Chords
I Saw The Light – Hank Williams
Another legendary tune comes from 1948. The big label MGM released this country blues gospel single that year. Many artists have covered it.
The tune has one main chord progression. You have to strum fast to sound and sing a-like. It only requires 3 easy chords.
What’s Up – 4 Non Blondes
What’s Up? is a song written by all-female American rock group 4 Non Blondes. This song was released in 1992 on their debut album and was featured as their second single.
This one is in the key of A and you will need a capo on the 2nd fret. It is a three-chord song, therefore it will be a good one for beginner players.
Songbird – Oasis
In the early 2000s, this band was huge. They have great acoustic songs; this tune is one of the greatest from 2003. It is from the band’s album Heathen Chemistry.
The song starts with a progression in G major. And the whole song goes with this composition. It is so easy and sounds beautiful at the same time.
Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Sweet Home Alabama is a song by Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. It was part of their second studio album Second Helping and is the most successful song of their entire career.
This song is in the key of G and only uses the classic V-IV-I progression (D-C-G). Be wary, there is a very small, quick part of the song where you will use an F chord.
Sweet Home Alabama Guitar Chords
Working Class Hero – John Lennon
This tune is from Lennon’s first solo album after he left The Beatles. It was released in 1970 and recorded in EMI Studios in London.
This great folk song is another easy one to play on an acoustic guitar. The main chord progression has a little riff combined with the strumming pattern. Once you learn that, you can sound like the original record.
Working Class Hero Guitar Chords
Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
Crazy Little Thing Called Love is a song included on British rock band Queen’s eighth album The Game. Crazy Little Thing Called Love became the band’s first number-one single on the US charts.
This song is in the key of D and has some barre chords to challenge you. It is slightly more difficult for beginners, but a great song and opportunity to improve your skills.
Crazy Little Thing Called Love Guitar Chords
Heart Of Gold – Neil Young
This tune is my favorite Neil Young record. It represents the unique style of the legendary musician. It was recorded in 1971 in Nashville, Tennessee.
The tune’s main structure is an acoustic chord progression with a lovely strumming pattern. In the intro, pay attention to the little lick when you change from Em to Em7.
Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5
Moves Like Jagger is yet another top-selling single from Maroon 5. This one was part of their third studio album Hands All Over and features Christina Aguilera as a guest artist.
Despite this song being very pop, James Valentine’s main riff is quite funky and a great exercise for developing rhythm and sixteen note patterns. This song is in the key of Bm.
Moves Like Jagger Guitar Chords
La Lavande – Pomme
This amazing French indie folk artist released this song in 2017 with her album A peu pres. She has both unique and traditional ways of writing songs. Don’t miss her records if you are into singer-songwriter music.
You’ll need a capo on the second fret. She plays two-chord progressions with a total of 6 chords. The key is to arpeggiate the simple chords.
Royals – Lorde
Royals is the debut single from New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde. It was included in her EP, as well as her debut album Pure Heroine. Royals is Lorde’s best selling song, as well as one of the most successful singles in modern pop history.
Royals is in the key of D but uses a C chord, making it a Mixolydian tune. You don’t need to worry about this, you only need to know your 3 basic open chords (D, C, and G)
Boulevard Of Broken Dreams – Green Day
Boulevard Of Broken Dreams is a song by the American rock group Green Day. It was released as their second single but rapidly became their lead song from their acclaimed album American Idiot.
This song is in the key of Fm and requires a capo on the 1st fret. This will make it seem as if it were in Em, making it a simple song for beginners.
Boulevard Of Broken Dreams Guitar Chords
Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
Written at a very turbulent time for British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac, Dreams is one of their top hits. Interestingly enough, it is one of the most popular songs of last year (2020) due to a viral Tik Tok video.
This song is in Am and only uses F-G in a constant loop. A very simple song to learn. I’d recommend you use a capo on the 5th fret to avoid any barre chords.
Three Little Birds – Bob Marley
Three Little Birds is a song by Jamaican artist Bob Marley and his band, the Wailers. It is the fourth track on the second side of their album Exodus and a single released in 1980. Three Little Birds is one of Bob Marley’s most recognized songs.
This tune is in the key of A and is very simple chord-wise. Where the tricky part comes in is with the strumming pattern.
Three Little Birds Guitar Chords
Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley
Hallelujah is a song written in 1984 by American songwriter Leonard Cohen. This song has been covered by many artists and popularized by American singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley. It is one of the most recognized ballads of all time.
Hallelujah is in the key of Db, and with a capo on the first fret, you’ll be able to play it with ease.
I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
I’m Yours is the biggest single by American singer-songwriter Jason Mraz. This song was part of his third studio album We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things and was nominated for Song of the year in 2005.
I’m Yours is in the key of B, and a capo in the fourth fret will allow you to play it as if it were in the key of G.
Our Song – Radiator Hospital
This guy sings from his guts! He has a style of indie rock combined with emo revival. Here is a 2013 release from him.
Put your capo on the 6th fret of your acoustic guitar. There are two chord progressions: One is for the verses, and the other is for the chorus parts. Listen carefully to how he strums first.
Conclusion
There are many, many other songs you can learn and you should always go towards the songs that interest you the most. This is just a list designed to help you find some simple, yet powerful songs to begin your journey.
If you found this article useful, you may want to save this pin below to your Guitar board.
Recent Posts
Starting to play the guitar can be as exciting as it is daunting, but one surefire way to keep the motivation going is by learning to play songs by artists you love. If you're a fan of Justin...
Playing the guitar can be a heartening journey, especially when you strum along to songs by charismatic artists like Dua Lipa. Her unique blend of pop, disco, and soul has churned out tracks that...