Chords like A major, D major, and E major are some of the easiest chords to play. They are also part of some of the easiest chord progressions that beginners use for practice. Many songs include only these three chords, which gives the beginner a chance to learn songs and not just play downstrokes while practicing chords and transitions between them.
Therefore, songs with A, D, and E chords make the practice more interesting and keep the entry-level players dedicated to learning. These three chords don’t require challenging fingers’ positions, and chord changes are easy to perform. Absolute beginners may struggle with some things, such as E to D transition and reverse. But practice it with downstrokes only, and you’ll soon be able to implant it into the song.
A beginner needs to have a list of songs that don’t include any hard-to-play chords and difficult chord changes. That helps him/her to shine from the very beginning and to keep the motivation.
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – U2
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For is a song by U2 from their album called The Joshua Tree, released in 1987. It became a worldwide hit and peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song received two nominations for the Grammy Awards. It reached number 93 of Rolling Stone’s 2010 list called 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time.
This rock/gospel song is one of the easiest songs to play as it includes three basic chords and an easy strumming pattern. Put a capo on the 4th fret and enjoy.
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For Guitar Chords
Mmmbop – Hanson
Mmmbop is a song released in 1997, and it’s from the Hansons’ album called Middle Of Nowhere. It soon became a hit as it reached the top of the charts worldwide. The song represents the futility of life and talks about the things gone over time, no matter what. It was inspired by The Beach Boys and similar vocal groups.
It’s a pop-rock and teen-pop song with an interesting theme. Use A-E-D-E pattern for the intro and the verse riff and A-D-A-E pattern for the chorus.
If you want to learn more songs but with different 3 chords, check out my other post Top 45 Easy Guitar Songs With G, C, D Chords – Tabs Included
Pontoon – Little Big Town
A country band called Little Big Town released Pontoon in 2012 as part of their studio album called Tornado. The song won a Grammy Award for the best country band performance in 2013. The story about how the song was made is pretty interesting – a publisher asked the band about the song called Fine Tune they wrote, and the publisher thought it was called Pontoon. So, the band decided it was time to write the song called just like that.
This mid-tempo song became popular worldwide, especially among entry-level guitarists. It is in A major and requires an A-D-A pattern on the verses and a D-A-E-A pattern on the chorus.
Johnny B. Goode – Chuck Berry
Released in 1958 and was first recorded by Chuck Berry. It’s a remarkable song and one of the most popular songs in rock music history. It reached number seven on the list called 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time, made by an American magazine called Rolling Stone. The song is about a country boy from New Orleans.
This rock song is set in common time and includes an easy A-D-E chord progression played along with a basic strumming pattern. The song’s riff is very recognizable and a pure masterpiece.
If you wish to learn more songs with 3 chords, check out my list 15 Famous & Easy Guitar Songs With 3 Chords For Beginners
Glory Days – Bruce Springsteen
Recorded in 1982 and became part of Bruce Springsteen’s studio album Born In The USA in 1984. It’s actually a comedy-drama about a man looking back on his ‘glory days’. Springsteen wrote the song and produced it with three more people – Jon Landau, Chuck Plotkin, and Steven Van Zandt. It reached number 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Glory Days is a pure rock song, and it’s in the key of A major. Begin a song with a rest on the first beat and use the A-D-A-D pattern on the intro. The rest of the song is also easy to learn and play on the guitar.
Common People – Pulp
Released in 1995 as the track of Pulp’s fifth studio album Different Class. It was voted the greatest Britpop song and reached number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. The lyrics came from the student that a Pulp member met at the college, and it talks about gentrification. Many musicians recorded their versions of the song.
The song is catchy, and the melody came from the small Casiotone keyboard that a band member bought at the exchange shop. Play A, E, and D along with the downstrokes. Add a capo on the third fret.
