Learning to play new songs and chord progressions is essential for beginner guitarists. Every musician should practice and listen to various genres to improve their ear and playability. By adding new songs to your repertoire, you’ll have more songs to play for your friends and yourself.
Here are 60 easy-to-play songs for you to learn! You can also find the chords and tabs below. The songs are from rock, pop, and country genres and can be played with standard tuning. You just need a capo by your side. Have fun!
4 Non-Blondes – What’s Up
This song is almost a cult and very fun to play and sing. Have your capo on 2nd fret. The chord progression for the whole song is G, Am, C, and G. Play the same progression for verses and the chorus.
What’s Up Guitar Chords
James Arthur – Say You Won’t Let Go
Everybody knows James Arthur from The X Factor. Here is a beautiful song from him for you to learn. Play G, D, Em, and C repeatedly with the capo on the third fret. You can find various strumming styles to improvise and sing “Say You Won’t Let Go.”
Say You Won’t Let Go Guitar Chords
If you find these songs a bit too hard, you can try these songs on my other list Top 40 Famous&Easy One String Guitar Songs For Beginners – Tabs Included
Beyonce – Halo
Halo is an unforgettable hit song from Beyonce. It was released in 2008. Have the capo on 2nd fret. The chord progression goes like this: G, Am, Em, and C. Find a suitable strumming and tempo for yourself to sing this song with your acoustic or even electric guitar.
Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe
“Call Me Maybe” was played everywhere in the summer of 2012. Who can forget it? So here are the chords for playing it: G for the Intro, then G, Em, C, and D for the verse. And the chorus goes like G, D, C, and D. No need for a capo for playing “Call Me Maybe.” You can differentiate your sound by using either open chords or barres.
Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit
Almost every rock guitarist comes by to play “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana. I think it’s a great song. Nobody should feel ashamed by playing it, despite the people’s opinions.
So, have the capo on the first fret. This version is for open chords. Have your most rock attitude and play E, A, G, and C as the rhythm goes.
Smells Like Teen Spirit Guitar Chords
If you wish to play more acoustic guitar songs, check out my other article Top 50 Most Beautiful Acoustic Guitar Songs – Tabs Included
Lorde – Royals
“Royals” is a smooth, chill song to experiment with the guitar. And I think singing it with an acoustic guitar is very fun. It might sound slightly different than the original, but here is how you play it.
No need for a capo here. Tune your guitar to standard, then play D for verses and D, C and G for pre-chorus and chorus and bridge parts.
Foster The People – Pumped Up Kicks
“Pumped Up Kicks” was released in 2010. We can say it is a great song, a teenage anthem for a generation. Here is an acoustic version of playing it.
Have your capo on the 7th fret. The chord progression is the same both for chorus and verses. It goes like Em, G, D, and A. Use open chords.
Pumped Up Kicks Acoustic Guitar Chords
Bastille – Pompeii
Bastille’s most popular song, “Pompeii,” was released in 2013. You can play it with the capo on the 2nd fret. The chord progression goes like this: C, G, Em, and D. Try playing these chords with a fast tempo and aggressive strumming. It feels great!
If you are more into rock, check out my other list Top 105 Easy & Epic Rock Guitar Songs For Beginners – Tabs Included
Rihanna – Man Down
Here is a beautiful reggae-infused song by Rihanna. It’s great to see her making reggae-style songs. It is very easy to play.
Use barre chords and upstroke strumming for this song. The chord progression goes as Cm, Bb, Cm, Bb, Cm, Bb, Ab, and Bb.
Chris Stapleton – Tennessee Whiskey
What a great artist Chris Stapleton is! He pours the pure Kentucky sound with his voice and guitar. “Tennessee Whiskey” is easy to play. Here is how you play it.
Have your capo on the second fret to play with open chords. The chord progression is like this: G, Am, G, C, and G. Use simply the strum of Up/Down/Down. It will sound amazing. Play “Tennessee Whiskey” preferably on acoustic guitar.
Tennessee Whiskey Guitar Chords
The Neighborhood – Sweater Weather
“Sweater Weather”, a popular song from The Neighborhood, was released in 2013. It is very easy and fun to play it.
For this song, the capo is on 3rd fret. There is only one chord progression, C, Am, Em, and G, for every part of the song. Get yourself lost in the rhythm and have fun!