Goner – Twenty One Pilots
Goner is a song first released in 2012. It was produced and written by Tyler Joseph and Ricky Reed. The song is the last one from the Blurryface album, and it’s an extended version of the band’s song called I’m A Goner from Joseph’s album No Phun Intended.
You can play the whole song with a D-E-D-A pattern and an easy strumming pattern. Absolute beginners may struggle with the D-E transition, but a little bit of practice will make every challenge disappear. If you started to learn barre chords, you should play D and E open fret, and then the rest of the pattern barred at the fifth fret.
If you want to learn acoustic guitar songs, check out my list Top 50 Most Beautiful Acoustic Guitar Songs – Tabs Included
Three Little Birds – Bob Marley And The Wailers
It’s a song by Bob Marley and the Wailers, released in 1980. It reached the Top 20 in the UK, and it’s popular worldwide. It’s one of the most successful Marley’s songs, and many musicians released cover versions of it. An American band, Maroon 5, recorded their cover version and collaborated with Hyundai, so the song appeared in TV commercials for three Hyundai vehicles. It’s still a mystery when it comes to an inspiration Marley had while writing the song.
This roots-reggae is in the key of A major and includes two more easy open chords – D major and E major. Play downstrokes and palm-mute them for a better and more original sound.
Three Little Birds Guitar Chords
When The Sun Goes Down – Kenny Chesney
Written by Brett James and recorded by Kenny Chesney, the song soon became popular as it reached the top of the US Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks. It also appeared on the popular game Karaoke Revolution Country.
This country song requires only three basic open chords, and therefore it’s suitable for entry-level guitar players. You can play them barred if you’ve already learned them.
When The Sun Goes Down Guitar Chords
Hound Dog – Elvis Presley
Hound Dog is a song recorded by Elvis Presley in 1956. It was written by Mike Stoller and Jerry Leiber in 1952. Presley’s version was inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 1988, reached number 19 of the list called 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time, and reached the top of the US Billboard charts.
This blues song requires an easy A-D-E chord progression and a down-down-up-down-up-down-up strumming pattern. You don’t need a capo for the song unless it doesn’t suit your voice.
If you are having trouble with these songs, you can try easier ones on my other post Top 40 Famous&Easy One String Guitar Songs For Beginners – Tabs Included
Stir It Up – Bob Marley
Stir It Up is a song composed and first recorded by Bob Marley in 1967. It was covered by Johnny Nash about five years later. Also, an Australian band called The Black Sorrows recorded their version of the song, which reached number 20 on New Zealand’s charts. Stir It Up was the first Marley song that became popular outside Jamaica.
The Stir It Up’s genre is rocksteady. It contains an easy chord progression that is compatible with entry-level players’ skills. You will easily synchronize your left hand with the right one while playing.
Born On The Bayou – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Released in 1969 as the first track of the band’s second album called Bayou Country and was written by John Fogerty. He said the song is about a mythical childhood and the Fourth of July. He used Gibson ES-175 to record the song, and the guitar was stolen right after recording the track. The song was performed at Woodstock.
It’s a swamp-rock, blue-eyed soul, and roots-rock song. Fogerty used an overdriven tone for the intro, which became popular among guitarists. This three-chord song is easy to play and learn. If you know how to play E7, feel free to add it.
Born On The Bayou Guitar Chords
If you like funk music and wish to learn to play some songs, check out my other post Top 40 Famous&Easy Funk Guitar Songs For Beginners – Tabs Included
All My Friends Say – Luke Bryan
All My Friends Say is a song written and recorded by an American country singer and songwriter called Luke Bryan. He released the song in 2007. It’s about a guy who woke up in his bed and couldn’t remember anything about the last night. It reached #5 on the UK Hot Country Songs chart and got RIAA gold certification.
This up-tempo song is easy to learn. Play A and E on the verses and add D on the chorus. A song intro is also pretty easy to play and memorize.