Sweater Weather Acoustic Guitar Chords
If you want to try some more challenging songs, check out my other list 50 Epic 12 String Guitar Songs Of All Time – Tabs Included
Ben E. King – Stand By Me
“Stand By Me” is a big classic song! Even John Lennon had helplessly covered it and surrendered to its beauty. The song was written by Ben E. King, Jerry Leiber, and Mike Stoller in 1961.
“Stand By Me” is very easy to play. Have your capo on the second fret for the original tone and play open chords. The progression goes like G, Em, C, D, and back to G. Play this both for verses and the chorus.
Ed Sheeran – Castle On The Hill
Here is an absolute beginner song of the amazing song “Castle On The Hill” by Ed Sheeran. Have the capo on the 7th fret. The verse and the chorus play G, C, Em, and D. And, for the pre-chorus part, the chord progression are C, D, G, and C.
Castle On The Hill Guitar Chords
Kaleo – Way Down We Go
I assume everybody who listens to music nowadays knows Kaleo’s first hit song, “Way Down We Go.” It is a great song to learn for playing on the guitar.
First, have your capo on the 5th fret. For the verses, play Em, A, C, Am, Em, C, Am, and Em. For the chorus, Em, C, and Am is the progression; for the bridge and the interlude, you have Em, D, C, and Am. I suggest playing barres for this song.
Oasis – Wonderwall
The capo is on 2nd fret for this simplified version of “Wonderwall”. Play Em, G, D, and A7sus4 (don’t be afraid, it is very easy!) for the verse. The chord progression changes to C, D, Em, C, D, Em, C, D, G, D, Em, D, and A7sus4 for the pre-chorus part. And C, Em, G, Em is for the chorus. Have fun!
Lykke Li – I Follow Rivers
I feel very emotional while listening to this song, and I don’t know why. It must be tied up with a memory or something. Anyways, here is how you play it.
Have your capo on the 5th fret. Play Am, Em 4 times and Am, G, Em at the end for the verse part. Then you have C, Am, Em, and G for the chorus. You can play open chords as well as barres, as you like.
One Direction – Little Things
No need to have a capo for this song. G, C, Em, D, C, D, and G is the chord progression for the intro and the verses. Play them as open chords. You can either arpeggiate or have a simple strumming rhythm while you play. The progression for the chorus part goes like Am, C, Em, and D. Good luck!
Vanessa Carlton – A Thousand Miles
Here is an absolute beginner version of “A Thousand Miles” to play on your guitar. Keep attention to play the chords fastly, and you are good to go!
So, the chord progression for the whole song goes as G, D, and A. Enjoy it.
A Thousand Miles Guitar Chords
Red Hot Chilli Peppers – Snow (Hey Oh)
For the original sound, have your capo on the 4th fret. Except for the bridge part, the chord progression is like this: Em, C, G, and D. You can play them as open chords. Be careful with the bridge. The chords go like C, Em, C, and G, D, and Am 4 times till the end of the bridge part.
James Arthur – Impossible
Here is another beautiful song from James Arthur for you to play easily on your guitar. You don’t need a capo here. Play Em, G, D, and C for the verse and the chorus. Change it to C, D, Em, and D when the pre-chorus comes.
5 Seconds of Summer – Youngblood
“Youngblood” is a classic from the young band 5 Seconds of Summer. Here is how you play it. Have the capo on the 3rd fret. Em, D, G, C, and back to D. Play C, D, Em, and G for the pre-chorus. And you are good to go to have fun!
Kid Rock – Picture feat. Sheryl Crow
One of the famous songs by Kid Rock. He collaborated with the great voice of Sheryl Crow on this. You don’t need a capo to play this song.
Play G, C, D, C, and G twice, and then Em, G, D, C, and G twice for the verses. C, D, C, G, then G, C, D, C, and G are the chord progressions for the chorus, where they sing together. You can use open chords.
The Fray – How To Save A Life
“How To Save a Life” is one of the bests of all times. Here is how to play it.
Have the capo on the 3rd fret for the original tone. The chord progression is like this: G, D, Em, and D. Except for the chorus. The chorus goes as C, D, Em, G, and back to D again.
How To Save a Life Acoustic Guitar Chords
Prince – Purple Rain
“Purple Rain” is an unforgettable song by Prince, released in 1984. It is a brilliantly written song, and you can play it too!
Here is a simple version: Have your capo on the 3rd fret. The chord progression for the whole song is G, Em, D, and C. Listen carefully to the rhythm and play open chords.
Arctic Monkeys – 505
One of the famous songs by Arctic Monkeys, “505,” got very popular immediately after it was released in 2007. It is an absolute beginner song to play on the guitar. Here is how to play it.
You don’t need a capo for this song. Dm and Em are the only chords you have to play in this song. You can either use barres or open chords.
Shania Twain – You’re Still The One
“You’re Still The One” is a modern classic from the late 2000s—an easy song to play with your guitar.
First, have your capo on the 1st fret. The only chords you have are D, G, and A for the intro and the verses. It goes like this when the chorus comes: D, G, Em, and A.
You’re Still The One Guitar Chords
Maroon 5 – Sunday Morning
So many people went crazy for this song back in the day. It was a huge success for the band. “Sunday Morning” is an absolute beginner song to play on the guitar. Here is how you play it.
Dm, G, and C are the only chords you play. This progression goes for the whole song. You don’t need a capo, but if you like to sing along, you might want to transpose it because it might be hard to sing for most people. Both barres and open chords go well with it.
Adele – Make You Feel My Love
A great song to play on an acoustic! Have the capo on 3rd fret for the original tone.
For the intro and the verses, the progression is like this: G, D, F, C, Cm, G, A7, D7, and G. For the bridges, it goes like C, G, B7, C, G, C, G, A7 and then D7. It is very easy once you get it!
Make You Feel My Love Guitar Chords
Jason Mraz – Lucky (feat. Colbie Caillat)
“Lucky” was released in 2009. It is a beautiful love song. After it was released, the song debuted on global charts immediately.
“Lucky” is very easy to play, and you don’t need any capos to play it. Play C for the intro. Then, C, Am, Dm, G, Em, Am, Dm, G is the chord progression for the verses. Before the chorus, stay in Am and then play Am, Dm, G, C, Am, Dm, G, C, Am, G for the chorus. The progression changes for the bridge into Dm, Am, G, and Am. Have fun!
David Bowie – Heroes
“Heroes” is one of the greatest songs of the legendary artist David Bowie. The song was released in 1977 and became a huge success after.
You don’t need a capo to play “Heroes.” Play D, G, D, G for the intro, instrumental parts, and outro. Then D, G, D, G, C, D, Am, Em, D, C, G, D for the verse. There is a bridge part after, and it goes like this: C, D, Am, Em, D, C, G, and D.
Gary Jules – Mad World
You should remember “Mad World” if you watch the cult movie Donnie Darko. The song is unforgettable. If you haven’t seen it, consider it.
Here is how you play “Mad World.” Have your capo on the 1st fret. For the intro, play Em and A. The chord progression for the verses is Em, G, D, and A. Play Em and A for the chorus like the intro. Here you go! Play them as open chords.
Taylor Swift – Teardrops On My Guitar
Taylor Swift fans will remember “Teardrops On My Guitar.” It was one of the first hits from the beautiful artist and was released in 2009.
“Teardrops On My Guitar” is very easy to play. Have the capo on the 3rd fret of your guitar. For the intro and the verse, play G, Em, C, and D. The chord progression for the pre-choruses are Em, C, G, and D. For the chorus, play G, D, Em, and C.
Teardrops On My Guitar Guitar Chords
U2 – With Or Without You
This song is one of the greatest hits of all time that U2 recorded. “With or Without You” was played almost everywhere in the world.
It takes only a chord progression to learn to play “With or Without You.” You don’t need a capo here. The chords are D, A, Bm, and G for the whole song. You can play either barres or open chords.
With Or Without You Guitar Chords
Lana Del Rey – West Coast
“West Coast” is almost the most emotional and deep song by Lana Del Rey. It was a great success back in the day.
Very easy to play. Have your capo on the 2nd fret. For the verses, play Em, D, C. The chord progression is Am, C, Em, and D. Make it count!
The Black Keys – Lonely Boy
A great song from the Black Keys! I love the official video of the “Lonely Boy.”