All My Friends Say Guitar Chords
Desire – U2
Released in 1988 as part of U2’s third studio album Rattle And Hum. It reached #3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and also won a Grammy Award the same year. The song has appeared in the movie called Rattle And Hum. U2 loved experimenting – they used to add new elements to the song while concerts or TV appearances.
The song is a mixture of rock and roll and blues. Play E in the intro, and then D-A-E-A-E in the main riff. When it comes to the bridge, play D and A. The rest of the song is covered with an E-D-A pattern
Sylvia’s Mother – Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show
Sylvia’s Mother is a song released in 1972 and instantly became an international hit. It reached number 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 2 on the UK charts. Shel Silverstein wrote the song, and it’s an autobiographical one about his failed relationship with a woman named Sylvia Pandolfi. Pretty desperate, Silverstein called her mother, but she said the love was gone.
It’s a country-rock and pop song that left a significant stamp in music history. It’s one of the easiest songs to perform as it includes only three basic open chords and a basic strumming pattern.
If you want to learn some more songs that are fun and easy to play, this list might just be for you Top 60 Most Fun & Easy Songs To Play On Guitar – Tabs Included
Atmosphere – Joy Division
Atmosphere is a song first released in 1980. Eight years later, it was re-released for the album called Substance. When the band’s lead singer Ian Curtis passed away, the song appeared in his biographical movie Control. It also appeared in the 2002 movie 24 Hour Party People.
It’s a post-punk and gothic song that requires two chords – A major and D major – on the verses and chorus. Add E major on the instrumental. Put a capo on the third fret for a more original sound.
I Have A Dream – ABBA
A Swedish pop group ABBA recorded and released the song I Have A Dream, in 1979. It reached the top of many charts internationally. The song was also number 2 on the UK charts during the Christmas week. The choir from the Swedish school was invited to take part in the song. The song is featured in the musical called Mamma Mia!.
It’s set in common time and includes three open chords that every beginner knows how to play. Play them along with the down-down-up-down-down-up strumming pattern. Put a capo on the 1st fret.
Authority Song – John Mellencamp
Authority Song was released in 1983 as part of John Mellencamp’s album Uh-Huh. It reached number 15 on the US Billboard charts and became an international hit. The background story of the song is about the relationship – the complex one with authority. The song video was made in black and white, and it shows Mellencamp as a boxer stepping into the ring without actually fighting.
This song requires an easy A-D-E chord progression along with an easy strumming pattern. Chord changes are not hard to learn, but if you struggle with some of them, practice them by playing downstrokes only and then try to play the song.
For more specific chord songs, check out my other list Top 70 Easy Guitar Songs With C, Am, F, G Chords – Tabs Included
Houses Of The Holy – Led Zeppelin
Houses Of The Holy is a song released in 1975 as part of the album called Physical Graffiti. The song was planned to be on Led Zeppelin’s 1973 album Houses Of The Holy, but the band saved it for a 1975 one.
The song refers to the spiritual feel of their concerts, and that makes the song really special. Use E-D-A pattern throughout the song and play A major on the solo, riffs, and intro.
Houses Of The Holy Guitar Chords
Rock And Roll – Led Zeppelin
First released in 1971 as part of Led Zeppelin’s fourth studio album called Led Zeppelin IV. A band member Jimmy Page said the song was developed in 15 minutes while random band jamming. An American car maker called Cadillac used the song for its TV commercial. The Rolling Stones pianist Ian Stewart appeared in the song as a guest.
This rock and hard-rock song has a pretty fast tempo. Chord changes are easy and make no problem to absolute-beginner guitar players.
Take The Money And Run – Steve Miller Band
Released in 1976 as part of the band’s Fly Like An Eagle studio album. It reached number 11 on the US Billboard chart and was also popular in Australia. The song was written by bandleader Steve Miller. He described some moments from his childhood when he was listening to the radio while driving in the car and having a trip with his family. The song was covered in 2000 by Julian Austin, a country singer.
This rock song sounds good on both acoustic and electric guitar. Most of the song requires an E-D-A pattern played with a capo on the third fret.