Here is how you play it. You don’t need a capo here. Play E and A for the intro and the instrumental part, and pay attention to how the chords change. Then, E, G, and A are the chord progression for the rest of the song.
BORNS – Electric Love
BORNS is a multiinstrumentalist and a great artist, I think. “Electric Love” is one of his most popular songs ever.
Have a capo on the 2nd fret on your guitar for the studio version: play G, Am, and Em for the intro and the verses. The chord progression for the chorus goes like this: G, C, D, G, C, D, Em, C, G, D, G, Am, Em, G, Am, Em. Use open chords.
The Lumineers – Stubborn Love
The Lumineers is a great band, and “Stubborn Love” is one of their most beautiful song ever.
Have your capo on the 5th fret to play it. Pay attention to the rhythm of the song. The chord progression for the intro and the verses is C, Em, C, and G. Play C, G, Em, and D for the pre-chorus and C, Em, C, G, C, Em, D, and G for the chorus.
Green Day – When I Come Around
“When I Come Around” was released in 1994 and became one of the older hits of the magnificent band Green Day.
Here is how you play it. Have a capo on the 1st fret. G, D, Em, and C are the chord progression for the chorus. Play Am and C for the chorus part. You are good to go!
When I Come Around Acoustic Guitar Chords
Bon Iver – Holocene
One of the most delicate and deep artists of all time: Bon Iver. Here is a perfectly written song from him.
Have your capo on the 6th fret. The chords for the verse are G, Em, D, Em, and C. Play C, Em, D, C, Em, D, C, Em, G, D, Em, C, D, and G for the chorus. It is easy once you get it. Use open chords.
Hootie & The Blowfish – Let Her Cry
“Let Her Cry” is a beautiful song from the legendary band Hootie & The Blowfish.
Here is how you play it. No need for a capo here. Play G, D, C, and G for the verses and the solo part. The chord progression for the chorus is C, G, C, Em, G, and D. Just feel the emotion, and you are good to go!
Florence + The Machine – You’ve Got The Love
Florence + The Machine became a fresh breath to the pop scene in the last decade. She is a great artist.
Here is how you play “You’ve Got The Love.” Have the capo on the 4th fret. The chord progression will be Em, D, and A. Have fun!
You’ve Got The Love Guitar Chords
Creedence Clearwater Revival – Bad Moon Rising
The legendary band Creedence Clearwater Revival released “Bad Moon Rising” back in 1969 and is still widely listened to. It is a great song.
You don’t need any capo to play “Bad Moon Rising.” The only chord progression you have is D, A, and G to play it. Keep attention to the rhythm and the strumming patterns.
Dolly Parton – Jolene
Here is the original version of the magnificent “Jolene” for those who know the song from Miley Cyrus’s version. It is also great, by the way.
It is an absolute beginner song. Have your capo on the 4th fret. Play Am for 4 bars in the intro. The only chord progression you’ll have is Am, C, G, A, G, Em, and Am for the whole song. Make it count!
Jolene Guitar Chords
Old Crow Medicine Show – Wagon Wheel
If you are into classic American country vibes, you should check this crazy American band and their song “Wagon Wheel.” The song was originally written by Bob Dylan and performed by the band.
Here is how you play it. Have the capo on the 2nd fret. G, D, Em, C, G, D, C is the only progression for the song. Have fun.
Buffalo Springfield – For What It’s Worth
“For What It’s Worth” is one of the greatest country-rock songs of all time, written by Buffalo Springfield.
You don’t need any capos to play this song: play E and A for the intro and the verses. The chord progression for the chorus is E, D, A, and C. You can play with open chords.
For What It’s Worth Guitar Chords
London Grammar – Strong
What a beautiful band is London Grammar. “Strong” was released in 2013. It is great, like every song of this band.
Here is how you play it. Have your capo on the 3rd fret—Play Am, G, and D for the verses. The chord progression for the chorus will be C, G, and D.
Birdie – Not About Angels
Birdie writes the most emotional songs every time. “Not About Angels” is another one, a part of the movie “The Fault In Our Stars” soundtrack.
You need a capo on the 5th fret to play it—Play Em and C for the intro. Em, C and G will be the only chord progression you’ll have for the rest of the song.
Not About Angels Guitar Chords
Bruno Mars – Marry You
This song is very energetic and fun to play. Bruno Mars is very good at writing such songs. “Marry You” is one of them and was released in 2010.
Have your capo on the 3rd fret. Play D, Em, G, and D for the whole song, and you’ll be all right. I suggest playing barres with this one.
Weezer – Island In The Sun
Weezer is like a cult for American teenagers. A great band! “Island In The Sun” is their most popular song of all time and very fun to play.
Here is how you play it. You don’t need any capos here. The chord progression for the intro, verses and the chorus is Em, Am, D, and G. Play D, G, D, C, Am, and D for the crazy bridge part.
Island In The Sun Guitar Chords
The Marshall Tucker Band – Can’t You See
“Can’t You See” was released in 1973 and is the most famous song by The Marshall Tucker Band. You’ll love to play it.
You don’t need a capo here. The only chord progression you’ll have for the whole song is D, C, G, and D. Pay attention to the rhythm and the strumming pattern. Play with open chords for the real feel.
Secondhand Serenade – Your Call
A big hit teenage anthem was “Your Call.” The song was written by the band Secondhand Serenade and was released in 2005.
Here is how you play it. You don’t need any capos, just a standard tuning. Play C, D, and Em for the intro and the verses. Then G, D, Em, and C for the chorus part. You can either arpeggiate or strum as you like.
Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers – I Won’t Back Down.
Tom Petty is a rock legend for sure. Here is how you play his famous song “I Won’t Back Down.”
No need for a capo here. Play Em, D, and G for the intro and the verses. The chord progression for the chorus will be C, G, C, G, D, C, G, D, then D, G, C, G, D, Em, D, D, and G. Feel the true rock vibes with this.
I Won’t Back Down Guitar Chords
Travis – Sing
Here is how you play the most famous song by Travis. Have your capo on the 2nd fret. For the verse parts, play Em, Am, and Em as the rhythm goes. The chord progression for the chorus part is like this: G, D, Am, Am, and G again. Play G, D, Am, and G for the instrumental part. Have fun!
John Denver – Leaving On A Jet Plane
John Denver is an American folk musician who has written many beautiful songs. “Leaving On A Jet Plane” is one of them.
You don’t need a capo here—play D for the intro. The chord progression for the chorus and the verses is like this: G, C, G, C, G, C, and D. You can either arpeggiate or find a suitable strumming pattern for certain parts with open chords.
Leaving On A Jet Plane Guitar Chords
Pearl Jam – Last Kiss
Here is how you play “Last Kiss” from Pearl Jam. No need for a capo here. Play G, Em, C, and D for the whole song, and stay at G at the end of the verses and choruses. Listen to the rhythm and the progression carefully.
Johnny Cash – Ring Of Fire
It is very easy to play “Ring Of Fire” by Johnny Cash. First, tune your guitar to standard. G, C, G, G, D, G is the progression for the intro and the verses. For the chorus part, it goes like this: D, C, G, D, C, G, D, G, D, and G. You are good to go!
Jesus Culture – Your Love Never Fails
Have your capo on the 3rd fret. Play Em, C, G, and D 4 times, then C, Em, and D 2 times for the intro. For the verses, the chord progression goes like Em, C, G, and D. Play C, G, D, Am, and C for the chorus and C, Em, and D at the end.
Your Love Never Fails Guitar Chords
Bob Dylan – Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door
Knockin’ on haven’s door by Bob Dylan was covered by many bands and musicians. This is an absolute beginner song. Play G, D, Am, G, D, and C for the whole song. Listen to the strumming pattern carefully and use open chords.
Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door Guitar Chords
Hank Williams – I Saw The Light
No need for a capo to play “I Saw The Light.” G, D, and G are the chord progression for the whole song.
Neutral Milk Hotel – In The Aeroplane Over The Sea
Here is how you play “In The Aeroplane Over The Sea.” Play G, Em, C, and D for both verses and the chorus; you are good to go!
In The Aeroplane Over The Sea Guitar Chords
Conclusion
I hope you’ll have fun learning and playing all these songs from different genres. Learning from various music styles and musicians is very important to improve your composing and playing abilities.
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Great job, Jacob.
Wish you a nice weekend
All the best from Kim