Take The Money And Run Guitar Chords
For What It’s Worth – Buffalo Springfield
Written by Stephen Stills and performed by Buffalo Springfield. That band released the song as a single in 1966 and was later added to their 1967 debut album called Buffalo Springfield. It soon became a protest song, and it also appeared in many movies, such as Lord Of War and Forrest Gump. It reached number 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song is suitable for beginners and doesn’t require many skills. Play three basic open chords and play on the high E and A string to fill in the verse.
For What It’s Worth Guitar Tabs
Don’t Take Your Guns To Town – Johnny Cash
Released in 1958 as the first single of the album called The Fabulous Johnny Cash. It’s about a young cowboy who takes his guns to town and gets into a gunfight. The song title is a sentence that his mother told him before he left the house. It reached the top on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and was also performed on the children’s program called Sesame Street, with new, kid-friendly lyrics.
The song includes three basic open chords played along with an easy strumming pattern, and it’s in the key of Bb major. You can play it with a capo on the first fret.
Don’t Take Your Guns To Town Guitar Chords
The Tide Is High – Blondie
The song was written in 1967 by John Holt and first recorded by the band called The Paragons. In 1980, the song was recorded by Blondie and became an international hit. It was part of their album called Autoamerican. They re-recorded it for their compilation album in 2014. You can also find two official song remixes – first by Coldcut in 1988 and the second one by Pete Arden seven years later.
Blondie added reggae elements to this original rocksteady song. Play an A-D-E chord progression and use a capo on the second fret for this song. The strumming pattern includes downstrokes and upstrokes with downstrokes muted.
The Tide Is High Guitar Chords
You Are My Sunshine – Johnny Cash
You Are My Sunshine is a song recorded by Johnny Cash in 1969. It became part of the album called Land Of The Free Home Of The Brave. The song was written by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell. Davis and Mitchell first recorded the song. The lyrics became popular worldwide, and there is no person in this world that doesn’t know the song.
The song is in the key of A major, and it’s excellent for absolute beginners who want to learn how to play some easy songs on the guitar. Play A, D, and E along with the down-down-up-down-down-up strumming pattern.
You Are My Sunshine Guitar Chords
Evangeline – The Band
Evangeline is the song from The Band’s 1978 studio album called The Last Waltz. It was written by Robbie Robertson. The Band released the song featuring Emmylou Harris. Also, Harris released her cover version with Parton and Ronstadt in 1981. The song became part of her album called just like the song.
You can hear some nice mandolin, fiddle, and accordion parts while listening to this song. The song doesn’t require much effort while playing – you need only three chords to play it.
Second Hand News – Fleetwood Mac
Released in 1977 as part of Fleetwood Mac’s album called Rumours. Lindsey Buckingham wrote the song, and it reflects the breakup of Buckingham and bandmate Stevie Nicks. The working song title was Strummer, and she introduced it without the lyrics first. Kid Rock sampled the song for the bassline of his song Wasting Time.
The band played the song in a march rhythm first, but suddenly, they decided to give a disco dash to it. Some parts of the song are a perfect example of using vocals as a bassline.
Second Hand News Guitar Chords
Mr. Soul – Neil Young
Recorded by the band called Buffalo Springfield in 1967 and written by Neil Young. Young has frequently performed Mr. Soul solo. It’s a song about Young’s problems after an epilepsy attack after the show with his band in San Francisco. He woke up at the hospital and started to write the song. Many artists recorded a song cover. Cher is one of them who recorded the cover version for her album called Stars.
Mr. Soul is a psychedelic-rock, hard-rock, and folk-rock song. It’s a beginner-friendly song that requires three basic open chords and a simple strumming pattern.
No Expectations – The Rolling Stones
No Expectations is a song released in 1968 as part of The Rolling Stones’ album Beggars Banquet. It was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Jagger said they were sitting in a circle on the floor while recording the song. Progressive bluegrass bands, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Greensky Bluegrass covered the song.
It’s a blues ballad in a slow tempo. Play it on the first three frets without that many fingers’ movements. Chord changes should be easy for you even if you are an entry-level player.
Words Of Love – Buddy Holly
It’s a song written by Buddy Holly and released in 1957 as a single. In 1993, a compilation album, Words Of Love, was released, and it reached the top of the UK charts. Many well-known artists and bands, such as The Beatles, The Diamonds, Jeff Lynne, recorded their cover versions.
It’s a pop-rock song with outstanding guitar sound and solo. It requires one of the most effortless chord progressions that every beginner can learn with zero effort.
Not Fade Away – Buddy Holly
Not Fade Away is a song written by Buddy Holly and Norman Petty and first recorded by Holly and his band. Holly and the Crickets released the song in 1957, and the song was included on the album called The “Chirping” Crickets. The song reached number 107 on the list called The 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time. The Rolling Stones covered the song, and it reached number 48 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. They added some blues elements to the original rock song.
It’s in the key of E major and is pretty simple to learn and play. It deserves to be on your repertoire, no matter what level your playing is on.
Roll In My Sweet Baby’s Arms – Flatt & Scruggs
The song is a version of British and Appalachian songs known as Band Away Lulu and Bang Bang Rosie. Flatt & Scruggs released their song version in 1951 as a traditional song. Twenty years later, Buck Owens released his.
It’s a moderately-fast song and is set in common time. Roll In My Sweet Baby’s Arms requires three chords – A, E, and D. If you’re an absolute beginner, this song is perfect for practice and showing your new skills to friends.
Roll In My Sweet Baby’s Arms Guitar Chords
I Don’t Want To Know – Fleetwood Mac
I Don’t Want To Know is a song written by Stevie Nicks in 1974 and recorded by Fleetwood Mac three years later. It was featured in the Glee episode named Rumours – the same name the album with a song has. Rumours episode is fully dedicated to Fleetwood Mac.
It’s a pop-friendly and upbeat song that is really easy to play and it’s great for absolute beginners and their repertoire.
I Don’t Want To Know Guitar Chords
You Are My King – Newsboys
You Are My King is a single by Newsboys from the album Adoration: The Worship Album and was released in 2003. Billy James Foote wrote the song, and it was first released by Phillips, Craig & Dean in 2001. It reached the top of the US Billboard Christian Songs chart.
The chorus includes the lyrics and melody from the song called And Can It Be, written by Charles Weasley. Play three basic chords and practice the left and right-hand synchronization.
Mustang Sally – Wilson Pickett
The song Mustang Sally was first recorded by Mack Rice but Wilson Pickett recorded his cover version the year after Rice released the song. Pickett’s version became part of his album called The Wicked Pickett. In 2004, An American magazine Rolling Stone ranked his version at #434 of the list called Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time.
This R&B song requires three easy major chords and a simple strumming pattern. You won’t need a capo unless you want to synchronize playing with your high voice.
Heart Beat – Buddy Holly
Heart Beat is a song written by Norman Petty and Bob Montgomery and was released in 1958 by Buddy Holly. It reached number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and was more popular in the UK than in the USA.
This rockabilly song is a pure masterpiece made by using three basic chords and an easy strumming pattern. Practice D to E transition more because that can be tricky in the very first days of the learning journey.
Do You Wanna Dance – The Beach Boys
An American singer, Bobby Freeman, recorded Do You Wanna Dance in 1958, and The Beach Boys released their cover version seven years later. They reached number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also became part of their album called The Beach Boys Today. Besides The Beach Boys, many artists recorded their versions that were used in some TV commercials and movies.
It’s a pure rock and roll song with three basic chords – A, D, and E. You can play it with a capo on the first fret.
Do You Wanna Dance Guitar Chords
Lay Down Sally – Eric Clapton
Lay Down Sally is a song released in 1977 as part of Eric Clapton’s Slowhand studio album. Clapton wrote the song with Marcy Levy and George Terry. It peaked at number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song appeared in a movie called August: Osage County as a movie intro and two more times during the movie. Red Sovine, a country singer, recorded the cover version, which reached number 70 on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
It’s a country-blues song and one of the favorite ones among Clapton’s fans. Add the song to your repertoire because it’s easy to play and sing.
Another Saturday Night – Cat Stevens
Recorded in 1974 and instantly reached number 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and the top of the charts in Canada. The song was written and first recorded by Sam Cooke in 1963. He wrote it while staying in an English hotel while touring.
Cooke’s version is in an R&B and soul genre, but Steven added a new dash to the song by implanting some folk and rock elements into it. Required chords are easy to play, just as chord changes and the strumming pattern.
Another Saturday Night Guitar Chords
Desperation – Miranda Lambert
Desperation is Miranda Lambert’s 2007 song that became part of her album called Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. In the song, she is talking about her standing on an edge by being in a relationship with her man. The song won many girls’ hearts because of the lyrics and a soft melody.
This slow-tempo song requires an A-E-D pattern played with a capo on the 3rd fret for a more original sound.
Hand Me Down My Walking Cane – Norman Blake
It’s a song written by James A. Bland in 1880. The song has been recorded many times, but Kelly Harrel recorded it first in 1924. Norman Blake recorded his version of the song in 1976. The song became part of his album Whiskey Before Breakfast. Bob Dylan put one song line into his song called Ain’t Talkin’ on his 2006 album Modern Times.
This bluegrass song is set in 4/4 time signature. It includes three basic open chords – A, E, and D and it’s fun for practicing transitions between chords.
Hand Me Down My Walking Cane Guitar Chords
No Fun – The Stooges
No Fun is the track from The Stooges’ debut 1969 album. It’s one of the most known Stooges’ songs. The song was covered by The Black Keys in 2002 and became part of their album The Moan.
No Fun is in the key of A major. The song arrangement was inspired by Johnny Cash’s song I Walk The Line, and the song riff came from a spontaneous jamming session of the band.
Shambala – Three Dog Night
Shambala was written by Daniel Moore and wrote a story about the mythical kingdom of Shambala. Many critics say the Shambala is not a physical place – it’s a metaphor of the spiritual path. A cover version was released in 1973 by Three Dog Night as part of their album Cyan.
It’s a pop-rock song with a deep background story. It’s perfect for absolute beginners as it doesn’t include hard transitions between chords and fingers’ positions.
My Little Georgia Rose – Bill Monroe
It was written by Bill Monroe and first recorded in 1950. The song was re-recorded in 1954. The little Georgia Rose is presumed to be Bill’s and Bessie Lee Maudlin’s daughter, and it’s one of his ‘true songs’. The Seldom Scene recorded their version and put it on the studio album called Act 3.
The song is set in common time and is suitable for absolute beginners. You need to know three chords to play this song. Play A, E, and D along with an easy strumming pattern.
My Little Georgia Rose Guitar Chords
Cold Water – Tom Waits
Cold Water was released in 1999 as part of Wait’s album called Mule Variations. Waits wrote the song with his wife Kathleen Brennan. The song made the album special, and therefore it won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album.
Play A major in the song intro and A and E on the verses. The song bridges include D and A chords. Transitions between chords are pretty easy, and the strumming pattern is suitable for those who have just started learning the guitar.
Conclusion
Three chords that every guitarist starts with are A major, D major, and E major. There are a lot of songs that include only these chords. Therefore, they are suitable for every beginner’s repertoire to shine and be dedicated to learning.
Playing more and more makes your calluses’ improvement faster, and your skills will be higher and higher. You’ll be ready for more challenging chords, riffs, and solos.
Besides the fact that these three-chord songs are great for practice sessions, they’re also great for having fun with friends.
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